Bread and Ants - By Bernice

Written By: Bernice

Category: Short story

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Bernice presents a compelling narrative with her short story "Bread and Ants," an introspective piece submitted to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This short story explores themes of childhood experiences and personal introspection, inviting readers to delve into the profound and often unsettling nature of human perception. As part of the Short Story category, Bernice's work reflects a deep-rooted examination of fear and identity, capturing the essence of a moment that lingers and transforms over time.

About the Work

"Bread and Ants" by Bernice delves into the complex interplay between childhood memories and ongoing self-reflection. The narrative is rich with imagery and introspection, capturing the unsettling feeling of an experience that transcends the physical to influence the psychological. The mood is contemplative, weaving a narrative that questions identity and shared human experience. Through vivid imagery and thoughtful prose, Bernice invites readers to explore the boundaries between reality and perception.

Bread and Ants

Original Submission by Bernice

When I was a little girl, I drank a cup of juice, not knowing a few ants had gotten to it before me. As a result, I swallowed a few dead and alive ants. Since then, I’ve felt a sense of disgust growing within me, within my body. I feel the ants building an empire in me, from my intestines to my stomach, my cells and my blood.

I feel them crawling under my skin in the dead of night. I feel them in the morning when the cold breeze tickles my skin. I feel them in the doctor’s office when my throat starts to itch. I feel them in school when my friends poke holes in their erasers. I feel them most in church, when the priest praises the Lord and everyone consigns their lives to God, and I’m busy picking the ants off my sleeves and Jesus watches me.

Now as a teenager, I know that it is not possible for ants to build an empire inside my flesh. The idea appalls me, yet I can't shake the feeling of disgust when I think back to the moment. Of course, I was only a child who had paid no attention during that time. Then again, I look at myself from time to time and can't differentiate myself from them. My ribs as spiracles, my hair as antennae, my eyes as theirs, my sweet tooth and my longing for community. What makes me different from an ant ?

Obviously it is silly that I can think such things, but it eats away at me. I often wonder if people feel such things the way I feel them, and if I feel so strongly about such events because of that moment, that I accidentally consumed a few insects.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious platform celebrating the art of written expression. This competition invites writers from around the world to share their unique voices and creative narratives. It provides a stage for emerging and established writers to showcase their talent across categories such as poetry, short stories, essays, and more, fostering a global community of literary enthusiasts and creators.

We extend our gratitude to Bernice for her captivating short story "Bread and Ants," a thought-provoking entry in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her exploration of personal introspection and identity resonates deeply with readers and enriches the literary landscape. Thank you, Bernice, for sharing your unique narrative voice with us.

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.