Lunch - By Tonia, Sou Ian Tong

Written By: Tonia, Sou Ian Tong

Category: Poem

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Tonia, Sou Ian Tong captivates readers with her evocative poem "Lunch," a submission to the esteemed Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This poem, under the category of Poetry, explores the intricate dance of daily life in a school canteen, weaving together themes of hunger, companionship, and the sensory experience of a midday meal.

About the Work

"Lunch" is a vivid portrayal of a school canteen's bustling environment, captured through rich imagery and a keen observation of detail. The poem delves into the sensory experiences of taste, heat, and sound, painting a lively picture of students and their surroundings. Tonia Sou's work invites readers to savor the fleeting yet profound moments shared over a meal, blending humor and nostalgia in a symphony of words.

Lunch

Original Submission by Tonia, Sou Ian Tong

LUNCH

By Tonia Sou

The sly thief creeps onto the canteen floor, its fingers glittering in the dust,

splashing warmth and making stars out of specks of light crumbs,

like it’s got a secret,

like it’s trying to say something about this moment in time,

this moment that’s halfway between hunger and heat.

The ceiling fans struggle to whir and whirr, fighting with their blades spinning tales of coolness,

battling the heat that clings to our skin,

dripping off our necks.

They try to quench us,

as students melt into their sweat-laden seats, slumped like their backpacks.

And then, the silent shadows.

Prowling between chair legs, stalking the chaos, slinking between tables.

Eyes, gleaming with innocence,

Fur, bristling with static charge.

They know the game—

who to beg from,

who’ll drop a morsel,

who’ll pretend not to notice.

Aromas rise, an invisible parade, a fragrant symphony,

Marching from sizzling pans and steaming pots. The stoves roar to life with a click, crackle and pop.

As chefs, conductors of culinary symphonies wield spatulas like wands

casting spells of nourishment by igniting their flame-breathing beasts,

filling the air with promises of flavor.

The flood gates open,

a Tsunami of rumbling stomachs and chattering teeth,

Forks become shovels,

spoons transform to catapults

as ravenous hordes devour their prey,

all the while buzzing about their tedious morning classes.

Wrappers crinkling, trays clattering.

It’s a song of hunger.

Mountains of rice vanish like mirages,

Curry rivers run dry within seconds.

And then,

as the ebb follows the flow,

the tide turns.

The gustatory chaos dies down.

The air is still now.

Bellies full,

whiskers twitching with satisfaction.

The temporary inhabitants disappear, retreating to whence they came.

Yet two stragglers remain—

Lost in conversation’s embrace,

oblivious to time’s impatient tapping.

Stretching out the last seconds of break, picking at the remains of conversations.

Alas,

they rise.

Chairs scraping a farewell dirge, like a vow, and head separate ways.

Their hearts, swelling with the promise of next time,

carry the hunger still,

the delicious longing,

that the next lunch will be even more

unforgettable.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar celebrates the art of writing by showcasing diverse voices from around the world. This competition provides a platform for writers to express their creativity and share their unique perspectives through poetry and prose, fostering a global community of literary talent.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Tonia, Sou Ian Tong for her contribution to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 with her poem "Lunch." Her ability to capture the essence of a shared daily ritual with such eloquence and depth enriches the tapestry of this competition. We look forward to her continued exploration of the world through her poetic lens.

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.