Atoms and their hum - By Angelica Späth

Written By: Angelica Späth

Category: poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In a thought-provoking submission titled "Atoms and their hum," Angelica Späth invites readers into the existential exploration of grief and connection. This piece, part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, offers a reflective journey through the abstraction of atoms and the essence of human emotion. Through her poetry, Späth challenges us to ponder the harmonic resonance of our existence and the metaphysical songs of grief that permeate our lives.

About the Work

Angelica Späth's poem "Atoms and their hum" traverses the metaphors of atoms to explore profound questions about grief and existence. The poem's contemplative tone and vivid imagery capture the reader's imagination, inviting deep reflection on the nature of human connection. The literary style is both introspective and philosophical, engaging the audience with its haunting melody of words and the persistent hum of human experience.

Atoms and their hum

Original Submission by Angelica Späth

Atoms and their hum

If atoms hum, then what is the song of grief?

Is it that rumble at the bottom of a reef?

Or is it that heaving you hear from people leaving?

And if atoms stand next to you,

And if atoms put their arms around you,

And if atoms put their lips on yours,

Then what are atoms, exactly?

If you, me, I are atoms, then

where do we go when we finally

get to lay in the ground

Without any such sound and

with the wind in such kind ways

does it wind because

if you, me, I are atoms

then why do atoms still hum

when atoms can’t speak?

And when these atoms leave

then why do they still sing

Why do I still hear them?

Even though the air around

atoms has warmed and cooled

and freezed and breezed

So why, why the hell do I still hear them?

Buzzing, buzz buzz buzz

Why do they still make that haunting lullaby

Hmmm, hmmm

Why do they hum?

And so the question still stands,

If atoms hum, what is the song of grief?

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar celebrates diverse voices in literature. This prestigious platform provides writers worldwide the opportunity to showcase their talents and share their unique perspectives. Participants engage with a global audience, contributing to a rich tapestry of poetic and creative expression.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Angelica Späth for her evocative contribution, "Atoms and their hum," to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her exploration of the human condition and the enduring hum of existence offers readers a profound experience, resonating with the depths of universal themes.

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.