Enkindle - By Fran Marie B. Kim

Written By: Fran Marie B. Kim

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the realm of poignant expression, Fran Marie B. Kim, writing under the name Enkindle, presents her evocative poem "Enkindle" as part of the Poetry category. This entry is a testament to the emotional depth and raw honesty that characterizes the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Kim's work delves into themes of unrequited love and personal liberation, capturing the reader's attention with its vivid imagery and heartfelt sentiment.

About the Work

"Enkindle" by Fran Marie B. Kim is a powerful exploration of emotional detachment and self-realization. The poem's tone is both defiant and liberating, as it delves into the intricacies of a relationship that has reached its end. Through rich imagery and a candid narrative, Kim artfully illustrates the protagonist's journey from entrapment to freedom, leaving a lasting impression of strength and resilience.

Enkindle

Original Submission by Fran Marie B. Kim

Enkindle

I know about your forlorn prayers,

And I feel your pining when you chase me,

Reaching out your hand and leaving scars

For your nails sink into my flesh when you grasp onto me.

Yet you slide a chiffon white envelope

With a wax seal as red as your blood

And a letter soliciting me to

Devote my soul to you like you did for me.

Do you know that I see your shadow

Waiting, yearning for me

To pick up the piece of paper

That writes “To my dearest”?

Do you know that you disgust me and

Your words bore me to the bone?

Do you know that I don’t care,

And that I never did and never will?

If it’ll take longer for you to have an epiphany

Than it’ll take for you to leave my doorstep,

Then I hope you see my silhouette

Holding a lighter with your letter on my other hand.

Can you smell that–

The beautiful, enslaving aroma of fire?

Can you hear that–

The paper you poured your heart out to burning?

I’m not sorry that I set your letter aflame,

I’m not sorry that I won’t try to fix us,

I’m not sorry that I’ve buried what you thought we were,

And that I won’t visit the stone with our names carved into it.

I’ve nothing to apologize for

Because when a flower wilts, you don’t water it

Like I won’t douse the enkindled paper

On the floor.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious platform celebrating artistic expression from around the world. This competition provides writers and poets the opportunity to share their unique voices and stories, fostering a diverse and vibrant literary community. Participants are encouraged to push the boundaries of creativity and explore new dimensions of storytelling.

We extend our deepest gratitude to Fran Marie B. Kim for her poignant contribution, "Enkindle," to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Your courage in sharing such a personal and powerful piece enriches the tapestry of voices in this year's competition. Thank you for your participation and for allowing us to witness your creative journey.

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.