Arachnids - By Batool Aletaibi

Written By: Batool Aletaibi

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Batool Aletaibi, writing under the name Arachnids, presents a poignant piece titled "Arachnids," submitted in the Poetry category for the prestigious Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This evocative poem delves into themes of transformation, self-discovery, and the bittersweet nature of metamorphosis. Aletaibi's work invites readers to reflect on the complexities of change and the cycle of growth and decay, offering a deeply personal and resonant experience.

About the Work

"Arachnids" weaves a rich tapestry of imagery and emotion, exploring the journey from innocence to experience. The poem's mood shifts from vulnerability to a stark acceptance of change, using the metaphor of a spider's web and a butterfly's transformation to capture the essence of evolving identity. Aletaibi's use of vivid imagery and symbolic language paints a haunting picture of loss and rebirth, inviting readers to ponder the transient nature of life and companionship.

Arachnids

Original Submission by Batool Aletaibi

Arachnids

My soul bled,

my body shed,

regrown,

surviving.

I was searching for the spider’s comfort,

I was met with a web.

Seven legs danced across the strings,

avoiding the glue that held me captive,

the front legs manipulated the body,

took a step, then the other,

till the front legs lead the head to me.

The front legs forced the head by my butterfly wings,

I was told the venom was never to be used on me,

lies.

Two teeth revealed,

I had never seen this spider’s teeth it’s nothing like the other arachnids,

it pains me more than when other segments were ripped off,

two imprints into my angel wings,

citrus coloured liquid ran through me,

as though I was a vein and it was blood.

The spider collectively fell apart,

limbs - separated.

I should be glad,

nature took its course.

But the venom yet curses through me,

I shed my wings,

return to the cocoon I was once in,

when I was a mere caterpillar.

I grow once again,

a butterfly is no longer what I am.

I am but a moth,

no longer beautiful,

no longer pure,

no longer by the head.

Once, I was by the spider,

I was the eighth leg,

but now I lack even my own pair of wings.

They’re replaced with the shedded skin a snake has discarded,

it’s temporary,

so was I.

So was what I thought was forever,

our companionship was just as temporary as the skin a snake sheds,

it’s trusted,

it’s lost,

it’s discarded,

it’s replaced,

all in the same breath.

I lack the skin to shed,

I lost the wings to fly,

but the wounds remain,

the echo of my screams,

The echo of my screams of pain,

as all the arachnids dance along the strings of my thoughts,

as they tear my wings off,

as they rip my will apart,

as they cheer for my suffering,

as they prey on my still remains.

As I pray for my reincarnation,

as I pray to gain,

as I pray to lose.

As I pry my eyes to gaze upon my lifeless body,

missing its soul,

missing its heartbeat.

Missing the time it sat beside the arachnids.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, hosted by Hashtag Kalakar, celebrates the vibrant world of poetry and creative writing. The competition provides a platform for artists worldwide to showcase their literary talents and explore diverse themes and narratives. Participants engage with a global audience, sharing their unique voices and contributing to the rich tapestry of contemporary literature.

Thank you, Batool Aletaibi, for sharing your moving poem "Arachnids" with us in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Your exploration of transformation and identity through poignant imagery and emotional depth has left a lasting impression. We look forward to seeing more of your inspiring work in the future.

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.