I let my grief simmer. - By Hajara Hilmee

Written By: Hajara Hilmee

Category: Short essay

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Hajara Hilmee offers a poignant reflection in her short essay "I let my grief simmer." as part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This competition celebrates creativity from around the world, and Hajara's piece stands out in the category of Short Story. Her work delves into the profound themes of loss and longing, exploring the tender memories of a mother through the lens of personal grief.

About the Work

In "I let my grief simmer.", Hajara Hilmee navigates the delicate terrain of memory and loss with a lyrical touch. The essay captures the nuanced emotions of longing, regret, and the desire to hold onto precious moments that slip away all too quickly. With vivid imagery and a heartfelt narrative, Hajara paints a picture of a daughter's love and yearning, evoking a deep sense of empathy and understanding.

I let my grief simmer.

Original Submission by Hajara Hilmee

I LET MY GRIEF SIMMER.

When the water boils, the rising steam creates just enough space for my mind to wander back to my mother.

​I haven’t spoken to her in nine days. Exactly.

Forever is a heavy word, perhaps too massive and greedy a thing to ask from the universe. So, I find myself bargaining for smaller fragments of time. Just a little longer, I whisper to the empty room. Just until I turn eighteen.

A quiet terror settles in, the fear that I might begin to forget the precise cadence of her voice, or the exact weight of the way she held me. Her hands on my shoulders, pulling me in tight. If someone had only told me that was the final time, I would have held on just a little tighter. No one willingly lets go when they know it is the last time they will ever embrace their mother, hear her voice, or feel the gentle rhythm of her breath.

Perhaps, if I had held her tight enough, she would have lived a little longer. Perhaps she could have escaped death the way Admetus did. I would have gladly been her Alcestis. I would have given up my own life instead of hers, trading my breath so she could escape the underworld and stay just a little longer, long enough to see her children grow into the people she always wished them to be.

But here, in the quiet reality of my kitchen, there is no Alcestis, no Admetus, and no mythic underworld to bargain with. There is only the truth: when God calls, we must follow His command.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious platform that showcases the diverse talents of writers and poets worldwide. This competition embraces a variety of genres, encouraging participants to express their unique voices and perspectives. It continues to inspire creativity and foster a global community of literary enthusiasts.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Hajara Hilmee for sharing her evocative short essay "I let my grief simmer." in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her moving portrayal of grief and memory resonates deeply, and we appreciate her contribution to this celebration of creative expression.

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.