Mother's Blood Could Never Betray - By Ch. Bhuvana Kruthi

Written By: Ch. Bhuvana Kruthi

Category: Poetry

Competition: Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the evocative poem "Mother's Blood Could Never Betray," Ch. Bhuvana Kruthi captures a powerful narrative that resonates deeply with themes of identity and trust. As part of the Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 hosted by Hashtag Kalakar, this poem explores the inner landscape of a girl's journey through societal expectations and personal revelations. The work is a testament to the strength and resilience found within oneself, even in the face of betrayal.

About the Work

Ch. Bhuvana Kruthi's poem employs vivid imagery and emotive language to delve into the complexities of growing up as a girl within a framework of societal dictates. With a reflective and poignant tone, the poem questions the reliability of familiar voices and the concept of trust, ultimately revealing the deeper, often hidden, personal scars. Its lyrical style and introspective narrative invite readers to ponder the themes of freedom and self-discovery.

Mother's Blood Could Never Betray

Original Submission by Ch. Bhuvana Kruthi

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Mother's Blood Could Never Betray

――――――――――――――――――――――――

I was a girl.

They told me to braid my hair.

I did.

They told me to wear a long skirt.

I promised I would.

They told me to wear a jacket.

I obeyed,

thinking at least

my shoulders wouldn't go cold.

But they forgot to tell me

that I was a girl.

I held a book

close to my chest.

The book

that sketched every dawn

I dreamt of living.

The book

that promised

never to betray my secrets.

It folded my poems

between its pages,

guarding them

like a girl

the world

was never meant to steal.

They taught me

to obey every voice around me.

They taught me

to trust the voices closest to me,

but they forgot to teach me

that even familiar voices

can lead you away from home.

He knew

I hated braiding my hair.

He knew

I filled notebooks

with places

I had never seen.

He smiled and said,

"I'll take you

to the dawn

you've been sketching in your diary.

You'll never have to braid your hair again.

You'll never have to wear a long skirt."

So I followed.

After all,

I believed

my mother's blood

could never betray me,

could never leave a stain.

They called me naive.

But I never knew

that some stains

aren't left on clothes.

Some dwell

where no water

can ever reach.

He placed a key

in my hand,

locked the door,

and left.

The key

never fit the lock.

But the footsteps

never stopped.

I stopped counting days.

I stopped remembering faces.

Because the bruises hurt even more

every time

I looked at the calendar.

Every time

I remembered

the eyes

that consumed me whole.

I kept reminding myself-

I was a girl

with candles on a cake,

a mother waiting at home,

lilies blooming

in a garden

I wanted to write about,

and a bracelet

waiting for my wrist

at home.

But I realized-

I would never return.

It reminded me

that I would never sketch

dawns and twilights again.

I became the poem

the world never understood.

❖

About the Competition

The Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious platform that celebrates the art of writing. It offers participants from around the world an opportunity to showcase their literary talents. This competition is renowned for its diverse entries that explore a wide range of themes, providing a space for poets and writers to express their unique voices and stories.

Thank you, Ch. Bhuvana Kruthi, for your poignant submission, "Mother's Blood Could Never Betray." Your participation in the Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 has brought a powerful narrative to light, enriching the tapestry of voices and stories shared through Hashtag Kalakar.

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.