nediA - By McKenzie-Ann Morrow

Written By: McKenzie-Ann Morrow

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

McKenzie-Ann Morrow presents "nediA," a poignant poem that delves into the themes of love, loss, and self-discovery. Featured in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, this work showcases the emotional spectrum experienced in relationships. Through the medium of poetry, Morrow captures the essence of romantic entanglement and the subsequent unraveling, inviting readers into a vividly emotional landscape.

About the Work

"nediA" is a deeply reflective piece that explores the highs and lows of love. Through rich imagery, McKenzie-Ann Morrow paints a picture of idyllic romance juxtaposed with the stark reality of unrequited love. The poem's narrative shifts from the warmth of affection to the coldness of separation, capturing the complexities of human emotions. Morrow’s style is both evocative and raw, allowing readers to feel the personal turmoil and resilience woven into the poem.

1. nediA

Original Submission by McKenzie-Ann Morrow

nediA

You turned my world around; there was no before or after -

It was only backward and upside down

And so I wrote,

An Ode to My Lover

03 July 2025

He makes me feel so happy. He is like a gorgeous meadow in spring -

the kind with tiny wildflowers speckled in between the grass.

The kind with a gentle stream nearby, sunlight glistening on the water as it runs over rocks and pebbles.

I like him as much as there is water in the ocean,

possibly even as much as there is sand upon the shore.

And much like the sand,

he is stuck to me, invading places I didn’t even know could be found.

Aiden is an autumn afternoon.

Perfectly warm,

Softly windswept,

and utterly beautiful to experience.

And then,

You left.

13 July 2025, 19:20.

I couldn’t understand why.

Then I realised I had fallen in love with someone who only ever lusted.

It didn’t change that I loved you.

I felt as though

I'd given you my beating heart out of my chest, and with it I had sent my soul.

I would never have given you my heart without the accompaniment of my life.

If you were leaving me,

it only felt right that you take my love with you.

It's too painful to sit with love for another who is undeserving.

So please take it with you.

It no longer has a place in the life I was perfectly content with before you came to pass.

To make matters worse,

you moved on in a month.

Any hope that you had ever loved me at all dissipated altogether.

The promises of Christmas together,

of dancing in the kitchen,

of making love to your favourite vinyl -

all a lie.

There was never love for me,

yet somehow,

you love her?

I remember the moment I realised you had moved on.

It felt as though every organ in my body was moving backwards and turning upside down-

so similar to when I was falling in love,

yet impossibly different.

Your new lover,

made in my image.

What a jarring sight to see.

* McKenzie-Ann Morrow

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious platform celebrating literary talent from around the world. This event highlights diverse voices and creative expression across various categories, providing writers with an opportunity to showcase their work to a global audience. Participants are encouraged to explore a wide range of themes, reflecting the richness of the human experience.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to McKenzie-Ann Morrow for sharing "nediA" with us in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her exploration of love and its complexities offers profound insights into the human heart. We are grateful for her contribution and look forward to seeing more of her evocative work in the future.

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.