Conditional Love - By Arpita Das

Written By: Arpita Das

Category: Poetry

Competition: Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Arpita Das presents her poignant poem "Conditional Love," an evocative entry in the Poetry category of the Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 organized by Hashtag Kalakar. This introspective piece explores the complexities of familial relationships through the eyes of a young girl, capturing the essence of childhood innocence amidst a backdrop of emotional turmoil.

About the Work

"Conditional Love" delves into the emotional landscape of a young girl navigating the complexities of family discord. Arpita Das skillfully uses rich imagery and emotive language to convey the sense of loss, confusion, and resilience. The poem's vivid portrayal of a child's internal struggle against the backdrop of parental conflict offers a heartfelt narrative that resonates with the reader.

Conditional Love

Original Submission by Arpita Das

(The beginning: Age 11)

11 year little girl watched the truck roll in,

Not knowing where a new life would begin.

I lost My playground when the sun went down,

A small girl moved to a brand new Town.

The fridge and furniture, all moving fast,

The final piece of my childhood past.

Alone in the quiet of a house so new,

Left till 7pm With things to do so few

Parents thought, for me it was easy,

While with their jobs and fights they stayed busy.

But the little me was curled up from the noise and fear,

I just sat in the quite, pretending to not hear

The constant fights, the raised angry voice,

The Peaceful days were now filled with noise.

I saw the hate when she spoke of my dad,

The fights they had were always so bad.

She tried to pull me to the courthouse door,

To make me tell stories I never swore.

To Choose a side, and speak the words that weren’t mine,

To make my true father look malign.

But I couldn’t lie, even under her gaze,

It trapped me inside of a colourless Maze.

So The Anger she Carried, She Laid it on me,

And Blamed me for whatever to be.

About the Competition

The Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious platform celebrating diverse voices in the literary world. This competition invites poets and writers to share their unique stories and perspectives, fostering a community of creativity and expression across various genres.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Arpita Das for sharing her evocative poem "Conditional Love" with us. Her participation in the Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 offers a glimpse into the intricate emotions of childhood and family dynamics. We appreciate her contribution to this vibrant literary event.

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.