Borrowed Grief - By Ilhaam Patel

Written By: Ilhaam Patel

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Ilhaam Patel invites readers into the profound world of "Borrowed Grief," a poignant contribution to the Poetry category in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This compelling piece delves into the shadowy realm of emotional introspection and personal vulnerability, exploring themes of grief and empathy. Through carefully crafted verses, Patel paints a vivid portrait of the intangible and often overwhelming presence of sorrow, offering a unique perspective on how we navigate our shared human experiences.

About the Work

"Borrowed Grief" is an evocative exploration of the haunting presence of sorrow. The poem's somber mood is underscored by vivid imagery and a rhythmic cadence that captures the weight of emotional burdens. Patel's literary style is introspective and resonant, as the poem navigates the intricate dance between familiarity and distance with grief. Through its expressive lines, readers are invited to reflect on the complexities of empathy and the enduring impact of past emotional scars.

Borrowed Grief

Original Submission by Ilhaam Patel

Borrowed Grief (01/05/2026)

By Ilhaam. K. Patel

He lurks in the darkness,

staring at me from afar.

I see Him in the corner of my eye,

He rips open my once healed scar.

Sympathy or empathy or whatever this may be,

surges through my tenuous body.

A trickle of familiarity draws Him in,

He’s now on my bed, right beside me.

I want to get up, study, clean my room,

but I’m tethered to the mattress.

I let out a cry for help, it goes unheard,

silence... as He preys on my weakness.

His weight is now on my chest,

my breath runs thin, insufficient for my lungs.

My voice dissolves before it forms,

each plea fades on my tongue.

Grief is what he claims his name to be,

it’s been years, yet I remember when he was mine.

This time, he’s looking for someone else,

but the air feels wrong, like it’s already too late to realign.

I find myself hoping he never reaches them,

even if it means staying with me.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious platform celebrating the art of storytelling and poetic expression. This esteemed competition brings together writers and poets from around the world, offering a stage for diverse voices to share their work with a global audience. Participants engage with themes that resonate deeply with the human experience, showcasing the power of words to connect and inspire.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Ilhaam Patel for sharing "Borrowed Grief" with us in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Your poignant depiction of grief and empathy resonates deeply, offering a moving reflection on the human condition. Thank you for allowing us to journey through your evocative verses and for contributing to the rich tapestry of creative expression.

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.