Home - By Neekita Nigam

Written By: neekita nigam

Category: poetry

Competition: Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Neekita Nigam presents a poignant poem titled "Home" in the category of poetry for the Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This evocative piece delves into the complex emotions surrounding the concept of home, exploring themes of belonging, betrayal, and the bittersweet journey of personal growth. As part of this prestigious competition, Nigam's work invites readers to reflect on the relationships and experiences that shape our sense of identity and place in the world.

About the Work

"Home" by Neekita Nigam is a powerful exploration of one's struggle with the notion of home and the accompanying feelings of guilt and alienation. The poem weaves a narrative that captures the essence of feeling sidelined and misunderstood, yet emerging stronger and more self-aware. Nigam's use of vivid imagery and candid expression invites readers to ponder the true meaning of home and the importance of authentic connections.

Home

Original Submission by neekita nigam

Home

Home, a place I couldn't build.

This will forever be my guilt.

School, Discord, friends I got multiple chances,

but people never valued my advances.

Not even bluffing at this point.

Sacrificed everything at every life's joint.

Notes, advice, countless hours of teaching.

Now my calls are unnecessary preaching.

Wherever I devoted time and work,

I was sidelined like a legit clerk.

Smile, smile, be the bigger person.

Be radiant like the sun.

No, I can't do it anymore.

I want to get the fuck outta this life's lore.

Just one slip up, just a single mistake,

and I am the center of hate's rake.

Wow, so justified.

All the countless hours of research,

all those "favours" pasted on life's merch.

I acknowledge I failed real bad.

Never built something real.

But, you know what? I am still glad.

At least I am not with the wrong people, the wrong feel.

The two-faced idiots.

Now it's time for my riots.

I don't care about the so-called large group of "friends." I don't care if this is how my school life ends.

I have my real friends.

The rest of them are taking advantage until their own life mends. I spent lakhs. I spent everything.

But still, Discord's notifications never ring.

Like, legit got a lesson from the past two years. Be careful of your peers.

They'll have the biggest smile when they ask for something, then ignore you like you're on the sideline.

The messages of "That's crazy"

on a sad mistake... really??

All this two-faced shit is making me dizzy.

No one thinks of you, not even merely.

Yeah, so I got a lesson.

Home, what's that? I truly have to ponder on. though I love the truest of them all.

I will support them till my life's flowers fall.

About the Competition

The Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar celebrates diverse voices and unique storytelling. This annual event provides a platform for writers to showcase their creativity and connect with a broader audience. Participants are encouraged to express their innermost thoughts and experiences, contributing to a rich tapestry of literary art.

We extend our gratitude to Neekita Nigam for sharing "Home" with us in the Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Your heartfelt expression and exploration of home and identity resonate deeply. Thank you for contributing to the vibrant literary community at Hashtag Kalakar.

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.