Adapted Your Qualities Unknowingly and Now It's Incurable - By Hajara Hilmee

Written By: Hajara Hilmee

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Hajara Hilmee presents a compelling piece, "Adapted Your Qualities Unknowingly and Now It's Incurable," as part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. In this captivating entry, Hilmee explores the intricacies of identity and influence, weaving a narrative that resonates deeply with themes of personal growth and emotional complexity. This submission is a testament to the profound impact of relationships and the indelible marks they leave on our lives.

About the Work

The poem delves into themes of identity, adaptation, and the lasting influence of others on our lives. Through poignant imagery and introspective reflection, Hajara Hilmee captures the struggle of holding onto borrowed qualities and the difficulty of letting them go. The mood is contemplative, with an undercurrent of longing and introspection, highlighting the complexities of personal transformation and emotional resilience.

Adapted your qualities unknowingly and now it's incurable

Original Submission by Hajara Hilmee

ADAPTED YOUR QUALITIES UNKNOWINGLY AND NOW IT’S INCURABLE

Ain’t it funny how I still listen to the music you once introduced me to?

I use the words you spoke to me with

How certain qualities- they’ll never really belong to me,

Because they were yours before I began to adapt them

And hold them tight within my palms,

Hoping I could grow them as my own.

​I wanted us to have something that matched,

Something born from within the cells of our bodies,

Even if it never truly was.

​Perhaps I held them a bit too tight,

Because now I try to erase them again and again,

To let them off my skin,

To let them leave like you did.

But the ink seems to have seeped into my lungs,

Flowing through my bloodstream.

You can never really change someone’s name

After they are already dead, can you?

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, hosted by Hashtag Kalakar, is a prestigious event celebrating the art of words. This competition brings together a diverse array of voices from around the world, showcasing talent in various categories, including poetry, short stories, essays, and creative writing. Participants have the opportunity to share their unique perspectives and engage with a global audience.

Thank you, Hajara Hilmee, for sharing your evocative poem, "Adapted Your Qualities Unknowingly and Now It's Incurable," in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Your work offers a profound exploration of identity and influence, leaving a lasting impression on readers. We appreciate your contribution and look forward to witnessing your continued artistic journey.

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.