Dare To Care - By Mia Haven

Written By: Mia Haven

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Mia Haven's "Dare To Care" is a powerful contribution to the Poetry category in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Through her evocative words, Mia explores the profound impact that words can have on our inner worlds. In this poignant piece, she captures the struggle and strength found in overcoming the scars left by verbal wounds. Her reflection on resilience and self-worth resonates deeply, inviting readers to ponder the endurance of the human spirit.

About the Work

"Dare To Care" by Mia Haven is a stirring exploration of emotional resilience in the face of verbal harm. The poem's vivid imagery and rhythmic cadence effectively convey the deep scars that words can inflict. Mia's use of metaphors and introspective tone draws the reader into a journey of self-discovery and healing. Her message is ultimately one of hope, emphasizing the enduring strength found within and the courage to care despite adversity.

Dare To Care

Original Submission by Mia Haven

Dare To Care

By Mia Haven

It hurts –

The things they say.

Words hurled like daggers

Throughout the day.

Sticks and stones

May bruise my skin

But words leave scars

That bloom within.

They burrow deep like termites,

Nesting in my mind,

Gnawing at the fragile dreams

I thought I’d left behind.

My hope dissolves

To static white.

My silence

Thick with fright.

I rehearse each syllable,

Each word’s slow rise,

As if just my voice

Could crack the skies.

I carry echoes inside of me –

Not laughter, music, nor delight.

Just every whispered ‘not enough’

That curls around my mind at night.

They say, “Don’t take it personally,”

But how could I not feel the toll

When every word they ever said

Is etched into my soul?

Even kindness feels like bait,

A setup for the fall.

I flinch away from open hands

And brace to feel nothing at all.

But still –

Some thread within me holds,

Frayed, but never broken.

Growing stronger in the quiet folds.

A whisper, a hum,

A thought once left for dead.

A trembling truth:

I am not what they said.

So, even with the bruises

And the heaviness I bear.

I am still here –

And I dare to care.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, hosted by Hashtag Kalakar, celebrates the vibrant tapestry of voices in the literary world. This prestigious platform invites writers from around the globe to share their creative visions and explore a diverse range of themes through poetry and prose. The competition aims to foster a community of inspired storytellers and poets, offering them an opportunity to showcase their unique perspectives.

We extend our sincere gratitude to Mia Haven for sharing her poignant poem "Dare To Care" with us. Her participation in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 enriches our understanding of resilience and self-worth. We look forward to witnessing more of Mia's powerful expressions and commend her for daring to care through her art.

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.