A Wink - By Milana Bhullar

Written By: Milana Bhullar

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In her profound poem "A Wink," Milana Bhullar, writing under the name Daffodils, contributes a deeply moving piece to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Representing the category of Poetry, Milana's work explores themes of love, loss, and nature. Her vivid imagery and emotive language create a tapestry of introspection and reflection that invites readers to ponder the complexities of human emotions.

About the Work

"A Wink" delves into the depths of love and departure, capturing the haunting presence of memories intertwined with nature's indifference. The poem's rich imagery and melancholic tone reflect the emotional turmoil of lost love. Through her evocative language, Milana Bhullar paints a vivid picture of longing and remembrance, using nature as both backdrop and metaphor.

Daffodils

Original Submission by Milana Bhullar

A wink I don’t sleep with a mind too laden,

And a wink I don’t after when my thoughts are like air,

Beads of salt roll down my skin as if I’m a maiden,

Yet the blooms sway without a bloody care.

I lay with ebbing pleasure,

And feel with disgust my heart steadily beat,

I cache among empty bottles that colour my mind so,

The voice of her song I will never again meet,

And still the flowers move and wave in a n unburdened hello.

Their petals billow gently like her pure, diaphanous dress,

Their gold a mere rusting penny when met with her smile,

Her face fallen and pallid offer I’d yes,

A fat diamond in her ring finger I slid,

Before we threaded down the aisle.

She donned a tight apron and hummed not for the mean flowers’ dance,

Her hair down and wild, mingling with the breeze,

She kneaded thick dough with nothing in her glance,

Her ring; not dusted white, from when she slipped it off with ease

As the flowers rocked slightly in the night to only the sounds of our barking mutt,

I’d slept and I dreamt of this woman I love,

She was laying next to me when all my comfort she’d gut,

As she ran with a cry and left her beloved.

I ran even as Brad’s monkey air shaved the insides of my throat,

I screamed till its shrill travelled through the night and my mouth grew hot,

I felt my heart prune and the column in my neck bloat,

The way of flowers pointed to where she was a blot.

Even as a smudge of dull colour I thought she was marvellous,

Even as she’d stayed small no matter how I’d ran,

Even as she through to the crowd of egging flowers,

The banded rock she treated anomalous,

Even as she jumped;

It was all my life before she’d reach land.

I felt the starkers earth beneath the pads of my feet,

I felt yellow flowers crush under my knees,

I cradled her heart to mine that still beat;

Here would never again despite my soaring pleas.

The stars continued to flicker and stones continued to gleam,

My eyes would only ever shut and see her erase from that lonely cliff,

Her red frame and quiet fall would forever haunt my fleeting dreams,

Even after a silent walk or I had later breath seven spliffs.

I’d hobbled like a sailor down the dancing meadow,

The awful flowers were muted but didn’t sit still at my expense,

I stepped into the air as she did then and felt my screams echo,

I really did never fall in love again.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, organized by Hashtag Kalakar, is a prestigious event celebrating diverse voices in poetry and creative writing. This competition provides a platform for writers worldwide to showcase their talent and express their unique perspectives through the written word. It is a gathering of creativity and expression, encouraging a rich exchange of ideas and stories.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Milana Bhullar for her poignant poem "A Wink," which graces the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her contribution adds depth and beauty to the event, and we hope she continues to share her remarkable voice with the world. Thank you, Milana, for your inspiring participation.

About Hashtag Kalakar

Hashtag Kalakar is a creative platform dedicated to providing artists, writers, singers and other creative talents with opportunities to showcase their work and reach wider audiences through competitions, features and creative initiatives.