Matthjis' Memento Mori - By Sharon Tong

Written By: Sharon Tong

Category: Poem #2 (Do read them in order)

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In her evocative poem "Matthjis' Memento Mori," Sharon Tong delves into the complexities of love and loss within the context of personal growth. As a participant in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, Sharon uses her poem to explore themes of grief and self-discovery after a significant romantic relationship. The poem's rich narrative and emotional depth invite readers to reflect on the nuanced experiences of love entwined with the challenges of commitment and personal transformation.

About the Work

"Matthjis' Memento Mori" captivates with its vivid imagery and raw emotional expression. Sharon Tong skillfully captures the tension between love and fear of commitment, painting a poignant picture of longing and heartache. The poem's introspective tone and rhythmic flow guide readers through a journey of self-reflection, ultimately conveying the universal struggle of moving on from past relationships while holding onto the hope for a better future.

Matthjis' Memento Mori

Original Submission by Sharon Tong

Grief is love with nowhere to go

Grief surged into an endless flow

It seeped into the cracks of my understanding

And tried making sense of the gap between

what we shared and what you were defending

You were the sunset on a sunny January

The chirpy coos of a yellow canary

Shedding warmth and light onto my

Pale and dry bones

Inviting me into the great unknown.

Almost a decade of closing my legs

Though it wasn’t too hard because

John was the dregs.

I listened to You, prayed for my mom

And stayed in this nightmare until

I became undone

So when it was over, I went over to Matt’s

Up to his tower and into his bed

Comfort and safety awakened a hunger

I forsook my Master and let him deflower

You bottle-fed me with love and care,

Hand on the small of my back, tucking in tufts of my hair

Everything felt surreal; nothing needed fixing

Until one day you mentioned that something was missing

So we gave it more time, and celebrated a few things,

It took me a while, but I noticed a change

I felt the temperature of our love

Grow warmer and warmer

So I asked if you were ready

To put on your armor

You said we wouldn’t work

And fumbled between reasons,

Until I peeled the layers of your mind,

And exposed your real demons

It was never a lack of love,

But a fear of commitment

I was only the mistress

And you were married to your freedom

Had I have known this was the case,

We wouldn’t have even gone past the very first date

Because while I was falling for you

You were looking for an escape

So now I writhe, I contort

In the sheer agony of your absence

Wondering if torment would ever find you

Amidst the salsa music’s cadence

You said you’d let me know

If this was a mistake

Though it also goes to show

That I’m only the second pick

I have loved you well and whole

Right until the very end

There was nothing wrong with us

Apart from your ability to bend

That’s why it hurts so much

To hear you disagree,

Because being tied to me was heavier

Than the weight of losing me

Logically I know

That I’m probably meant for someone else

God did not create me to wait

for someone still struggling to find himself

But every now and then

Between the minutes of the day

I couldn’t help but wonder

What would’ve happened if you stayed

Alas, this is just another case

Of right person, wrong timing

And even if the years greet you with regret

It would be a result of your own undoing

I want to move on, Matt

You didn’t choose me

I have to let you go

So the right person can find me

But if our timelines align

And you come to your senses

Come back to me

And let go of your defenses.

Context:

After breaking up with my ex-fiancee of 9 years [John], I fell in love with a Dutch guy [Matt]. We dated for 6 months until I found out the hard way that he was an Avoidant with commitment issues. After remaining celibate with John, since we were both Christians, and feeling completely disenchanted with life and abandoned by God, I let Matt take away that one thing from me that was irrevocable. Hence, this was a soliloquy of my sadness, and a plunge into the depths of my grief.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 hosted by Hashtag Kalakar is a celebration of literary talent from around the world. This prestigious event provides a platform for writers to showcase their creativity and engage with a global audience. Participants explore diverse themes through poetry, short stories, and essays, contributing to a rich tapestry of contemporary literature.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Sharon Tong for her contribution to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 with her poignant poem "Matthjis' Memento Mori." Her work enriches the competition's tapestry with its emotional depth and introspective narrative. We wish her continued success in her literary journey and hope her words inspire readers to reflect on their own experiences of love and growth.

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.