Memories - By Aaliyah Mackie

Written By: Aaliyah Mackie

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Aaliyah Mackie presents "Memories," a captivating poem that delves into the sentimental value of everyday objects in our lives. This submission is a part of the esteemed Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, showcasing the depth of personal attachment and nostalgia. Mackie's work invites us to reflect on the emotional connections we form with seemingly mundane items, probing the memories they encapsulate and the stories they silently narrate.

About the Work

In "Memories," Aaliyah Mackie employs vivid imagery and introspective questioning to explore how objects transcend their physicality through the memories they hold. The poem's contemplative tone and evocative language create a tapestry of nostalgia, prompting readers to consider the emotional weight of personal belongings. Through this introspection, Mackie artfully captures the essence of sentimentality and the lasting impact of cherished moments.

Memories

Original Submission by Aaliyah Mackie

Are your things special, or is it the memories they hold?

Did you love your burnt orange lipstick because it was the shade that suited you well, or because your husband said it made you look livelier?

Did you buy the sea salt perfume because it was popular, or because it reminded you of the Sunday beach visits with your cousin, the scent helping you reminisce on days you can never go back to, but only revisit in a bottle?

Was that chocolate brown bag the one you reached for because it matched most outfits, or was it because it was the exact shade of brown of the eyes you most loved?

That pen was never really in your shirt pocket because it was convenient, was it? It was because that was the ink you once used to confess the most vulnerable parts of yourself.

The silver bracelet not because it's timeless, but because the day you wore it, something in your life shifted and it's not even just about that piece of jewelry it's about the seasons it's been through with you. The best and the worst, and somehow it's still gleaming through it all.

The ruby ring promised you a lifetime that never turned into reality, and still you peek into your cupboard, looking at the red. That once meant love, now hate. But deep down, you just hate the fact that you still love it.

-AAM

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a celebration of literary creativity and expression. This esteemed competition invites participants worldwide to share their unique voices and stories, fostering a rich tapestry of global perspectives through poetry and creative writing. It serves as a platform for emerging and established writers to showcase their talents and connect with a broader audience.

We extend our sincere gratitude to Aaliyah Mackie for her moving contribution, "Memories," to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her exploration of the sentimental bonds we form with personal items resonates deeply with readers, offering a profound reflection on memory and attachment. We thank Aaliyah for sharing her poetic voice with us and look forward to her future endeavors in the literary world.

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.