In Defence of Forgetting - By Lei Ka Man

Written By: Lei Ka Man

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the evocative poem "In Defence of Forgetting," Lei Ka Man invites readers to explore the nuances of memory and identity. Submitted as part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, this work delves into the emotional landscape of what it means to forget. The poem navigates the delicate balance between cherished memories and the losses that come with time, presenting a graceful acceptance of our human frailties.

About the Work

Lei Ka Man's "In Defence of Forgetting" is a poignant reflection on memory's fleeting nature and its impact on identity. Through introspective and vivid imagery, the poem explores the emotional weight of forgetting, contrasting societal expectations with personal truths. The mood is both melancholic and accepting, illustrating how certain memories remain while others fade. The work eloquently suggests that forgetting can be a form of grace, offering a unique perspective on human experience.

In Defence of Forgetting

Original Submission by Lei Ka Man

In Defence of Forgetting

by Lei Ka Man

Poor fool, who calls me senseless for my sieve of a mind,

Let them say it; I have long since lost the thread

That ties a man’s name to his face, a promise to its hour.

I am not ungrateful, only emptied,

Like a cup turned over in the rain,

And what I held I held but for a moment.

I wander the corridors of my own house

As though it were a stranger’s, the photographs

Staring back at me with eyes I ought to know.

They ask me, “Do you remember?”

And I smile, because to remember is to grieve

For what has slipped through my fingers like water,

And I have wept so often I have no tears left

For the ordinary losses…the keys, the hour,

The name of that bird at the window.

They say I am forgetful, but they do not see

That I have forgotten only what the world insists upon:

The dates, the debts, the small decencies of reply.

I remember instead the weight of a hand in mine,

The way the light fell across a certain floor,

A voice that said my name as though it were a song.

These are the things that will not leave me,

Though I cannot tell you when or where they were.

And so I speak to myself, who is almost a stranger,

Who carries the same face but not the same story,

And I tell him: stay with me, old friend,

Though we drift like two boats on a tide,

Though I cannot promise you tomorrow’s bread,

I can promise you this moment, this single, burning moment,

Where I am still I, and the sun still rises,

And forgetting is not a crime, but a kind of grace.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar celebrates the rich tapestry of creative expression. It provides a platform for poets and writers worldwide to share their unique voices and stories. The competition embraces diverse themes and styles, fostering a global community of artists dedicated to the craft of writing.

Thank you, Lei Ka Man, for your heartfelt contribution to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Your poem, "In Defence of Forgetting," resonates with its readers, offering a touching exploration of memory and identity. We appreciate your participation and look forward to seeing more of your inspiring work 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.