KEEPER OF FORGOTTEN TALES - By Priyanka Pati

Written By: Priyanka Pati

Category: Poetry

Competition: Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Priyanka Pati's "KEEPER OF FORGOTTEN TALES" is a profound entry in the Poetry category of the Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, hosted by Hashtag Kalakar. This evocative poem delves into the themes of memory, isolation, and the passage of time, inviting readers to reflect on the stories that linger in the shadows of our lives. Priyanka's work offers a poignant exploration of the forgotten and the overlooked, set against the backdrop of a silent, yet expressive garden gnome.

About the Work

Priyanka Pati's poem weaves a tapestry of introspection and nostalgia, capturing the essence of forgotten narratives. The imagery of a garden gnome serves as a silent witness to tales long lost, symbolizing the remnants of past joys and sorrows. The poem's mood is contemplative, with a hint of melancholy, as it explores the struggle between holding onto desires and the weight of unseen fears. Through its vivid language and timeless themes, the poem resonates with anyone who has ever felt the burden of unfulfilled dreams.

KEEPER OF FORGOTTEN TALES

Original Submission by Priyanka Pati

KEEPER OF FORGOTTEN TALES

The mind and soul that used to bind so tight,

Are now far away from each other’s sight.

Every wish and desire that had grown,

Is now trampled under fears unknown.

In our worries and thoughts, we have drowned,

Coming back to the place we are bound.

I come back to the hollow and empty home,

Where I am wished only by the garden gnome.

His smile is frozen, eyes lost, unfazed by time,

Telling horrors known to him, through silent, skilful mime.

The tales that travel through the land and sea,

Tell us how vicious and terrifying they can be.

Yet now he stands smiling and alone,

In the sunlight, he is as lifeless as stone.

His red, pointy hat stands upright on his silvery hair,

As though pointing towards his hidden crystal lair.

Telling how he preserved them for centuries,

The stories that are now wiped from memories.

It seems as if his minuscule figure,

Was once full of life and vigour.

I look inside the dark and lonely house,

Untouched, even by creatures like cat and mouse.

My mind is restless trying to get out of the maze,

While the soul is exhausted, trying to pause the endless race.

The gnome stands perfectly still in the garden,

A cruel reminder of the pressure I have laden.

His words are silenced with a smile on his round face,

His tiny hand half-raised, pointing to an unknown place

He tempts me to let it all go,

To cover under the worry’s blow.

But my desires lie behind the turmoil,

My dreams and efforts will not foil,

As every light that shines so bright,

Was once consumed by an endless night.

About the Competition

The Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious platform for writers and poets worldwide to showcase their creativity and talent. With a focus on diverse themes and a celebration of artistic expression, this competition invites participants to share their unique voices and perspectives. It is an opportunity for emerging and established writers to gain recognition and connect with a community of like-minded individuals.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Priyanka Pati for her contribution to the Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her poem, "KEEPER OF FORGOTTEN TALES," invites us to ponder the stories we carry and the memories we cherish. We appreciate Priyanka's talent and dedication to the art of poetry, and we look forward to seeing more of her 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.