Beauty in All Forms - By Mischa Althea G. Paco

Written By: Mischa Althea G. Paco

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Mischa Althea G. Paco presents "Beauty in All Forms," a compelling entry in the Poetry category of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This evocative piece explores the theme of resilience through the lens of a simple, yet significant, object. Mischa's work is rich with imagery and emotion, capturing the essence of perseverance and the passage of time. The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition is a celebration of creativity and expression, bringing together talented writers from around the world.

About the Work

"Beauty in All Forms" by Mischa Althea G. Paco is an exploration of resilience and beauty through the metaphor of a worn ribbon. The poem uses vivid imagery to convey the wear and tear of time and the strength found in continuing to serve a purpose despite fading vibrancy. Mischa's poignant reflections on the ribbon symbolize the endurance and quiet strength required to face life's demands. The work's introspective tone invites readers to consider the beauty in perseverance and the inevitable changes brought by time.

Beauty in All Forms

Original Submission by Mischa Althea G. Paco

In the corner of her room, it's always there—

that small, pretty ribbon,

once the color of crushed plums,

once bright as a bruise just born.

Now it is kept in her pocket,

folded and unfolded so many times

it has forgotten its original shape.

Each invention and solution of hers began this way—

with her hair gathered,

and her chaotic mind coaxed into order by a strip of cloth no wider than a promise.

Around her dark hair it winds again,

edges worn from the excessive use of it,

yet it still does its purpose.

It does not ask:

Why must I always tighten?

Why must I always brace against another catastrophe?

The ribbon sits neatly atop her hair,

as if it had never once felt the strain when pulled too tight,

as if it has not yet realized its brightness is fading day by day.

But time is a thief, refusing to ask permission before stealing the color out of you.

For what is a ribbon but a thing made to bind and be bound?

To serve its purpose without complaint, even as its own bright body withers to softness, to pallor, to threads?

Each knot steals a little sheen from its skin,

each hurried tug leaving marks on the surface.

It slowly turns into the color of old bruises,

the once bright purple making way to become a withering azalea—a reminder that beauty is not everlasting.

Perhaps that is the funny thing about it—

how something can continue working long after it has begun to wear away.

How you can keep tying yourself together for others, for survival, for the next impossible demand—

and still be called strong because you have not yet snapped.

And every time she ties it,

she does not notice how carefully it is holding itself together—

how one day there may be nothing left to knot at all.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious event that showcases the talents of writers from across the globe. This competition fosters a diverse array of voices and styles, offering participants the opportunity to express their unique perspectives. As an annual celebration of creative expression, it serves as a platform for poets and writers to share their work with an international audience, promoting literary excellence and innovation.

We extend our gratitude to Mischa Althea G. Paco for her insightful contribution, "Beauty in All Forms," to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her exploration of resilience and beauty through poetic imagery offers a profound reflection on the enduring strength found in everyday objects. We look forward to witnessing Mischa's continued journey in the world of poetry and creative writing.

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.