Comes Out When It Needs To - By Keegan Khoo Jun Ren

Written By: Keegan Khoo Jun Ren

Category: Poetry / Essay

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the vibrant tapestry of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, Keegan Khoo Jun Ren presents "Comes Out When It Needs To." As a participant in the Poetry category, Keegan offers a piece that resonates with themes of resilience and personal identity, capturing the reader's imagination with its unique narrative. This competition is a celebration of diverse voices from around the world, showcasing the rich spectrum of human experience and artistry.

About the Work

"Comes Out When It Needs To" is an evocative piece that delves into the complexities of identity and strength. Keegan's work employs striking imagery and a reflective tone, inviting readers into a narrative that is both intimate and universally relatable. The poem's vivid descriptions and emotional depth challenge the audience to ponder the interplay of memory, self-perception, and societal influences.

Comes Out When It Needs To

Original Submission by Keegan Khoo Jun Ren

Comes Out When It Needs To

Rekcufrehtom a ekil gnitaeb traeh

It comes out when it needs to,

that post that features your boy in a dress,

memory from all that time ago.

It’s been a while,

and he was made fun for it. But that’s not the reason why.

I was in the house, two houses back. Landed.

My father was with me too, and no one else.

Another one of those graphic dreams again.

The devil came in the form of an expanding hot balloon. Not air. Just red and expanding.

It, he, or whoever what was came through a child’s face on the balloon on that stove.

Only that place belonged.

Cut back to reality.

Guilt, not shame. Mother, not friend. Not friend.

Back to it.

I believe that what I do, I do for good reasons, at least in relation to living.

I don’t partake in evil deeds that cost me to reflect on my actions and make haste of them.

That is not why it came.

It came because games are played on me constantly, and I am not someone to meddle with.

It came to play games on me, testing me? Tricking me? Entertaining IT?

I do not know. I do not care. I only write.

He tried to find an opening, I had none, except the physical ones that were only for the ones I loved. And even with that, it was far from a viable reason. He could fuck off if he tried to manipulate that.

And to put the man who I have the most complicated relationship with in the same house as me, with my cup full and his not, yet when I call for him (when you attempt an escape), he comes, running with a mug of water that’d burn your flames right back down, or at least the ones you attempted to create to make the house go boom. Reason it didn’t was not because I believed. But because I did not fear. You think me little if you think I would at that moment in time.

And then your idea of playing mockery, of transforming into a child I don’t even recognize, pulling the knob against me as if you think I’ll let you go that easily. Either the flames got to you, which I saw that it did, but wouldn’t stop you from attempting to torment me again; or, you were just that big of a pussy. But even a woman never deserved that. You coward.

People ridicule and you’re the only person I would not stand up for.

You ain’t even a person.

Now, I am back in consciousness.

I am gifted, yet, another day.

You tried it, but you couldn’t keep me at bay.

So come on baby,

you can (attempt to) fuck with me.

Heart, one I still have, one that beats, like me, like a motherfucker.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious platform for writers and poets. It celebrates creativity and expression, providing a stage for both emerging and established voices. This competition encourages participants to explore diverse themes and push the boundaries of conventional storytelling.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Keegan Khoo Jun Ren for participating in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 with "Comes Out When It Needs To." Your contribution enriches the tapestry of voices and stories that make this event a profound celebration of the written word. We look forward to witnessing more of your unique voice and perspective in the future.

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.