Checkpoint - By Sabreen Hamayel

Written By: Sabreen Hamayel

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Sabreen Hamayel's poignant poem "Checkpoint" captures a moment of tension and survival. As a participant in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, her work is a testament to the power of words in conveying deep emotions and stark realities. In the poetry category, Sabreen explores the theme of navigating through uncertainty and fear, evoking the universal experience of vulnerability in the face of authority.

About the Work

"Checkpoint" paints a vivid picture of a family journeying through a tense and potentially perilous situation. Through stark imagery and a steady rhythmic flow, the poem conveys a sense of mounting anxiety and the resilience required to endure such trials. Sabreen Hamayel skillfully uses the setting of a checkpoint to delve into themes of fear, judgment, and the arbitrary nature of fate. The poem's mood is intense and contemplative, leaving readers with a powerful impression of the human spirit's will to persevere.

Checkpoint

Original Submission by Sabreen Hamayel

As we ride down the road,

our emotions rise to the surface,

attempting to break through.

No ripple touches our faces—

cold, hard stares,

molded by experience and fear,

by brutality and injustice.

We keep moving.

Closer and closer.

The children sit still,

the father stares straight ahead,

knuckles whitening on the wheel,

the mother whispers prayers,

rocking ever so slightly.

Closer and closer.

One car away.

Gravel crunches beneath the tires.

The harsh sun sits heavy on the car,

the trees wave, bidding us farewell,

the trail of cars behind us drives cautiously,

as if entering a lion’s den—

Closer and closer.

A hand motions us forward.

Faces crowd the window—

fixed on stubborn heads,

set on camouflaged bodies,

standing out rather than fitting in.

Closer and closer.

The window rolls down.

They glance around the car,

deciding what we’re worth.

They flick us forward,

giving us permission to keep driving.

Strangers deciding if we go home.

Relief washes over us,

breath returns to our lungs,

our hearts remembering how to beat.

One look in the side mirror—

the car behind us stops.

A young man pressed against his car,

hands behind his back.

He does not meet the unseen criteria—

guilty before question,

with no means to answer.

We pass the checkpoint

and we are safely headed home—

right?

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, hosted by Hashtag Kalakar, celebrates the art of the written word. This prestigious event invites writers from around the globe to share their unique voices and perspectives. With a focus on creativity and expression, the competition aims to highlight diverse narratives and the transformative power of storytelling.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Sabreen Hamayel for her compelling submission, "Checkpoint." Her participation in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 enriches the literary landscape and offers profound insights into the human experience. We look forward to seeing more of her thought-provoking work.

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.