inflamed - By Joshua

Written By: Joshua

Category: poetry - free verse

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Joshua, writing under the name "inflamed," presents a compelling free verse poetry collection titled "inflamed." Submitted as part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, this collection delves into the intricate emotions that shape human experience. Through vivid imagery and introspective themes, Joshua's work explores the depths of gratitude, humility, and despondency, inviting readers to reflect on the complexities of their own emotional landscapes.

About the Work

"inflamed" is a rich tapestry of emotions articulated through free verse poetry. Joshua's work navigates the serene and tumultuous aspects of human sentiment, from the tranquil gratitude likened to a crystal-clear lake to the profound humility that challenges one's sense of self. His vivid imagery and introspective style evoke a sense of both wonder and introspection, capturing the essence of emotions that define our lives.

inflamed

Original Submission by Joshua

a short collection

Gratitude

Gratitude is like a serene, crystal clear, unceasing lake that flows and trickles and fills in the gaps of one’s heart.

Humility

Oh the severe crushing and liberating pressure of watching someone greater and more admirable and wondrous and then, humility. It humiliates and chides in mocking fashion whilst taking, grasping, the heart in starry profundity, occupies it, and threatens to consume you and your reality itself.

Narcissus

Is there beauty in the crystal clear reflections of a serene and still lake that peers upwards at you with undisguised curiosity, spite, mockery, pride, and poetic judgment. Are we so above ourselves that we do not believe we can fall into its depths, just like narcissus did?

Feeling

Blissful and blessed are our emotions, starry and wondrous colourful aurora patterns that illuminate our inner skies and threaten us with the capability to leap and soar above the mundane grittiness of logic’s soil.

And then we gracefully descend, endeavouring to scale up earthen peaks just for another glimpse of heaven.

Despondency

Despondency, a punctured hole in your heart that you immediately realise cannot be patched, but I bask in it like how the cold blooded animal basks in the sun.

void

Wherein the colourful emotional aurora dissipates, wherein the void rises up the chasm of my heart, wherein it’s chambers proliferates a dark, unwilling, nihilism.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar celebrates diverse voices and creative expression from around the world. This prestigious platform offers participants the opportunity to showcase their work, engage with a global audience, and explore the power of words to connect and inspire.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Joshua for sharing his evocative poetry collection "inflamed" with us. His participation in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 enriches the dialogue of human emotion and creativity. We look forward to seeing how his words continue to inspire and resonate with readers worldwide.

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.