HIRAETH - By Yoganathan Loganathan

Written By: YOGANATHAN LOGANATHAN

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the evocative poem "HIRAETH," Yoganathan Loganathan, writing under the name Hiraeth, takes readers on an introspective journey through themes of loss and reconciliation. This submission to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 showcases a profound exploration of emotional landscapes. With a title that hints at a deep, nostalgic yearning, the poem invites readers to reflect on the complexities of memory and the enduring presence of those we have lost. This piece is a testament to the power of poetic expression in capturing the human experience.

About the Work

"HIRAETH" weaves a tapestry of emotions, blending sorrow with solace. Yoganathan Loganathan crafts a narrative that delves into the depths of personal loss and the search for peace. The poem's mood shifts from desolate to hopeful, employing rich imagery of nature and cosmic elements to symbolize the journey from grief to acceptance. The recurring motif of time underscores a universal struggle with memories and the passage of life, ultimately revealing that healing is possible through an enduring connection to those who have departed.

Hiraeth

Original Submission by YOGANATHAN LOGANATHAN

HIRAETH

Tick… …tick… …tick.

Swollen with sorrow, my eyes rimmed red.

Burdened with memory, my tears frozen still.

Barren of words, my cry trapped within;

My core came undone as my soul drifted away.

The loss of someone, somewhere, sometime ago-

The sensation lingered, while the ache within only grew.

Muffling my cries, I embraced my knees

and cocooned myself,

While the lonely night only grew colder.

Struggling with my broken self

I had lost myself,

Wandering aimlessly in the monstrous woods.

A sudden breeze enveloped my being

and steered me forward,

Beyond the thicket where a lullaby is being noodled.

Following its distant melody,

I escaped the final veil of trees

And found a shore stretched far and wide,

Clothes in black sand as dark as my regret-

My constant companion.

Above, the stars shamelessly shining brightly

illuminating the vast sky,

Unknowing the sins hidden beneath the depth.

The ocean, in its vastness,

opened its arms

welcoming myself as I threw myself into its embrace.

Drowning in remorse,

I yielded to the depths.

Yet my surrender was never accepted,

For this life was never mine alone to begin with.

Beyond the immeasurable blue,

A light began to grow-

Brighter, warmer.

The sky and ocean compromised,

to set the stage

for the Moon to echo the past

from the depth of cosmic.

A drop of moonlight

sent ripples through the night.

Across time,

the memories came flooding back.

My being brimmed

with warmth and comfort.

As echoes of the past

rekindled what I thought was lost.

An eternal vow

from a mother to her newborn.

A faint whisper that once breathed life into me,

And the promise of everlasting love.

I found my breath,

like dew beneath the first light,

the heartache within me

slowly evaporated into oblivion.

Piece by piece,

I recollected myself.

I reached for the departed,

only to grasp the wind.

Fated to remain

beyond my reach,

The voice began to fade-

Yet never truly disappeared.

It remained,

somewhere beyond the endless night.

Never beside in flesh,

yet forever within me.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, organized by Hashtag Kalakar, is a prestigious platform celebrating literary excellence worldwide. It invites writers and poets to share their unique voices and perspectives, fostering a vibrant community of creativity and artistic expression. Participants from around the globe contribute to a rich tapestry of storytelling, offering insights into diverse cultural and personal narratives. This competition is a testament to the transformative power of words and the universal nature of storytelling.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Yoganathan Loganathan for sharing "HIRAETH" with us in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Your poignant exploration of loss and memory resonates deeply, enriching the tapestry of voices in this year's event. We appreciate your contribution and look forward to seeing more of your evocative 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.