Grief for what I have not Lost - By Abbi-Gail McKenzie

Written By: Abbi-Gail McKenzie

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Abbi-Gail McKenzie presents her evocative poem "Grief for what I have not Lost" as part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This entry into the poetry category explores the depths of human emotion, focusing on themes of emptiness and inner turmoil. McKenzie's work offers a profound look at the sorrow for things never possessed, drawing readers into a reflective journey that resonates on a deeply personal level.

About the Work

Through poignant imagery and introspective narrative, "Grief for what I have not Lost" delves into the complex emotions of emptiness and self-doubt. The poem's tone is contemplative, rich with metaphorical language that paints a vivid picture of inner struggle and isolation. McKenzie's use of rhythm and repetition intensifies the sense of yearning and loss, creating a powerful emotional impact that invites readers to explore their own feelings of worth and purpose.

Grief for what I have not Lost

Original Submission by Abbi-Gail McKenzie

Heart wrenching emptiness returns for the week.

Or rather, it returns for the weak.

For I have nothing inside to hold me strong

Against the emotion which pulls me down

Accentuated by attempts of those who cannot see

To remove what they presume fills me

But if they were to dissect the cavity of my chest

They exclaim as the women at the tomb, it is empty

The tomb of tumult, of worthlessness and desolation

Physically and emotionally binding in isolation

A feeling of hollowness, awaiting my decimation

The purpose I cannot yet find, seemingly lost.

For when you climb high, you cannot yet tell

How far the drop is below,

Until you slip, one slip costed you everything

But you did not prepare, so it is a detrimental blow.

And now I seethe, not because I fall,

But because there are other ladders I did not climb

Because I focused, so intently

On climbing the ladder from which I now plummet.

When your entire soul is placed into a deed

And they snatch it from underneath feet,

You are left with nothing, for your soul is bound

And your once whole body is left incomplete.

And thus with that binding, is my soul taken as well,

Leaving me a shell of what I once was,

The illusion of Heaven reveals the reality of hell

For something not mine to begin with.

* Abbi-Gail McKenzie, June 2026

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, hosted by Hashtag Kalakar, is a celebration of literary talent and creativity. It invites writers from around the world to share their unique voices and perspectives through poetry and creative writing. The competition aims to foster a global community of writers, providing a platform for both emerging and established authors to showcase their work.

We extend our gratitude to Abbi-Gail McKenzie for her poignant contribution, "Grief for what I have not Lost," to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her exploration of profound themes through poetry is both moving and thought-provoking. We thank Abbi-Gail for sharing her work and enriching the competition with her insightful perspective.

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.