Homesick - By Ayesha Mushtaq

Written By: Ayesha Mushtaq

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Immerse yourself in the evocative world of "Homesick," a poignant poem by Ayesha Mushtaq. Featured in the Poetry category of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, this piece delves into the intricate themes of love and longing. Ayesha's work resonates with the universal human experience of seeking connection and grappling with the aftermath of emotional bonds. Join us as we explore the depths of her heartfelt submission.

About the Work

"Homesick" beautifully encapsulates the intricacies of human emotion, as Ayesha Mushtaq navigates the delicate balance between love and loss. Her vivid imagery and introspective tone invite readers to reflect on the risks of building emotional sanctuaries within others. The poem's rhythmic flow and evocative language create a hauntingly memorable piece that speaks to the universality of unmet longing and the inevitable heartache that accompanies it.

Homesick

Original Submission by Ayesha Mushtaq

Homesick

They warned us not to make homes in people,

For they were never meant to stay.

Despite the warnings, I held my hand out to you,

Built a home in you anyway.

I never understood why love needed walls,

Why it was a risk people were afraid to take.

Loving you felt as natural as breathing,

Never fearing the fall I was destined to take.

The echoes of us still linger in silence,

and I wonder if this really was our fate.

I reached for the past with trembling fingers,

But some things are found only too late.

I memorized the way your hands fit in mine,

Like the universe had measured them just for me.

Now my fingers close around empty air,

And nothing has ever felt so incomplete.

You once told me forever was just a word,

That love was meant to be felt, not spoken.

But now I wonder if forever was a lie,

Or if love was only real until it was broken.

To this day, I wonder what we might have been,

If it weren't for the choice I couldn't take back.

I reached for you once, hoping you'd return,

But all I found was the cold of what we lacked.

They warned us not to make homes in people,

For they were never meant to stay.

Despite the warnings, I held my hand out to you,

Built a home in you anyway.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious platform celebrating diverse voices in poetry and creative writing. It offers participants the opportunity to showcase their literary talents on a global stage, fostering a community of writers who share a passion for storytelling and artistic expression. This competition highlights the power of words to inspire and connect individuals across cultures.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Ayesha Mushtaq for sharing her evocative poem "Homesick" with us. Her participation in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 contributes to the rich tapestry of voices exploring the depths of human emotion through the written word. Thank you, Ayesha, for your compelling contribution.

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.