Hungry still, to be chosen - By Kelly Franciscus

Written By: Kelly Franciscus

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Kelly Franciscus presents "Hungry still, to be chosen," a poignant piece featured in the Poetry category of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This evocative poem delves into themes of longing and the desire for recognition, capturing the universal human experience of feeling unseen. The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 is a platform celebrating diverse voices from around the world, and Kelly's contribution adds a profound perspective to this year's collection.

About the Work

Kelly Franciscus' poem is an exploration of expectation and the yearning for acknowledgment. Through vivid imagery and an intimate tone, the poem paints a scene of a meticulously prepared celebration, ultimately overshadowed by the presence of indifferent strangers. The juxtaposition of order and chaos, alongside poignant reflections on identity and service, creates a powerful narrative about the human condition and the hunger for validation.

Hungry still, to be chosen

Original Submission by Kelly Franciscus

Hungry still, to be chosen

I dust off the chairs.

I polish aged silver.

Forks—

Knives—

Spoons—

Unveiled from my mind's old webbing

Untouched

Aching to be held

Freshly ironed linen

Elegantly placed

In quiet devotion

I tend the table.

Pristine plates

Await what I long for

Crystal reserved

To cradle champagne

Ready for celebration—

At last

The meal prepared for me.

Stillness shatters—

Footsteps thunder close

Strangers swarm seats

Carelessness clangs—warning bells

Foreign voices spill across the linen

Every gesture upended

I am unseen

Elbowed aside

Motionless in the corner

A silent observer

Still hoping for recognition

The meal is presented—

My cutlery is pressed into use

by unknown hands

Forks—

Knives—

Spoons—

Grabbed with casual disregard

I am ordered to open the celebratory bottle,

Expected to refill glasses

I watch as my own hands betray me—

Bound in invisible shackles

Poised to serve

The meal is devoured—

Meat sucked from bone

Picked from teeth

Gristle spat onto linen

Praises for the chef gurgle

from mouths too full to swallow

I envy each morsel

as I scrape the greasy aftermath—

A banquet reduced to

carnage

I am left wanting

One by one

The strangers leave.

Crystal—

Splintered, dulled—

Stands amid debris.

Plates

Sullied with residue—

Discarded.

Silence

My familiar companion

pulls out a chair for me

​I am served scraps —

Empty promises

A parody of abundance.

Dirty forks—

Knives—

Spoons—

I scavenge what is offered;

Remains paraded as a feast

Each mouthful feeds

the lie of fullness—

I swallow

what will never satisfy me

Hungry still

to be chosen

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious event that showcases exceptional literary talent from across the globe. Participants submit works that reflect a wide array of themes and styles, contributing to a vibrant tapestry of creativity. This competition is a testament to the enduring power of words and the stories that connect us all.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Kelly Franciscus for sharing "Hungry still, to be chosen" with us in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Your work offers a deep and resonant insight into the human desire for connection and recognition. We look forward to seeing more of your compelling poetry 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.