Love - By Qaanita Surtie

Written By: Qaanita Surtie

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In her poem "Love," Qaanita Surtie beautifully captures the essence of familial bonds and the profound impact of chosen family. This heartfelt submission is part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, where poets and writers from around the world are invited to share their unique voices and stories. Surtie's work is a testament to the enduring power of love and the connections that define our lives.

About the Work

"Love" by Qaanita Surtie is an evocative exploration of the deep connections between a mother, a daughter, and a beloved uncle. The poem resonates with themes of gratitude, admiration, and the unwavering support found within a family. Through tender imagery and heartfelt expression, Surtie reveals the strength and comfort that love provides, even in the face of life's challenges.

Love

Original Submission by Qaanita Surtie

Love

Mom,

There aren't enough words in this world

to measure the love I carry for you.

I love you with my whole heart-

every piece of it.

And every day,

I find myself hoping

that one day

I can become

at least half the woman you are.

You have always been my safe place,

the voice that calms every storm,

the arms that make everything feel okay.

No matter where I am,

no matter what I've done,

I know I can call you for anything.

You've never judged me,

never turned me away,

and never stopped showing up for me.

I've watched you work harder

than anyone I've ever known.

You've carried burdens

you never should have had to carry,

hidden your pain behind a smile,

and somehow still found a way

to put me first.

You gave me your time,

your strength,

your patience,

your love-

even when you had so little left for yourself.

You didn't just tell me

what unconditional love looks like.

You lived it.

Then life brought Uncle Jay into ours.

I don't love him simply because you do.

I love him because he chose us.

He chose to love me,

to guide me,

to laugh with me,

to listen without judgment,

and to become the father

I never knew I needed.

He has shown me

that family isn't only about blood-

it's about the people

who choose to stay.

He's the person I know I can call

when life feels too heavy.

The one I can tell anything to.

The one who never makes me feel

like my problems are too small.

Sometimes,

if I'm in trouble,

I know I can call Uncle Jay first,

because I know he'll help me find a way through it,

and together we'll face whatever comes next.

That kind of love

is something I will treasure forever.

There is one wish

I'll always carry in my heart.

I wish Daddy-

my grandfather,

who loved his daughter

and his granddaughter

with everything he had-

could have met Uncle Jay.

He came into our lives

long after Daddy left this world,

and that will always leave

a quiet ache in my heart.

Because when I look at Uncle Jay,

I see little pieces of Daddy.

Not because they're the same,

but because of the way he loves us.

The way he shows up.

The way he protects us.

The way he makes sure we never have to wonder if we're loved.

I just know that Daddy would've shaken his hand and

thanked him

for loving his daughter

and his granddaughter

the way he does.

And I know

he would've been proud.

Proud that

after he was gone,

someone came into our lives

who chose

to carry

that same kind of love.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious platform celebrating the art of words. It brings together talented poets and writers from diverse backgrounds, offering them an opportunity to showcase their creativity and connect with a global audience. This competition is a celebration of literary excellence and the power of storytelling.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Qaanita Surtie for sharing her beautiful poem "Love" with us in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her words remind us of the enduring nature of love and the cherished bonds that shape our lives. We are grateful for her contribution and wish her continued success in her creative endeavors.

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.