For Loving (You Never Noticed) - By Julia Ysabel Arellano

Written By: Julia Ysabel Arellano

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Julia Ysabel Arellano graces the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 with her poignant poem, "For Loving (You Never Noticed)." As an entry in the poetry category, this work delves into the intricate emotions and unspoken depths of love. Through a tapestry of dreams, hopes, and metaphorical imagery, the poem explores a love that is both tender and tumultuous, inviting readers to ponder love's true essence.

About the Work

"For Loving (You Never Noticed)" is a deeply introspective poem that captures the complexity of unexpressed love. Its evocative imagery and heartfelt tone convey the struggle between the comfort of affection and the pain of unrequited feelings. Through rich metaphors and vivid memories, Julia Ysabel Arellano paints a picture of love as a beautiful yet challenging journey, where emotions simmer beneath the surface, yearning to be recognized.

For Loving (You Never Noticed)

Original Submission by Julia Ysabel Arellano

For Loving (You Never Noticed)

How can “love” ever be enough to explain everything I felt?

It diminishes the dreams, the hopes, the wishes.

We created art to convey our emotions and our thoughts.

I would write poem after poem because sentences with hidden meanings and metaphors were easier than telling you I love you.

I once wrote that I felt as though I had eaten an entire garden with the amount of butterflies fluttering in my stomach.

I wished on shooting stars, during every 11:11, and every eyelash that fell.

But the butterflies had begun to eat me alive.

And I stopped waiting for my wishes to come true.

The sky turned clouded, hiding away the constellations and galaxies that reminded me of your eyes. Yet, at night, I close my eyes and dream of how you looked at me once upon a time.

I find myself skipping songs you love.

Yet, I know the words by heart.

You read every poem.

When will you ever realize they were all about you?

You tell me you loved them.

Didn’t they remind you of us?

The night before Christmas, counting down the clock, staying up on the phone. The day of my birthday, your words that replay in my head, dreams of us being more.

Guitar picks and basketball shoes.

I listened to every detail, kept them locked in a safe in my heart along with you. The night I spent with you on my kitchen floor, telling each other dreams we never told anyone else.

Nicknames with three letters and christmas cards.

Loving had never felt so easy and so difficult at the same time.

Love was never a calm hearth.

It had always been a raging wildfire whenever I was with you.

Comforting and warm, yet I began to burn when I got too close.

Your doubts, your fears, your flaws.

I loved them nonetheless.

You are never too much, never not enough. Perfect in my eyes and I love every side.

You were never just a friend, but never a lover either. We were always somewhere in between.

You were never the sun.

You were a dying star in all its beauty and tragedy.

We weren’t perfect on paper.

We were always meant to be a song I can never forget.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar celebrates the art of writing, bringing together voices from across the world. This competition serves as a platform for writers to share their unique stories and poetic expressions, fostering a global community of creativity and literary excellence.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Julia Ysabel Arellano for her beautiful submission, "For Loving (You Never Noticed)." Her evocative portrayal of love enriches the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. We appreciate her contribution and look forward to witnessing her continued 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.