My First of Jun - By Siti Aznah binti Japilin

Written By: Siti Aznah binti Japilin

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Introducing Siti Aznah binti Japilin and her evocative poem "My First of Jun," a poignant entry in the Poetry category of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This compelling piece explores the theme of unrequited love, weaving together the warmth of summer and the chill of winter to reflect on emotions and regrets tied to a person named Jun. The competition offers a platform for creative expression, drawing participants from around the world to share their literary talents.

About the Work

"My First of Jun" is a reflective journey through the tender and bittersweet emotions of unrequited love. Siti Aznah binti Japilin uses vivid imagery and metaphoric language to draw parallels between the warmth of meeting someone special and the inevitable coldness of reality. The poem's somber yet gentle tone invites readers to ponder on the complexities of love and time, encapsulating the essence of longing and reflection.

My First of Jun

Original Submission by Siti Aznah binti Japilin

POEM TITLE

: My First of Jun

OVERVIEW

: The poem talks about unrequited love to someone named Jun who was born in June. Jun is a metaphoric comparison to the month of June where it has both the warm of summer and the coldness of winter in the opposite side of the world. The meeting and falling in love offer warm just like summer. Meanwhile, the winter comes in the form of regret for meeting each other later in life. It is a gentle reflection on a love that could never be.

My First of Jun

It was later in June that year

when we first met.

We both looked at each other,

eyes to eyes.

A recognition of two lost souls who met in an ancient time,

or maybe from a dream I couldn’t remember.

I couldn’t speak.

As if being caught in a gravity of silence.

He was handsome in a crisp cream shirt,

short hair fell on to the forehead,

porcelain skin and wide shoulder.

There was no air when he walked or talked,

My heart remembered him speaking with calm assurance.

As calm as his hands working on the scalpel,

steady and without a doubt.

Months turned to years,

as temporary as the summer,

the glimmer started to fade.

He was bound by a sacred vow.

Like the solstice sky, the night dragged on.

Sleep didn’t come by.

A headache, a heartbreak all at once.

Winter had set and so is regret.

A regret.

Of a meeting that happened too late.

I dreamed of a meeting,

In younger time when life was simple,

in another season not bound by a sacred vow,

when action was a freedom instead of a luxury.

So, I built a quiet shrine of emotion

as a gentle reminiscence of my love

for the one who was born in June.

Here lies

my first and last of Jun,

my only Jun.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious event that celebrates the art of writing. This competition welcomes participants from across the globe, providing a platform for poets and writers to share their unique voices and stories. With an emphasis on creativity and expression, it continues to foster a vibrant community of literary enthusiasts.

We extend our gratitude to Siti Aznah binti Japilin for her beautiful contribution, "My First of Jun," to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her poignant exploration of unrequited love and the passage of time resonates deeply, offering readers a glimpse into the nuanced world of emotions. Thank you, Siti, for sharing your talent with us.

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.