An Ode to My Lover - By McKenzie-Ann Morrow

Written By: McKenzie-Ann Morrow

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the realm of poetry, McKenzie-Ann Morrow, writing under the name nediA, offers a compelling piece titled "An Ode to My Lover." As part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, this submission delves into the intricate emotions of love and heartache. This poignant work reflects on the profound transitions from deep affection to the pain of separation, encapsulating the essence of human relationships.

About the Work

"An Ode to My Lover" by McKenzie-Ann Morrow is a heartfelt exploration of love's ephemeral nature. The poem paints vivid imagery of idyllic landscapes and emotional turmoil. Morrow masterfully contrasts the warmth of love with the cold aftermath of loss, using vivid metaphors and a reflective tone. This piece invites readers to ponder the complexity of love and the lingering impact of unrequited emotions.

nediA

Original Submission by McKenzie-Ann Morrow

nediA

You turned my world around; there was no before or after -

It was only backward and upside down

And so I wrote,

An Ode to My Lover

03 July 2025

He makes me feel so happy. He is like a gorgeous meadow in spring - the kind with tiny wildflowers speckled in between the grass.

The kind with a gentle stream nearby, sunlight glistening on the water as it runs over rocks and pebbles.

I like him as much as there is water in the ocean,

possibly even as much as there is sand upon the shore.

And much like the sand,

he is stuck to me, invading places I didn’t even know could be found.

Aiden is an autumn afternoon.

Perfectly warm,

Softly windswept,

and utterly beautiful to experience.

And then,

You left.

13 July 2025, 19:20.

I couldn’t understand why.

Then I realised I had fallen in love with someone who only ever lusted. It didn’t change that I loved you.

I felt as though

I'd given you my beating heart out of my chest, and with it I had sent my soul. I would never have given you my heart without the accompaniment of my life.

If you were leaving me,

it only felt right that you take my love with you.

It's too painful to sit with love for another who is undeserving.

So please take it with you.

It no longer has a place in the life I was perfectly content with before you came to pass.

To make matters worse,

you moved on in a month.

Any hope that you had ever loved me at all dissipated altogether.

The promises of Christmas together,

of dancing in the kitchen,

of making love to your favourite vinyl -

all a lie.

There was never love for me,

yet somehow,

you love her?

I remember the moment I realised you had moved on.

It felt as though every organ in my body was moving backwards and turning upside down- so similar to when I was falling in love,

yet impossibly different.

Your new lover,

made in my image.

What a jarring sight to see.

- McKenzie-Ann Morrow

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, hosted by Hashtag Kalakar, is a prestigious platform celebrating diverse literary voices worldwide. This annual event encourages participants to showcase their storytelling prowess and poetic expressions, fostering a global community of creatives. The competition highlights the power of words in capturing the human experience.

We extend our gratitude to McKenzie-Ann Morrow for sharing "An Ode to My Lover" with us. Her evocative portrayal of love and its complexities enriches the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. We thank McKenzie-Ann for her poignant contribution and look forward to more of her insightful work.

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.