Beneath - By Sima Peer

Written By: Sima Peer

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, Sima Peer presents "Beneath," a powerful entry under the Poetry category. This evocative piece delves into the themes of loss and the enduring hope that lingers even amidst devastation. Through vivid imagery and emotive language, Peer's work invites readers into a world where the past and future collide, and where the resilience of the human spirit shines through adversity.

About the Work

"Beneath" is a moving exploration of a landscape marred by conflict, where remnants of life linger amid ruins. Sima Peer artfully captures the essence of a torn world, conveying a deep sense of mourning intertwined with hope. The poem's imagery of bare olive trees and smoke-filled skies paints a vivid picture, while underlying messages of resilience and remembrance echo throughout. It serves as a poignant reminder of the strength found beneath the surface layers of destruction.

Beneath

Original Submission by Sima Peer

Beneath by Sima Peer

Beneath a sky once painted blue.

Sunrays struggle to shine.

A child’s laughter once filled the streets.

Wind wails searching in despair.

A mother clutches a tattered keffiyeh,

still whispering to one higher being.

Hearing footsteps she knows by heart,

songs of a child, torn, worlds apart.

A father kneels at the home that stood,

weathered stone and scorched wood.

Gentle hands now tremble with ash,

searching for pieces of the life he trusts.

Olive trees stand stripped bare,

twisted branches claw.

Roots cradle where the fallen lies.

Smoke writes sorrow across the sky.

Windows stare like hollow eyes,

No stars reflect the glass, only cries.

Streets that once knew every child

now wear silence, ash, and shame.

Beneath the rubble and stone,

a seed lies resting, still holding its own.

Hatred has buried the green,

unseen, remain roots of tomorrow.

Silence at last, when the tanks fall,

Earth has claimed. Who will count the lives?

No hands can restore. Who will rebuild?

What stood here before? Who will remember?

So let the world look, Beneath this sky,

turn not its face, not ask us why.

For peace is more than the absence of war—

It is children who need not fear anymore.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, hosted by Hashtag Kalakar, is a celebration of literary artistry from around the globe. This prestigious event highlights the diverse voices and stories that shape our world, offering a platform for writers to share their unique perspectives through poetry, short stories, essays, and creative writing.

We sincerely thank Sima Peer for her poignant contribution, "Beneath," to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her ability to weave powerful imagery with profound themes offers readers a glimpse into the resilience found in the human experience. We are grateful for her participation and the opportunity to share her voice with a wider audience.

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.