After the Algorithm Reads My Mother’s Voice - By Umasankar Mukkamala

Written By: Umasankar Mukkamala

Category: Poetry / Hybrid Lyric

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Umasankar Mukkamala's "After the Algorithm Reads My Mother’s Voice" is a poignant entry in the Poetry category of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This piece thoughtfully navigates the themes of AI ethics, memory, and the diaspora experience, drawing a vivid contrast between what technology can capture and what remains inherently human. Mukkamala's work invites readers to reflect on the intersection of language and technology, presenting a narrative that is both deeply personal and universally resonant.

About the Work

The poem delves into the nuances of human emotion and memory that technology often overlooks. Through vivid imagery and a contemplative tone, Mukkamala explores the limitations of AI in capturing the silences and subtleties of human interaction. The piece eloquently portrays the dissonance between digital representations and lived experiences, emphasizing the irreplaceable essence of language and cultural identity.

After the Algorithm Reads My Mother’s Voice

Original Submission by Umasankar Mukkamala

After the Algorithm Reads My Mother’s Voice

Category: Poetry / Hybrid Lyric

Theme: AI ethics, memory, diaspora, what models flatten vs. what language keeps

Language: English

It learned her vowels but not her silence,

the pause before she said “come home.”

Transcript: “User prefers upbeat tone.”

Transcript: “Detected sentiment: hopeful.”

It knows the rhythm of her laugh,

not the weight the laugh was hiding.

She’d stir the pot and not look up

when the news got loud, when the city shook—

when the hillside slipped into the valley,

when the backwaters swallowed the road.

Transcript: “Background noise detected.”

Transcript: “Suggest reducing ambient sound.”

I say: this is not noise, this is home.

My friend in another time zone

trains models on flood images,

his mother’s village a pixel on his screen.

He sends money, he sends emojis,

he cannot send his hands.

The model calls it noise.

I call it the part that kept us.

And when it switches off the microphone,

I hear what it never recorded:

her hand on my forehead,

the silence that said, “I’m here.”

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, hosted by Hashtag Kalakar, celebrates the diverse voices and stories that enrich our world. This prestigious event invites participants to share their unique perspectives through poetry and creative writing, fostering a global dialogue on contemporary themes. The competition is a platform for writers to showcase their talent and engage with a community of literary enthusiasts.

We extend our gratitude to Umasankar Mukkamala for sharing "After the Algorithm Reads My Mother’s Voice" with us. This thought-provoking piece contributes to the rich tapestry of narratives in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. We appreciate the depth and insight Mukkamala brings to the conversation on AI and memory, and we look forward to his future contributions to the literary world.

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.