Nameless Guards - By Swasti Devarshi

Written By: Swasti Devarshi

Category: Poetry

Competition: Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the 2026 Poetry and Creative Writing Competition, Swasti Devarshi, writing as Nameless Guards, presents "Nameless Guards," a poignant entry in the Poetry category. The work delves into the theme of forgotten hopes and dreams nestled among the mundane objects of an office. With a keen eye for detail, Swasti captures the quiet resilience of these inanimate witnesses to human ambition and longing.

About the Work

"Nameless Guards" weaves a narrative of endurance and silent witness through its vivid imagery of everyday objects like a chair, table, and window. The poem paints a picture of a neglected office space, symbolizing the overlooked dreams and ambitions of countless individuals. Its melancholic yet hopeful tone invites readers to reflect on the persistence of hope amidst decay and neglect, urging a rediscovery of lost aspirations.

Nameless Guards

Original Submission by Swasti Devarshi

Nameless Guards

A rickety chair

sheltering the secrets

of hundreds of dusty files

balancing the weight

of time, broken pens and

sealed boxes with green-red

monetary currency tapes

A wooden table

revealing varied arcs made

by hundreds of tea cups or

glasses rested ever

on its roughened,

wrinkled skin powdered at

places by termite huts

A window failing to close

itself, rusted joints

reluctant to move a micron, an inch

with its half-broken glass panes

sighing in low voice, braving somehow

the arrogance of winds

All of them old, dutiful guards

of hopes, ambitions, dreams

of countless eyes,

of countless hearts

put on stacks of papers,

tied with strings of trust and prayers

Official glasses, however,

couldn't find these folders,

official hands, however, couldn't

carve their initials

This Chair, this Table, this Window

but disagreeing to retire

Waiting for one responsible hand,

one sincere glance of eyes

to open the hardened and

heavy lock of lost hopes

with the master key made of

determination and polished

with the oil of truthfulness.

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About the Competition

The Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious platform celebrating diverse voices in contemporary literature. This competition attracts talented writers who explore and express original themes through poetry and creative writing. Participants are given the opportunity to showcase their unique perspectives and contribute to the global literary landscape.

We extend our gratitude to Swasti Devarshi for sharing "Nameless Guards" with us. This evocative piece enriches the Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, inviting us all to reconsider the forgotten dreams that lie in wait, yearning for revival. Thank you, Swasti, for your thoughtful contribution.

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.