Homeland - By Shreya Vishwanath

Written By: Shreya Vishwanath

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Shreya Vishwanath presents a poignant exploration of love and loyalty in her poem "Homeland," a submission to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This moving piece resides in the Poetry category, revealing the depth of personal sacrifice and the enduring spirit of devotion. Through heartfelt verses, Vishwanath delves into the complex interplay between love and war, drawing readers into a world of emotional intensity and reflection.

About the Work

"Homeland" captures the raw emotions of devotion and sacrifice, entwined with the themes of love and war. Shreya Vishwanath uses vivid imagery and a powerful narrative to explore the essence of patriotism and personal commitment. The poem's tone is both tender and fierce, reflecting the resilience and strength found in the human spirit when faced with conflict. It invites readers to contemplate the profound depths of love and the sacrifices made in its name.

Homeland

Original Submission by Shreya Vishwanath

Submission Name: Homeland

Writer Name: Shreya Vishwanath

Email: shreyavishwanathws@gmail.com

Phone Number: 7349127087

Homeland

I surrendered my heart to a soldier

Searching for home after the war

He has tasted violence and spit it out

But what is love if not violent kindness

Your bared teeth and clenched fists do not

scare me - I reach for what lies beyond

A sacred homeland that takes as much as

it gives; I will not let it be conquered;

But War has come back for you, my love

And I finally understand

What it means to be a patriot

My body is your trench

Hide in its crevices

Sink your hands into my heart

Let your heartbeat encroach mine

And devour with the rage

of a cornered animal

learning how to fight back

What chance does war stand

in front of a martyr's offer of devotion

Let me bleed my way back to you

Let me remind you what it feels like to have something to live for

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious platform celebrating the talents of writers worldwide. It offers participants an opportunity to showcase their unique voices in poetry, short stories, essays, and creative writing. The competition provides a stage for both emerging and established writers to share their work with a global audience, fostering a vibrant community of literary expression and creativity.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Shreya Vishwanath for sharing her evocative poem "Homeland" with us. Her participation in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 enriches the tapestry of voices contributing to this esteemed event. We look forward to witnessing more of her insightful and powerful writing 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.