Flight in the Dark - By Ayesha Dibyangi Mohanty

Written By: Ayesha Dibyangi Mohanty

Category: poetry

Competition: Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Ayesha Dibyangi Mohanty's "Flight in the Dark" is a poignant entry in the poetry category of the Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 hosted by Hashtag Kalakar. This work delves into themes of identity, freedom, and introspection, capturing the reader's attention with its haunting imagery and emotional depth. As part of this prestigious competition, Mohanty's poem invites readers to explore the complex emotions tied to familial expectations and the desire for self-liberation.

About the Work

"Flight in the Dark" is a powerful exploration of the burdens of familial expectations and the longing for personal freedom. Mohanty's use of vivid imagery and a somber tone creates an emotional landscape where the reader can empathize with the speaker's internal struggle. The poem's structure and language convey a sense of urgency and introspection, ultimately leading to a profound realization of self-empowerment and liberation.

Flight in the dark

Original Submission by Ayesha Dibyangi Mohanty

Flight in the dark

The front door is a heavy shadow.

The shoes wait quietly by the mat. Every corner of this house holds a demand.

Every wall repeats their suffocating care.

They build a cage and call it a home.

They tie the knots and call it love.

A heavy fog moves down the hall.

It flows from their lips into your lungs.

They say I love you like a threat. Their sharp words carve your shape. They say the wounds are supposed to be coats of armour. They break your bones to keep you safe.

The constant correction is an iron cage.

Do this. Be that. Wear this face. Behave well. Where are your manners?

Your mind splits into sharp, jagged glass.

One piece loves the hand that feeds.

The other piece screams in the dark.

They say that they care. They say that harsh words make you strong. They shout all day and all night. You stay up until the sunrise. Tears threaten to spill; but don’t. You move through the doors quietly and the floor beneath creaks.

You look at the family tree and see a noose.

You watch them smile and wish for ash.

You dream of empty bedrooms and quiet graves.

You envy the lonely child with no names to carry. They call him an orphan with not a care in the world. But you think he is free.

A distant train whistle cuts the night.

The low sound calls you toward the tracks. You pack a bag inside your mind.

You map out roads that have no names. To run until the shouting fades to wind. To run until the bloodline thins out.

You look out the window at the dark.

The open night feels like a rescue. Step.

By.

Step.

You walk away with quiet, steady feet.

The gravel crunches softly underneath your soles.

You seek to rewrite the stories on your skin.

You seek to leave the old keys on the counter.

Let the heavy branches of the past rest behind you.

Let the quiet rooms keep their own secrets.

You just want to step into the cool air

and finally belong to no one but yourself.

The end

About the Competition

The Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a celebration of literary talent, providing a platform for writers around the world to share their unique voices and stories. This competition encourages participants to explore diverse themes and showcase their creativity through poetry and prose, fostering a vibrant community of passionate writers.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Ayesha Dibyangi Mohanty for her profound contribution to the Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 with "Flight in the Dark." Her evocative exploration of identity and liberation offers a compelling read, and we look forward to seeing more of her insightful work 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.