ECHO - By Shradha Manikandan

Written By: Shradha Manikandan

Category: Poetry

Competition: Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, Shradha Manikandan, writing under the name Echo, presents a deeply introspective poem titled "ECHO." This submission, under the category of Poetry, delves into the complex dynamics of friendship and the echoes of memories that linger long after relationships have faded. Shradha's work stands as a testament to the power of memory and emotion, capturing the nuances of human connection in a way that resonates with readers on a profound level.

About the Work

"ECHO" by Shradha Manikandan is a poignant exploration of the lingering memories of a friendship that once thrived. Through evocative imagery and introspective reflection, the poem captures the emotional turmoil and the haunting echoes of moments shared. The piece is characterized by its emotive depth and stark honesty, inviting readers to reflect on the nature of relationships and the inevitable changes time brings.

Echo

Original Submission by Shradha Manikandan

ECHO

I look over at her

Her pony tail swinging

Her bangs set free

She sits giggling with the others

Girls with whom I’ve hung out

Someone who probably despises me

But we’ve never fought

People hate me for no reason

‘Now’ I’m used to it

But I never thought she would too

The stranger I share memories with

Our eyes lock

I give her a smile

One she doesn’t return

One that once stretched for miles

My mind goes blank

As it does ‘now’

The doctors say - ‘cancer’

But I think it’s “her”

I used to hate the dark

Hate the sinister lurkers

But why hate something around you

When it’s made of you

It throbs again

A dull ache turning hollow

I want to cry but im too tired to feel

But I’m just an echo drowning in the sound

“I don’t care about them”

That’s not true

I do care

I care so much

I miss how we talked till our phones died

I miss when we sung till our throats went hoarse

I miss when there was no wall between us

When it was ‘us’ against the world

Until it was just me

Once upon a time

I watched our friendship down burn to the ground

While I watched her build a new one from the ashes

A memory flashes

A pathway that leads to a door

On the other side, it’s a warm, sunny day

But where I am, it’s cold and grey

I call them echoes

Because it is a reminder of what we can’t have anymore

She looks at me under her long lashes

Her hair imprisoned in a hair tie

It’s almost the same as ‘now’

Except, ‘then’ she was smiling at me

Holding a hair tie as she fiddles with it

As we count down how fast we can make a pattern with it

Sometimes I wonder if we were counting down to make a record

or the time left in our friendship

I wake up with my head in my hand

The teacher looks concerned

“Is everything all right”

“Of course” I say, in a Barbie-fake tone

Neither of us believe it

I walk up to ‘her’

My brain screaming to not

I silence it

Just like the others did to me

“Do you remember when we were invited to that party?

We didn’t know anyone there

But we had each other

I remember that I was late

How you were nervous I’d ditched you

But you should know that I never will…

Do you remember how we jumped in that trampoline

How you almost twisted your ankle

But just bounced right back up

Like you always do

Do you remember that we were so hungry

That we gobbled everything so fast

And choked from laughing

Do you remember that we went over to your house right after

And when I was leaving, you hugged me so tight,

I was breathless and said

“No matter what, we will always be friends”

I guess that ‘always’ was temporary..

Remember?”

I can’t read her face

She’s either amused or confused

Sympathetic or empathetic

Either way it hurts

‘No’ she says

And suddenly,

It hits me like I fell

She wasn't an echo.

I was.

About the Competition

The Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar celebrates diverse voices and creative expression. This prestigious event showcases the talents of writers from around the world, offering a platform for poetic and narrative artistry. Participants engage with themes that challenge and inspire, contributing to a vibrant tapestry of contemporary literature.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Shradha Manikandan for her touching submission, "ECHO," to the Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her work beautifully encapsulates the essence of friendship and memory, leaving a lasting impression on readers. We look forward to seeing more of her evocative poetry in the future.

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.