If Only I Had Found The Scissors - By Ch. Bhuvana Kruthi

Written By: Ch. Bhuvana Kruthi

Category: Poetry

Competition: Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the evocative poem "If Only I Had Found The Scissors," Ch. Bhuvana Kruthi presents a deeply introspective piece that delves into themes of solitude and longing. As part of the Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, this poem stands out for its exploration of personal transformation and emotional introspection. Kruthi's work invites readers to reflect on the poignant moments of silence and the search for identity amidst emotional turmoil.

About the Work

Ch. Bhuvana Kruthi's poem captures a mood of introspection and emotional depth, where the protagonist navigates through feelings of longing and isolation. The imagery of familiar tiles and the symbolic use of salt and stone convey a powerful message of identity and transformation. The literary style is characterized by a blend of vivid imagery and emotional resonance, inviting readers into a contemplative space of self-discovery and reflection.

If Only I Had Found The Scissors

Original Submission by Ch. Bhuvana Kruthi

✦ 🕯️ ✦

If Only I Had Found the Scissors

――――――――――――――――――――――――

I pace around the room.

The tiles feel too familiar.

I feel like letting out a tear,

but I can’t.

Because I know

that I have turned into stone,

cracked, dry,

and waiting for what people name love.

Even the walls refuse to listen.

I sit there still.

No sign of movement.

And yet all I yearn for

is the lingering presence

of a feeling

I could never call mine.

So I pick up a handful of salt,

because that was the only taste I knew.

Then I place a rock in my hand,

the only object

I could identify myself with,

and coat it

with the salt from my tears.

I feel something changing,

something eerie from the corner.

Someone is calling me from the corner,

but I don’t listen,

because all I wanted

was to no longer remain in the shadows,

hushing myself into the silence

I kept swallowing.

So I light a candle

and tie a string to the rock

and around my wrist,

believing it might become someone

who would stay,

even after knowing my flaws.

I hear a wish,

a chant,

a hymn,

and a spell

I never knew

conjured itself.

“Maya,” he calls out.

I turn to see

someone I could have never recognized.

He sits beside me

to fill the silence

that was consuming me.

The stone I bore inside me

feels lighter,

almost as if it had forgotten its weight.

But when I cry,

he acts as if he never saw me.

And when I laugh,

he is never the reason that I do.

He nods his head

as I ask him to do something,

something he never could do.

I feel something in my chest,

something hinting

at his silence that never answered.

I want to break ties.

I want to cut the string.

But I cannot find the scissors.

I know

it is too late.

❖

About the Competition

The Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a celebrated platform for showcasing diverse literary talents. It encourages participants to share their unique voices and perspectives through poetry and creative writing. This competition provides an opportunity for writers to engage with a global audience, fostering a vibrant community of literary expression and innovation.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Ch. Bhuvana Kruthi for sharing the moving poem "If Only I Had Found The Scissors" with us. Your participation in the Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 has brought a profound piece of introspection and emotion to the forefront. We appreciate the opportunity to feature your work and look forward to your future literary contributions.

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.