Driftwood - By Adrian Passi

Written By: Adrian Passi

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, Adrian Passi presents "Driftwood," a poignant piece in the Poetry category. This evocative work invites readers to reflect on the enduring connections and inevitable separations within a family tree. Adrian's poetic prose captures the essence of change, legacy, and the passage of time, resonating deeply with universal themes of belonging and transformation.

About the Work

"Driftwood" by Adrian Passi artfully explores the journey of life, likening the human experience to the natural elements of driftwood. The poem's imagery of branches and tides encapsulates the balance between stability and change. There is a gentle yet powerful meditation on how life's experiences shape us, culminating in a serene acceptance of our eventual resting place. The work's reflective tone invites a quiet contemplation of life's transient beauty.

Driftwood

Original Submission by Adrian Passi

Driftwood

We all begin as part of a family tree -

rooted, connected, reaching for the same light and sky.

Each of us a branch, growing in our own direction,

yet grown from the same trunk and anchored by belonging.

Some branches remain,

offering shade and strength to those still growing under them.

Others - by storm or by season - break away,

carried by the winds of change,

by water, and by time,

until they drift beyond the horizon.

Out there, we face winds and waves

our ancestors could never imagine.

We learn the language of distance,

the rhythm of uncertainty,

and the patience of the tide.

In time, we are shaped -

softened, worn smooth by experience.

We find places to rest,

even if only for a moment,

until the current calls again.

And then one day,

we find our final resting place -

a quiet shore where the tide no longer reaches.

Someone may pause beside us,

read the name carved upon the stone,

and wonder at the life we once lived.

They'll think of their own moments with us -

the laughter, the comfort, the small kindnesses -

and feel that gentle ache of gratitude and loss.

For it's the value we add to others,

often without knowing,

that carries on long after we're gone.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, facilitated by Hashtag Kalakar, is a prestigious platform celebrating literary talent from around the world. This competition encourages participants to express their creative voices, sharing unique perspectives and stories through poetry and prose. Aimed at fostering a global community of writers, it highlights the diversity and richness of contemporary literature.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Adrian Passi for sharing "Driftwood" with the world. Your contribution to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 is deeply appreciated. This thought-provoking piece will resonate with many, leaving a lasting impression of the beauty found in life's journey and the connections made along the way.

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.