Chosen, not Promised! - By Heena Johar

Written By: Heena Johar

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the realm of poetic expression, Heena Johar presents "Chosen, not Promised!" as part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This poignant poem falls under the Poetry category and offers a reflective exploration of love, presence, and choice. Heena's words invite readers to consider the quiet beauty of choosing love in a world that often values promises over presence. Her work resonates with the universal longing for genuine connections amidst life's chaos.

About the Work

"Chosen, not Promised!" by Heena Johar captures the essence of love as an everyday choice rather than a grand promise. The poem beautifully intertwines themes of presence, calm, and refuge, delivering a deeply emotional narrative. Through vivid imagery and heartfelt language, Johar evokes a sense of serene longing and unwavering commitment. Her poetic style invites readers to find solace in the small, meaningful moments that define true connection.

Chosen, not Promised!

Original Submission by Heena Johar

In a world filled with noise,

Be my only calm.

Like the hush before dawn,

Or the stillness between two heartbeats-

Be the breath that steadies mine.

In this crowded maze of people,

Be my steady center.

The anchor when I drift,

The home I return to,

The one face I search for in a sea of strangers.

Where words begin to disappear,

Be my unspoken poem.

Let your silence speak to mine,

Let your presence echo in my soul-

A language only hearts can understand.

Be mine. Be mine.

Not in possession, but in presence.

Not in promises, but in truth.

Be the choice you make every day, even when it’s hard.

In a world full of backstabbers,

Be my healing hug.

Let your arms be the shelter,

Your warmth be the cure-

When the world turns cold, be the fire I lean into.

Be the refuge for the tenderness I forgot,

Buried beneath battles I never sought.

Be the space where my guard can fall-

Where I’m held, not tested, after it all.

Where love is not the grand gestures,

But the smallest of moments captured in time.

A shared glance, a quiet tea, a laugh in the dark-

Be the keeper of those ordinary miracles.

Remember the times I stood at the balcony,

Watching you disappear into the dusk.

Your absence still lingers in the breeze-

Yet my door remains open, always, for your return.

And if the world forgets me,

Remember me in the quiet corners of your heart.

Where love is not loud,

But eternal, unwavering, and real.

And if you ever lose your way,

Come find me in the light of everything we’ve built-

In the moments we’ve stitched into memory,

In the space where longing meets belonging.

For I do not ask for forever,

Only this:

Be the one who chooses me-

Even when the world is too much.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, hosted by Hashtag Kalakar, celebrates the art of storytelling and poetic expression. It provides a platform for writers and poets from around the world to showcase their creative talents. This esteemed competition encourages artistic exploration and fosters a global community of wordsmiths. Participants share their unique voices, contributing to a rich tapestry of literary artistry.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Heena Johar for her beautiful contribution, "Chosen, not Promised!" Her participation in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 enriches the literary landscape with her evocative exploration of love and presence. We are grateful for the opportunity to share her poignant work with a wider audience, celebrating the power of words to connect and inspire.

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.