Cicadas - By Olivia Montzinger

Written By: Olivia Montzinger

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Olivia Montzinger, writing under the name Cicadas, presents a compelling piece of poetry titled "Cicadas." Featured in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, this work delves into the depths of self-discovery and the complexities of youthful affection. As part of the poetry category, Montzinger's work resonates with themes of personal growth and emotional introspection, capturing the essence of a universal journey toward understanding and acceptance.

About the Work

"Cicadas" by Olivia Montzinger captures a poignant exploration of the inner turmoil and yearning for acceptance that accompanies adolescence. Through vivid imagery and introspective narrative, the poem reflects on the bittersweet nature of love and the sacrifices often perceived necessary to attain it. Montzinger's work challenges readers to confront their own insecurities while acknowledging the beauty and pain of vulnerability.

Cicadas

Original Submission by Olivia Montzinger

The cicadas are so loud that they become the silence.

I laugh at the Irish boys in my class because maybe then

They will like me.

I sit on the staircase with

a book I read for show

Waiting for the day that I get picked like a rose by a boy whose name does not

Matter.

I think I need shorter shorts and straighter hair.

“To get the boy you must lose a part of yourself.”

How can you admire what hurts you?

Says the bitter, twisted part of me.

The hopeful and foolish fragment of my soul

turns her face away so that her companion cannot see her cry.

Deep. Blush. Pink.

Rose petals between your teeth and on the ground.

I watch the thing that hurts me and love it anyway.

I love it anyway.

If I cannot fall in love here, will I fall in love anywhere else?

Now the boy I’ve laughed at all week is sitting next to me and smiling into my eyes like I mean something.

I answer his questions

* Believing that the wrongful tilt of my head will shatter the mirage.

But no, he exists.

And I am perfectly still.

Inside,

The foolish me has buried her face in her hands.

I stand on the precipice of love but fail to jump every time.

“We accept the love we think we deserve..”

I don't think that I deserve to be loved at all.

A good-looking boy brushed past me today.

His chocolate eclair fell and pressed into my skin during the split-second that we collided.

It left a tender brown mark on the inside of my wrist.

It made me wonder:

Is this the closest I’ll ever get to a kiss?

I walk away from the candid of my life

* Leaving only the landscape

* Taking only my self

I step out of my body

* Just for a moment

“Opening up time like a flower”

I think I might jump this time…

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious platform celebrating diverse voices in literature. It brings together poets and writers from around the world to showcase their unique perspectives and storytelling prowess. This competition highlights the power of words to connect, inspire, and evoke profound emotion, fostering a global appreciation for the art of writing.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Olivia Montzinger for sharing her evocative poem "Cicadas" with us. Her contribution to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 enriches our understanding of love and self-discovery. We appreciate her willingness to express such personal and universal themes and look forward to witnessing her continued artistic journey.

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.