Hands of Snakes - By Bea Missiuna

Written By: Bea Missiuna

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the realm of poetic expression, Bea Missiuna emerges with "Hands of Snakes," a captivating entry in the Poetry category of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar. This piece delves into the intricacies of gentleness juxtaposed with violence, capturing the complexity of human emotions and experiences. Bea's evocative writing invites readers on a journey through the delicate balance of vulnerability and strength.

About the Work

"Hands of Snakes" by Bea Missiuna weaves a tapestry of vivid imagery and profound themes. The poem explores the contrast between gentleness and violence, using nature-inspired metaphors to portray human relationships. The mood shifts from serene introspection to a tense, urgent plea for freedom, effectively engaging the reader. Bea's work reveals the nuanced struggle between tenderness and the lurking danger in intimate connections.

Hands of Snakes

Original Submission by Bea Missiuna

Gentle and laborious is the soul in the deepest of sleep.

The only witness to this soul is the man on the moon and the gentle rush of wind slipping through the cracked window.

The man on the moon might glance into her dreams to find a space not unknown to the dark side of the moon.

In an instant the look of peaceful serenity turned into a desperate plea of hope.

“I only wish to be gentle.” Her lips begged the moon.

Gentle like the deer grazing the grass, gentle like the cats pouncing on the mice. Gentle like the songs of the birds and gentle like his hand on her arm.

How many times has ‘gentle’ fled the lips of her lover ? How many times have the gently upturned lips turned into poison snake fangs? How many times did the hands of snakes slither around her neck?

When you flirt with violence, violence flirts back. It takes only moments before you understand that the snakes were not kind and were never meant to be. They slithered softly on the garden bed but you were a mouse.

A ghost of the past whispered this could never happen to me. Someone could have been, had been. Someone had then been caught by the snake, seized by the quicksand in the garden.

I should have run, but it pulled and pulled. Reasoning became undone.

He never meant to hurt me. He was just acting on his nature. He tried to be gentle.

He was gentle, gentle like the lioness who licks her wounds after a fearsome hunt. Gentle like the bear in the river with the salmon. Gentle like the cat playing with a mouse.

I can run and run and run and run and run and run.

Cry and cry and cry and cry and cry and cry.

The snake already has its hold.

“Please let me be free.”

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, hosted by Hashtag Kalakar, invites writers from around the world to showcase their talents in poetry and creative narratives. This esteemed platform aims to celebrate the richness of global literary voices, providing a space for creative expression and cultural exchange. The competition fosters a vibrant community of writers, encouraging exploration and innovation in the literary arts.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Bea Missiuna for sharing "Hands of Snakes" with us. Your contribution to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 has enriched our platform with its powerful imagery and emotional depth. We look forward to witnessing more of your poetic journey and are grateful for your participation.

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.