Do You? - By Heena Johar

Written By: Heena Johar

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the evocative poem "Do You?" by Heena Johar, we delve into a poignant exploration of memory and longing. As part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, this piece captures the essence of emotional reflection and the lingering shadows of past relationships. Heena Johar's work, categorized under poetry, invites readers to ponder the depths of personal connections and the echoes they leave behind.

About the Work

"Do You?" is a deeply introspective piece that explores themes of memory, longing, and the persistent presence of a past love. The poem's mood is hauntingly reflective, employing vivid imagery to convey emotions that refuse to fade. Through its lyrical style, the work questions the shared experiences of love and loss, leaving readers to reflect on the echoes of relationships that once were.

Do You?

Original Submission by Heena Johar

Not you-

but the shadow of you

lives in the locked corridors of my ribs.

Not you-

but your voice

keeps replaying in the back rooms of my mind,

like a warning I refuse to obey.

Not you-

but your touch

still sleeps under my skin,

an echo that refuses to fade.

My body remembers you

even when my pride pretends it doesn’t.

Tell me-

is this madness mine alone?

Or does your pulse stutter

when the world goes quiet?

Does your breath hitch

at the same ghosts that choke me?

I twist this ring

and it burns.

You feel that, don’t you?

Or is the fire only on my side?

Is it easy for you-

the empty side of the bed,

the cold space where my warmth used to stake its claim?

Do you sleep through it?

Or does the silence claw at you

the way it claws at me?

When you look in the mirror,

do you see your face-

or the imprint of mine staring back?

When you trace your fingers

over someone else’s skin,

do promises you made to me

rise up like bruises you can’t explain?

Do her hands fit yours-

or do they keep reminding you

of the puzzle you never finished?

When the night gets loud,

when loneliness grows teeth-

do you hear my voice

cutting through the dark?

Do you feel my soul

still circling yours

like the flame you never learned how to hold?

Tell me.

Do you feel any of it-

or am I the only one still burning?

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar showcases a diverse array of voices from around the world. This prestigious platform celebrates creativity and expression, inviting participants to share their unique perspectives through various literary forms. It stands as a testament to the power of words in capturing the human experience.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Heena Johar for her contribution to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 with her poignant poem "Do You?". Her words offer a deep reflection on the complexities of memory and emotion. We are grateful for her participation and look forward to more of her insightful creations.

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.