Dust Where Glory Was - By Shajaa Abdul Rahim

Written By: Shajaa Abdul Rahim

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the realm of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, Shajaa Abdul Rahim presents "Dust Where Glory Was," a profound poetic exploration. This piece, submitted under the Poetry category, invites readers into a world where the vastness of the mind and the depths of imagination are celebrated. Abdul Rahim's work encourages a journey through the expansive fields of thought and reflection, examining the beauty and challenges of intellectual exploration without the necessity of destination or justification.

About the Work

"Dust Where Glory Was" is a contemplative journey through the mind's infinite possibilities. Shajaa Abdul Rahim uses rich imagery and a reflective tone to question the value of pursuits and the nature of exploration. The poem contrasts the inherent beauty of intellectual wanderings with the pragmatic leanings of modern life, ultimately revealing a poignant message about the loss of glory in the quest for efficiency. Its evocative language and philosophical musings encourage readers to cherish the meaningful ordeals that define human experience.

Dust Where Glory Was

Original Submission by Shajaa Abdul Rahim

Dust Where Glory Was

From the blessings bestowed upon man,

monumental is the vastness of mind,

intellect that roams and wanders,

free from fear of blunders,

where imagination reigns,

where curiosity is a routine,

and questioning is a practice.

In that infinite expanse, I drift and explore,

finding meaning in the ordeal;

there's no need for justification.

I ride on trains of thought,

though not in pursuit of a destination.

I trek mountains of knowledge,

though not in quest for the peak.

In the boundless fields of curiosity,

I yield and harvest exquisite gems of ideas,

preserving them from pests of reasoning.

The windows of my soul, I paint with the hues and tints of my musings.

Through these endeavours,

I draw stars in my sky.

But there's no journey without a wait,

no adventure without a risk,

no harvest without weeds,

no art without stains,

no star without a burn.

What good is the tiring journey,

if the pursuit isn't the payoff?

Why ride trains of thought when I can reach destinations without the pain of time?

Why trek mountains of knowledge when the peak offers nothing but views?

Why farm fields of curiosity when there's no profit from the harvest?

Why paint my soul with musings if my arms ache while doing so?

Why draw stars in the sky if they're gone at dawn?

I would rather chase what benefits than what fades.

But one day, I returned home,

to the most private of spaces – my very own mind.

And the trains were rusted and crashed,

mountains crumbled to dust,

fields pest-eaten, yields rotten,

windows shattered, paints peeled off,

stars nowhere to be seen amidst the air polluted –

with pragmatism.

I came back "home" only to realize,

chasing efficiency, I had lost the glory of ordeals,

the very thing that breathes meaning into them.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious event celebrating the art of poetry and creative writing from around the world. It provides a platform for writers and poets to showcase their talents and share their creative expressions with a global audience. This competition fosters a vibrant community of literary enthusiasts, encouraging the exploration of diverse themes and styles.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Shajaa Abdul Rahim for sharing "Dust Where Glory Was" with us. This piece, featured in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, offers a profound reflection on the essence of intellectual exploration. We appreciate Abdul Rahim's ability to weave such evocative imagery and philosophical depth into their work. Thank you for enriching the competition with your poetic voice.

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.