Glass Between Us - By Chumisa Theodora Zantsi

Written By: Chumisa Theodora Zantsi

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the evocative poem "Glass Between Us," Chumisa Theodora Zantsi brings her voice to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Through her poetic exploration, Zantsi delves into themes of fragility and resilience, crafting a narrative that resonates with emotional depth and introspection. Her work stands as a testament to the enduring nature of love and the delicate balance of relationships.

About the Work

"Glass Between Us" by Chumisa Theodora Zantsi is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the quest for understanding. The poem weaves vivid imagery and a contemplative tone, inviting readers to reflect on the inherent fragility of human connections. Zantsi's skillful use of metaphor and emotion creates a powerful narrative that questions whether bonds are meant to be bridges or escapes.

Glass Between Us

Original Submission by Chumisa Theodora Zantsi

Glass Between Us

There was once a garden,

tended with devotion,

where blossoms promised permanence.

But storms came,

and the soil was pierced by roots

that did not belong.

The petals fell,

and the keeper of that garden

was left with hands full of dust.

I saw the ruin,

the way silence grew louder than laughter,

the way trust became a broken mirror

reflecting only questions.

And in that silence,

two paths crossed,

not by design,

but by the gravity of sorrow.

A touch—

brief, trembling,

like pressing lips against glass

to see if warmth could pass through.

It did,

but the glass remained.

Now I stand at the edge of this fragile bridge,

wondering if footsteps here

are meant to cross,

or only to escape.

Is this closeness

a lantern in the dark,

or a shadow pretending to be light?

I fear being the echo,

the substitute melody

played to drown out the memory of another song.

I fear being the bandage,

valued only until the wound forgets to bleed.

I fear being mistaken—

innocence confused with fragility,

devotion confused with inevitability.

Yet the river inside me runs deep,

carving valleys that cannot be undone.

I want this bond,

not as a refuge,

not as a disguise,

but as a truth that love,

even fractured,

can rise again.

So, I wait,

heart open,

in the silence between what was lost

and what might be found,

hoping the choice is made

not out of forgetting,

but out of seeing—

and that the glass between us

finally breaks.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, hosted by Hashtag Kalakar, is a prestigious platform celebrating the art of written expression. This international event brings together poets and writers, inviting them to share their unique voices and perspectives. Participants from around the world engage in this celebration of creativity and literary excellence.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Chumisa Theodora Zantsi for her contribution to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 with "Glass Between Us." Her poetic narrative invites readers to embark on a journey of reflection and discovery. Thank you, Chumisa, for sharing your powerful voice and evocative imagery 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.