Le Mal Du Pays - By Taanirika Sharma

Written By: Taanirika Sharma

Category: Poetry

Competition: Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In "Le Mal Du Pays," Taanirika Sharma, writing under the name Le Mal Du Pays, presents a poignant exploration of homesickness through poetry. As part of the Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar, this piece delves into the emotional nuances of longing and memory. With a profound sensitivity, Taanirika captures the essence of missing places, people, and moments that define our sense of belonging.

About the Work

Taanirika's "Le Mal Du Pays" is a tender meditation on the feeling of homesickness. Through vivid imagery and emotive language, the poem evokes a sense of nostalgia and yearning. The recurring theme of longing for connection, be it through photographs, familiar items, or cherished memories, is artfully woven throughout the piece. This work resonates with anyone who has experienced the ache of distance from home or loved ones.

Le Mal Du Pays

Original Submission by Taanirika Sharma

LE MAL DU PAYS

The photos hanging in my room

with faces living far away,

they make me often feel-

le mal du pays.

That one jacket left at a friend’s house,

has collars in grey,

no other jacket makes me feel the same-

le mal du pays.

That garden I’ve never visited

watering grass through a sprinkler spray;

I lay on my bed and imagine walking on it-

le mal du pays.

A dog lives in the streets

whom I feed every day,

it roams freely yet yearns for a home-

le mal du pays.

The earphones I don’t use anymore,

in some corner of my cupboard, lonely they lay.

I wonder if they search for me-

le mal du pays.

A friend once told me

she misses a part of herself from that one may,

“What’s this called?”, she asked.

“Homesickness”, I answered.

Le mal du pays.

About the Competition

The Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar celebrates the diverse voices and talents of writers across the globe. This esteemed competition invites participants to express their creativity and share their unique stories and perspectives. It serves as a platform for emerging and established writers to showcase their work to a wider audience, fostering a vibrant community of literary enthusiasts.

Thank you, Taanirika Sharma, for sharing your beautiful poem "Le Mal Du Pays" with us. Your exploration of homesickness resonates deeply and adds a significant voice to the Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. We appreciate your contribution and look forward to seeing more of your evocative 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.