Eleven Seconds - By I A Ishrath Himaya

Written By: I A Ishrath Himaya

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In "Eleven Seconds," I A Ishrath Himaya offers a poignant exploration of the fears and challenges faced by women, drawing inspiration from the story of S. Vidya in Sri Lanka. This entry in the Poetry category of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 is a heartfelt reflection on vulnerability and resilience. Through evocative imagery, the poem captures the shared experiences and silent struggles of women around the world.

About the Work

"Eleven Seconds" is a powerful meditation on fear, justice, and the everyday reality of being a woman. The poem's tone is somber, yet it resonates deeply with its vivid imagery and emotional depth. Ishrath Himaya's work brings to light the stark contrast between the freedom of men and the cautionary existence of women. With a reflective style, the poem questions the notion of justice while capturing the pervasive sense of vulnerability that pervades women's lives.

Eleven Seconds

Original Submission by I A Ishrath Himaya

ELEVEN SECONDS

Inspired by the story of S. Vidya and the reopening of her case in Sri Lanka.

I took a glance at her photograph.

School uniform pressed neatly against her shoulders,

hair combed the way school girls here comb their hair,

features shaped by the same island sun.

Eighteen years old she was.

And here I am, one year older,

staring at her face and wondering,

with a sickness settling in my chest,

how easily that photograph could have been any one of us.

People speak of her like she is a headline now,

a debate about law and punishment.

But she was once just a girl

trying to return home alive before nightfall,

just like the rest of us.

And when I looked at her photograph,

I did not only see her.

I saw every moment I walked faster after hearing footsteps behind me.

Every phone clutched tightly in my hand.

Every loose abaya pulled closer against my skin.

Every prayer whispered beneath my breath while pretending not to be afraid.

And still we walk carefully.

Still we memorize escape routes.

Still we text our families; “Reached”.

Men walk alone at night hoping not to lose their wallets.

Women walk alone at night hoping not to lose their lives.

That is the difference.

Now, the case rises again after more than a decade.

People speak of justice.

People speak of death.

“They should die”, they say.

Humans beg for death over heartbreaks, loneliness and failures.

So, I wonder

after eleven years behind iron bars,

does death still arrive as a punishment?

Or does it arrive as release?

They had eleven years to make peace with dying.

Did she have even eleven seconds?

Did she have eleven seconds

between the terror and the numbness?

Eleven seconds

for her heart to stop fighting against her ribs?

Eleven seconds

to think of her mother?

To think of God?

And before eleven seconds could fully pass,

she was gone.

Yet girls here are still walking quickly before dark.

Still pretending confidence.

Still learning how to survive a world

that teaches women caution

before it teaches men humanity.

I looked at her face once,

and every careful step I have ever taken

came rushing back.

Because she did not look distant.

She looked like one of us.

I

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, hosted by Hashtag Kalakar, is a prestigious platform for writers worldwide to showcase their talent and creativity. This competition celebrates diverse voices and stories, providing a space for participants to explore themes that resonate on a global scale. Writers from various categories are invited to contribute their unique perspectives and narratives to this vibrant literary event.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to I A Ishrath Himaya for sharing "Eleven Seconds" with us. This poignant piece is a significant contribution to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, and its powerful message will resonate with many. We appreciate the vulnerability and insight brought forth in this work, which serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges and courage of women everywhere.

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.