I Like To Think You’re The Leaves - By Salma Eid

Written By: Salma Eid

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the realm of evocative poetry, Salma Eid presents "I Like To Think You’re The Leaves" as part of the prestigious Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This poetic piece captures the essence of nature and emotion, weaving a tapestry of introspection that resonates deeply with readers. Through the metaphor of leaves, Salma explores the complexities of memory and emotional resilience, inviting us into a world where nature mirrors the human experience.

About the Work

Salma Eid's poem is a delicate exploration of the interplay between nature and human emotion. The work reflects on the cyclical nature of feelings, using vivid imagery of leaves and seasons to depict the persistence and transformation of memories. The mood shifts between nostalgia and acceptance, encapsulated in a style that is both lyrical and contemplative. Salma's use of language evokes a sense of renewal and decay, mirroring the natural processes that govern life and emotion.

I Like To Think You’re The Leaves

Original Submission by Salma Eid

I Like To Think You’re The Leaves

you’re like the leaves,

you’ll never truly leave my heart or my thoughts

but some days you die,

some days you slowly rot,

and some days you grow greener than ever.

like the sun

and rain

in spring growing its leaves,

my heart and mind will choose to favor you and remind me of you…

except i don’t know the seasons of my mind.

i don’t know when it will choose to kill you,

or slowly decay you,

or feed your memory so you glow and green in my heart.

i like to think you are the leaves—that way you never truly die.

the internal spring of my heart will grow you back,

regenerate you,

make you look beautiful enough to dwell on,

in my spring it makes my heart bleed and torment my mind when you are regrown,

and in the winter of my mind,

when you are hallow,

empty,

and dead to me,

i am in bliss.

the irony encapsulates how completely deranged you’ve made me.

and how i feel disordered,

no longer natural like the seasons,

like everything is backwards,

like i’m permanently in the season of desolation.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar stands as a beacon for writers and poets worldwide to showcase their literary talents. This prestigious event celebrates creativity and expression, providing a platform for voices from diverse backgrounds to share their unique stories and perspectives. Participants engage in a vibrant community of artists, contributing to a dynamic and inspiring literary landscape.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Salma Eid for her touching contribution, "I Like To Think You’re The Leaves," to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her work enriches the tapestry of poetic expression, and we are grateful for the opportunity to share it with a wider audience. Salma's insightful exploration of emotion and nature leaves a lasting impression.

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.