Hiraeth - By Anu Xavier

Written By: Anu Xavier

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Anu Xavier, writing under the name Hiraeth, takes us on an evocative journey through memories in her poem "Hiraeth." Featured in the Poetry category of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, this work explores the tender themes of nostalgia and the passage of time. Xavier's vivid imagery and heartfelt reflections invite readers to reminisce about simpler, cherished times.

About the Work

"Hiraeth" is a tapestry of delicate emotions woven through vivid imagery and sensory details. The poem captures a longing for the past, embracing moments of joy, familial warmth, and the bittersweet nature of memories. Xavier's use of rich sensory language engulfs the reader in a world filled with scents, sounds, and emotions, beautifully illustrating the tension between past happiness and present solitude.

Hiraeth

Original Submission by Anu Xavier

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Hiraeth by Anu Xavier

Hanging from the tree of life

Are thousand iridescent memories.

Warm, fuzzy, pulsating memories.

Memories- that I can almost touch.

It takes me back to simpler times.

Times, where beautiful minds sustained.

Times, uncomplicated with the burden of life.

Times, before despair sunk its deep roots.

Times, where I could engage, the child within.

I smell Brut suffused wooden almirah

As I sift through bolts of silk,

In search of a hidden treasure -

A box of mismatched buttons,

For which even the King is a glutton.

I drink in the petrichor-

Bottled up aroma which rain releases

My heart pangs for the unbridled joy image1790497132518.png

Of dancing in the June rain

As Grandpa fondly watches by.

I taste the promise of fried sardines in the air,

As the evening church bell tolls by.

A rushed up bath and a touch of prayer,

Supper couldn't get here sooner.

I bask in Grandma's love, as she erases,

Pinpricks of doubt sown into my young soul.

Though some thorns agonisingly linger,

Wood smoke stubbornly clings by.

My mind paints a kaleidoscope of memories,

In colours, I knew nothing about.

A profound yearning engulfs my matter,

Leaving a dab of Yardley lavender and

A long forgotten trip to remember by?!

Every smell awakes a poetry within,

Mourning memories lost to the seas of time.

I would rather dwell than dart, image1790497132538.png

For here, geraniums and rose jasmines

Always smell the same.

The stench of regret and loneliness

Permeates the air.

The letters, my friends lovingly bestowed,

Lay charred, catching me unaware.

A warning, a flash,

To get my bearings right,

For it wouldn't be long before,

The beautiful mind gets shackled, again.

Imperfect, though perceived,

Even a crow has the right to sing.

She searches far and wide,

But finds everyone empty within.

My heart murmurs to build a home,

Despite the blur of grey and black.

Seeking solace in the endless Sky,

A forlorn hope unfurls in the Earth,

Sprouting tendrils of love, once again. image1790497132558.png

- Anu Xavier

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar celebrates the artistry of writers worldwide, offering a platform to showcase diverse voices and creative expressions. This prestigious event invites participants to share their unique literary works, fostering a global community of poets and writers.

We extend our sincere gratitude to Anu Xavier for her captivating poem "Hiraeth." Her participation in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 highlights her talent and passion for poetic expression. We look forward to seeing more from her 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.