Black and White Dreams - By Dinudi Hengedara

Written By: Dinudi Hengedara

Category: poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Dinudi Hengedara presents "Black and White Dreams," a poignant poetic exploration of self-reflection and identity. As part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, this piece delves into the complexities of empathy and introspection. Through a deeply personal lens, Hengedara invites readers to contemplate the nuances of self-awareness and the often-unseen dimensions of our internal world.

About the Work

"Black and White Dreams" captures the essence of self-reflection and the internal dialogue we often have with our own selves. The poem weaves a narrative of kindness and empathy, juxtaposed with the realization of an unacknowledged void within. Through its emotive language and introspective mood, the poem reveals the tension between outward compassion and inner neglect. This piece invites readers to ponder the balance between selflessness and self-awareness.

Black and White Dreams

Original Submission by Dinudi Hengedara

To the stranger in the mirror, sincerely I write...

To be selfless and good-

That's what I was taught to be,

to win the selfish, with selflessness in my mind

and to embrace the unkind with kindness

in my heart.

So, I learnt to perceive the best in every soul I've met,

and for every soul, in my heart,

I reserved a little place.

When the world sent me tears, I returned a gift

with a smile.

When it told me, "You don't matter", I said,

"It's okay, I don't mind..."!

But something was amiss- the one truth,

that I couldn't set apart,

that there always was a void for an unknown stranger,

in my heart.

A stranger I used to know,

the only one I learnt to ignore

a stranger I left, to heal some other wounded souls.

So, the stranger in the mirror...

still weeps in the dark!

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious platform that celebrates diverse voices in the literary arts. It provides a unique opportunity for writers and poets worldwide to share their creative expressions and engage with a global audience. This competition highlights the power of words to inspire, provoke thought, and connect individuals across cultures.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Dinudi Hengedara for sharing "Black and White Dreams" with us. This evocative poem is a meaningful contribution to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. We appreciate the introspective journey it offers, and we are honored to feature it on our platform.

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.