Gain or lose - By Aaliyah Reese Nadar

Written By: Aaliyah Reese Nadar

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Meet Aaliyah Reese Nadar, a poetic voice exploring the profound themes of love and self-discovery in her poem "Gain or lose." As part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, this piece delves into the choices we make in love and how they ripple through every aspect of our lives. Through her evocative writing, Nadar invites us to reflect on how love shapes our identities and destinies.

About the Work

"Gain or lose" is a poignant reflection on the transformative power of love. Aaliyah Reese Nadar uses vivid imagery and introspective themes to capture the duality of love - its potential for both gain and loss. The poem weaves together ideas of self-identity, emotional control, and the inevitable changes love brings, encouraging readers to ponder their own experiences and perceptions of love's impact.

Gain or lose

Original Submission by Aaliyah Reese Nadar

One of the biggest chapters in life

is when we choose someone to love in every chapter after.

We don't get to choose a lot of the people we're stuck with for life -

like parents and siblings.

But we choose who we want to live every chapter with, from just one kiss,

one encounter,

one moment that makes you forget how you ever lived without them.

That's how life-changing love truly is. It's not just a chapter,

it's a ripple effect.

It affects everything to come after a single moment.

Love is so much more than feeling as if you can't live without someone.

It's knowing how to express all that emotion and still have control, still love yourself,

still be able to identify who you are.

Love is no game,

because when you love, it's either you lose or you gain. You lose yourself, aspirations,

people that have always been there,

peace of mind,

mental health down the drain.

Or you gain new meaning to life.

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But in love, both exist hand in hand gain and loss.

—

As much as people make love seem flawless, like brown paper wrapped red roses,

it's not all what it's posted to be.

When you love, you lose old ways,

but you unlock parts of who you are that you never knew existed.

Not all of them may be pretty,

but that's the importance of control,

and why it's important to know who you are.

When you love, it's no longer about your needs alone. You think not only for yourself,

but for you and someone who's become one with

I think people misinterpret oneness in love.

It's not some marriage contract,

you.

it's from the moment you set eyes on who your heart desires. It's a foundation built through many heartaches, tears, screams no one has heard, forgiving, forgetting, coming back, remembering what you first saw,

and remembering why you chose that one person from one

chapter to be a part of the rest of your story.

That right there is what loving someone really is. It's what makes me, AaliyahReese ~

Aaliyah Reese

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious platform celebrating the art of written expression. It brings together talented poets and writers from around the world, showcasing diverse voices and themes. Participants have the unique opportunity to share their work with a global audience, contributing to a rich tapestry of creativity and thought.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Aaliyah Reese Nadar for her participation in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her poem "Gain or lose" offers a profound exploration of love's complexities and serves as a beautiful contribution to the literary world. 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.