Blood on the floor - By S.D.K.T. Gunawardana

Written By: S.D.K.T. Gunawardana

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the evocative poem "Blood on the floor," S.D.K.T. Gunawardana delves into the complexities of emotional labor and personal healing. As part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, this poignant piece challenges readers to consider the weight of tending to others' wounds while grappling with one's own vulnerabilities. Through this participation, Gunawardana offers a profound reflection on the theme of resilience and compassion, encapsulated within the broader category of poetry.

About the Work

"Blood on the floor" is a powerful exploration of the dichotomy between helping others and attending to one's own emotional needs. Through vivid imagery and introspective musings, Gunawardana captures the essence of self-neglect masked by acts of kindness. The poem's mood is both somber and contemplative, urging readers to acknowledge their own pain amidst the pursuit of being a source of light for others. The poetic style blends tender narrative with striking metaphor, crafting a compelling message about the necessity of self-care.

Blood on the floor

Original Submission by S.D.K.T. Gunawardana

The Blood on the Floor.

You may kneel beside the broken

with gentle hands and words unspoken,

and gather pieces others leave

from shattered hearts they cannot weave.

You may become another’s light

when all they see is endless night,

you may hold their trembling hands

and teach them how to rise and stand.

But tell me,

how long can you wash another’s pain

while your own wounds bleed like rain?

How long can you silence your cries

while wiping tears beneath their eyes?

For you cannot clean the blood off the floor

when your own wounds are bleeding more.

No matter how softly you scrub the stain,

your blood will fall like crimson rain.

You wipe the red with trembling hands,

trying to save what still withstands;

you bleach the floor, you scrub, you plead,

but every drop betrays your need.

The floor remembers what you hide,

every scar you leave behind

becomes a map of all you've bled,

of every word you never said.

And isn't it strange,

how we become physicians to wounds

we refuse to let anyone see?

We bandage strangers beneath the moon

while our own hearts bleed silently.

We become umbrellas in another's storm

while standing uncovered in our own,

we become candles keeping others warm

while slowly melting into stone.

We pour ourselves like rivers

into oceans that are not ours,

forgetting that even rivers

must rest beneath the rain.

So let the floor remain stained for a while.

Let the blood tell its story.

Let someone else hold the cloth.

For,

A bleeding heart cannot endlessly be a bandage.

A burning candle cannot forever be a sun.

And you cannot clean the blood off the floor

until you stop the bleeding

from your own.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a distinguished platform celebrating diverse voices in poetry and creative writing. It invites participants worldwide to share their unique perspectives and literary talents, fostering a vibrant community of writers and poets. The competition showcases a rich tapestry of themes and styles, offering a space for artistic expression and cultural exchange.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to S.D.K.T. Gunawardana for contributing "Blood on the floor" to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Your insightful exploration of emotional resilience and compassion enriches the tapestry of voices in this competition. We appreciate your courage in sharing such a profound and personal piece, and we look forward to seeing more of your work in the future.

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.