Forgotten. - By Aamna Punekar

Written By: Aamna Punekar

Category: Poetry

Competition: Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Aamna Punekar presents a deeply moving poem titled "Forgotten." in the Poetry category of the Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This heartfelt work is inspired by the experiences of those suffering from Alzheimer's, particularly reflecting on personal connections with loved ones. The competition serves as a platform for voices like Aamna's, transforming personal narratives into universal themes of memory and love.

About the Work

"Forgotten." delves into the intricate emotions surrounding Alzheimer's, weaving together themes of memory, identity, and enduring love. The poem paints vivid imagery of a loved one’s silent struggle and the unyielding warmth of maternal love, even amidst fading memories. It evokes a poignant mood, capturing the bittersweet essence of remembering and forgetting, where familiar faces become strangers, yet love persists.

Forgotten.

Original Submission by Aamna Punekar

This is a poem solely inspired by people who suffer with Alzheimer’s. I relate my grandmother to it, here’s how this poem goes:

She sits there on a chair,

Looking at the window

As if life is a movie

That’s about to end

She looks at everyone

As if she is somewhere

Where she doesn’t belong

Her eyes seem

Hollow.

There are no memories

No names in her mouth.

It’s quiet.

And when the silence

Gets too loud.

She speaks once again.

Her hands can braid

Every single strand

Of her own child.

So what is it,

A life forgotten

But her warm hands

Carry love.

Perhaps motherhood

Isn’t forgotten.

Maybe the definition is

Blurred.

And sometimes life makes her

Wear glasses for a better view.

And sometimes

Just snatches cruelly.

Oh what a curse it is

To forget the names

Of the ones

Who never forgot yours.

To lose the map

Back to the people

Who never left.

Life remains.

Love remains.

Only the road back to them

Is blurry-

Almost lost.

About the Competition

The Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a celebration of literary creativity, inviting writers from around the world to share their unique voices. Through poetry, short stories, and creative writing, participants explore diverse themes, enriching the literary landscape with their original works.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Aamna Punekar for her poignant contribution, "Forgotten.", to the Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her work resonates deeply, shedding light on the emotional landscapes shaped by Alzheimer's. Thank you, Aamna, for sharing your powerful voice with us.

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.