More Work, Less Pay - By Diya Sarah

Written By: Diya Sarah

Category: Poetry

Competition: Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In her thought-provoking poem "More Work, Less Pay," Diya Sarah delves into the stark realities faced by laborers, a theme she explores in her submission to the Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This competition, a celebration of literary artistry, serves as a platform for writers like Diya to illuminate pressing social issues through the power of words. Diya's piece captures the struggles and sacrifices of laborers and service workers, painting a vivid picture of their daily lives.

About the Work

"More Work, Less Pay" poignantly reflects the relentless toil faced by laborers, juxtaposed against the meager compensation they receive. Diya Sarah skillfully employs vivid imagery and a rhythmic flow to convey the exhaustion and perseverance of these individuals. The poem's tone is both empathetic and critical, inviting readers to reflect on societal inequalities. Through her evocative verses, Diya sheds light on the universal theme of hard work often being undervalued.

More Work, Less Pay

Original Submission by Diya Sarah

The day dawned bright,

Driving away the night.

It was like any other day,

More work, less pay.

The rays of the sun gently touched the labourers out on the site, It was apparently the only thing that heard of their plight. These were labourers from Bihar and beyond,

Who had journeyed to Delhi for work and had found A building site in need of manual labour.

And so, for their families, they toiled night and day, Working in the blazing sun and the hot winds of May, In the freezing winters they did not stop,

But it was always just, more work, less pay.

For the maid who cooked, cleaned, and cared

for people so stingy they did not care how she fared; For she was given no special fee,

More work, less pay was apparently the decree.

And yet by the sweat of her brow she brought home to her family a sack of rice and a box of flour that was filled only partially. Despite her tiresome day at work,

She stood at her little stove stirring potatoes with a rather large fork.

And leaning on the balcony of his mansion,

Stood a middle-aged doctor, pondering over a decision. Should he have done what he did today?

Would it decrease his work and increase his pay?

He sipped a cup of hot coffee,

Sighing, with every sip, so exhaustedly.

He grumbled to his wife as he did every day,

About his problems and ‘more work, less pay’.

About the Competition

The Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar provides a prestigious platform for writers to showcase their talents and share their unique voices with a global audience. This competition encourages participants to explore diverse themes and express their creativity through the written word, fostering a community of passionate literary enthusiasts.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Diya Sarah for her evocative submission "More Work, Less Pay" to the Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her insightful exploration of laborers' challenges adds a powerful voice to the competition and inspires meaningful reflection.

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.