Black Roses - By Avani Shinde

Written By: Avani Shinde

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Avani Shinde brings a powerful voice to the 2026 Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition with her poem "Black Roses." As a participant in the poetry category, Avani explores themes of deception and rebellion in a dystopian world. The poem is a piercing reflection on the illusions that shroud our reality, inviting readers to question the truth behind what they see. Avani’s evocative imagery and poignant narrative style create a haunting atmosphere that resonates with the audience.

About the Work

"Black Roses" by Avani Shinde delves into a world of illusion and hidden truths. Through vivid imagery and a foreboding tone, the poem captures a dystopian reality where the natural world and human perception are manipulated. Themes of surveillance, rebellion, and resilience are artfully woven into the narrative, challenging readers to confront the illusions that govern their lives. The work's rhythm and repetition enhance its haunting, reflective quality, leaving a lasting impact.

Black Roses

Original Submission by Avani Shinde

Black roses, all I see

Captured me and left me to drown

Drown, in space, lost by spirits called time

Drowning in silence held by the wanderers

The people aren't people anymore

Were they ever?

What seems to be right, isn't

Everything is just slightly off

No one sees the cracks on our world

The sunlight looks fake

Like a projection flashed on a screen

The oceans are not real

Water too perfect to drown in

Waves just a bit too shiny

Those who realized the glitches

The cracks in the shield over our world

Were taken away and surrounded by roses

They were forced to breath the lies and lie

Everyone always complies

In fear from your hidden spies

We know your watching nearby

Cameras hidden in the sky

People say that people want

People know that you have got

Roses that can even haunt

Even past the day I rot

We know you’re watching nearby

Cameras hidden in the sky

We know you're watching nearby

Cameras hidden in the sky

The black roses aren't fake

They do not hide they do not wait

They know what they want

The know how to haunt

The masks don't work on us

The lies won't work on us

The tape won't silence us

The roses won't freeze us

We are the last ones left

We will defeat them by all means

We cannot give up now

We will hide to not be found

The unknown want us dead

The tunnels block out signal

We know how to fight

We will learn how to live

The roses are drowning

We left our cage

The revolution has begun

We will not give up

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar serves as a prestigious platform for writers worldwide to showcase their literary talents. This competition celebrates diverse voices and innovative storytelling across various categories, including poetry, short stories, and essays. It fosters a global community of creatives, encouraging them to share their unique perspectives and contribute to the rich tapestry of contemporary literature.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Avani Shinde for her participation in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 with her evocative piece, "Black Roses." Her work adds a unique and compelling dimension to the competition, reflecting the power and depth of creative expression. We look forward to seeing more of her insightful contributions to the world of literature.

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.