I Never Left - By Ch. Bhuvana Kruthi

Written By: Ch. Bhuvana Kruthi

Category: Poetry

Competition: Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In her poignant piece "I Never Left," Ch. Bhuvana Kruthi shares a deeply personal and introspective poem in the Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. The competition celebrates diverse voices in the literary arts. Kruthi's work, categorized under poetry, explores themes of inner turmoil and resilience, offering readers a profound glimpse into the human experience. With vivid imagery and emotive language, this poem invites reflection and connection.

About the Work

"I Never Left" by Ch. Bhuvana Kruthi is a haunting exploration of emotional struggle and resilience. The poem's vivid imagery captures a poignant journey through pain and self-discovery. With a mix of somber tones and hopeful notes, Kruthi crafts an evocative narrative that resonates deeply. The piece artfully balances darkness with moments of light, ultimately conveying a powerful message about finding strength amidst adversity.

I Never Left

Original Submission by Ch. Bhuvana Kruthi

✦ 🍃 ✦

I Never Left

――――――――――――――――――――――――

I stepped into the grey,

I was blinded by the angst swallowing my core;

A soul whispering, “Guard your heart”

the air carries the stench of tears

“Shhhh!” they might hear

They might blaze a fire to reduce you to ash

A stab in the stomach, a choke in the throat

My crimson points to a corner

The light guiding me there

She swirls around in joy, not caring about the world outside

Singing with the jays and dancing with the wind

She wears a broken jade, she doesn’t replace

She spots me and looks me in the eye

A sudden echo pulls me close to her, reminding me I never really left

I pull back, carrying a weight she never had to bear

Her laughter tracing a path I could never follow

I leave knowing I might never laugh the same, but I’ve learned how not to drown.

❖

About the Competition

The Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious event showcasing the talents of writers from around the world. This competition celebrates creativity across poetry, short stories, and essays, highlighting unique voices and perspectives. Participants are encouraged to explore themes close to their hearts, contributing to a rich tapestry of literary expression.

Thank you, Ch. Bhuvana Kruthi, for sharing your evocative poem "I Never Left" with us in the Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Your work beautifully captures the nuances of human emotion and resilience, leaving a lasting impact on readers. We appreciate your contribution to the world of poetry and look forward to more of your insightful creations.

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.