Get Ready With Me - By Hiral Mankad

Written By: Hiral Mankad

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the captivating poem "Get Ready With Me," Hiral Mankad offers readers a poignant reflection on identity and self-worth within the digital landscape. As part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, this submission delves into the complexities of beauty and personal perception. Through vivid imagery and introspective lines, Mankad skillfully navigates themes of societal expectations and the transient nature of online validation.

About the Work

"Get Ready With Me" is a haunting exploration of the intersection between self-image and societal pressure. Hiral Mankad employs evocative language to paint a vivid picture of a world where beauty is both currency and burden. The poem's introspective tone invites readers to question the value placed on external appearances and the fleeting nature of digital admiration. With its rich imagery and emotional depth, the piece resonates as a powerful commentary on modern life.

Get Ready With Me

Original Submission by Hiral Mankad

GET READY WITH ME

I learned to hold a ring light

Like a halo I could borrow,

Tilt my chin to catch a glow that hides tomorrow’s sorrow,

Blend my doubts with liquid foundation,

Conceal what I had lacked,

Sell a softness to the screen,

And never look back.

“Get ready with me” I say,

Gentle,sweet and slow,

As if I’m letting strangers in

But they don’t really know.

I was never good at anything that couldn’t fade with youth,

Couldn’t hold a note or nerve,

Couldn’t bear the truth,

Math blurred into migraines,

Art into disgrace,

Every talent test I took put me in my place.

Teachers called me “pleasant”,

Friends called me “nice”,

Nice is what you settle for when you don’t suffice.

So I learned to be appealing,

Harmless, smooth and small,

If I could not be brilliant,

I decided I would be desirable.

Now men with vacant usernames, like shadows,

Lonely,

Scrolling,

Bored,

Lowley,

And hunger in their eyes,

Fund my rent with compliments

And pixelated sighs.

They watch me brush mascara,

Like it’s something deep and rare,

As if the curve of my bare shoulder

Is a talent I can share.

I thank them for their “support”,

Their tips, their praise, their need,

My dignity dissolves a little,

Everytime I read.

I tell myself it’s honest work,

That beauty is a skill,

But beauty is a leaking cup,

That I’m trying to refill.

Each year, the light grows crueller,

Each year the lens more sharp,

Finding little cracks of time,

Around my eyes and heart.

“You look older.”

“Not the same.”

“Did you change your face?”

The worship turns to audit

At an unforgiving pace.

I buy another serum,

Dab hope into my skin,

As if I can delay the day,

The younger girls come in.

What happens when I cannot hold their

Restless stare?

When I am just a woman,

With thinning hair and air?

I don’t know how to be admired,

For something that will last.

My worth was built on fleeting light,

And beauty moving fast.

Sometimes when the live stream ends,

And silence floods the room,

There is no applause,

No hearts that rise,

Just a soft and private gloom.

I wipe the contour from my face,

Watch the shimmer go,

And meet a girl I never grew,

A girl I barely know.

I started this,

Because I failed at everything but being seen,

Now, I am paid to look alive,

While feeling in-between.

And as halo flickers faint,

As views grow thin and slow,

I ache to be more than a face,

But that’s all I know

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, hosted by Hashtag Kalakar, celebrates the diverse voices of writers from around the world. This esteemed event provides a platform for poets and storytellers to share their unique perspectives and creative expressions. Participants showcase their talent in various categories, contributing to a vibrant tapestry of contemporary literature and art.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Hiral Mankad for sharing the evocative poem "Get Ready With Me" with us. Your participation in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 enriches the literary landscape and encourages thoughtful reflection on identity and beauty. We look forward to witnessing more of your 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.