Leftovers For You - By Ayesha Mushtaq

Written By: Ayesha Mushtaq

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, Ayesha Mushtaq presents her evocative poem, "Leftovers For You." As part of the poetry category, Ayesha’s work delves into the complex emotions surrounding farewells and the lasting imprints of love. This poignant piece offers readers a glimpse into the persistence of memory and emotion, even when goodbyes seem final.

About the Work

"Leftovers For You" by Ayesha Mushtaq intricately explores the lingering presence of those we've parted from. Through vivid imagery and emotive language, the poem captures the essence of love's indelible mark. Ayesha skillfully conveys the persistence of memories, revealing how past relationships continue to echo in our lives through familiar places and sensations.

Leftovers For You

Original Submission by Ayesha Mushtaq

Leftovers for you

Goodbyes can be hard when the action of leaving is permanent and yet that person still occupies so much space within your chest. Goodbye isn’t final, it’s not the finish line that you have to step over in order to forget.

You can’t unlove someone, get their scent out of your pillowcase, can’t unlearn their name and forget the color of their eyes, you can’t forget them, and you can’t forget what it felt like to be immersed in the hope and beauty of another human being.

People never stay gone, they always come back as glimpses of your past, they show up in street corners, they show up in familiar laughs and at the booth of that first restaurant where they held your hand and promised you oceans of love that seemed so grand.

Goodbyes aren’t as simple as people say,

goodbye isn’t really goodbye when your heart wants to stay, not for the one left behind in the wreckage you made,

holding the storm’s promise long after it fades.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious event celebrating diverse voices in poetry and creative writing. This competition provides a platform for writers worldwide to share their unique perspectives and showcase their literary talents to a global audience.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Ayesha Mushtaq for sharing her moving poem, "Leftovers For You," with the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Ayesha’s ability to capture the enduring nature of love and memory is truly remarkable, and we are grateful for her contribution to this year’s event.

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.