Never as Bright as You - By Hiral Mankad

Written By: Hiral Mankad

Category: Poetry

Competition: Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the evocative poem "Never as Bright as You," Hiral Mankad offers a touching exploration of loss and the enduring light of hope. A participant in the Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, Hiral's work delves into the profound emotions tied to family and the ravages of war. The competition, held by Hashtag Kalakar, celebrates diverse voices and creative expression, inviting participants to share their unique perspectives with the world.

About the Work

Hiral Mankad's poem paints a vivid picture of a world overshadowed by turmoil and personal grief. The narrative is rich with imagery, contrasting the innocence of childhood with the harsh realities of loss. Through a young voice, the poem questions promises of hope against the stark absence of a loved one. The emotional depth captures a poignant longing for comfort and the past, wrapped in a lyrical style that is both heartfelt and haunting.

Never as bright as you

Original Submission by Hiral Mankad

The sky used to be friendly blue,

Now it growls the whole day through,

The windows shake,

The sirens cry,

Smoke has swallowed up the sky.

I hold my teddy, torn and small,

And try not to hear the falling wall.

They say,

“It’s thunder’s roar”

But the thunder never knocked our door.

My brother said he’d keep me near,

That I had nothing to fear,

But yesterday

He went outside,

Today the street is cold and wide.

Mumma kneels and strokes my hair,

Whispers hope into the air,

“It will be fine my little light,

The world will mend,

The sun shines bright.”

She says,

The future’s warm and clear,

The laughter’s coming back,

Next year.

She paints tomorrow,

Gold and wide

Though tears are swimming in her eyes.

Last night the sky screamed loud and red,

This morning,

Mumma would not wake from the bed.

I shook her hand,

I called her name.

But nothing answered,

There was just the flame.

They said,

She sleeps where angels sing,

In some soft and peaceful spring.

But I don’t want the sky above,

All I want,

Is my Mumma’s love.

They promised hope,

They promised light.

They said the dark would lose it’s fight.

But, hope feels small inside my chest,

Like broken birds without a nest.

If the future is bright and fair,

Why isn’t Mumma standing there?

If everything will be okay?

Why did they have to go away?

I would trade tomorrow,

Trade the sun,

Undo the war,

Un-fire the gun.

I don’t need skies,

So wide and new,

I just want back the ones I knew.

The sky can keep it’s hopeful hue.

Mumma It will never be as bright as you.

About the Competition

The Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious platform that showcases a wide array of literary talents across genres. This event encourages writers to express their creativity and share their narratives, enriching the literary landscape with diverse and powerful voices. The competition highlights the importance of storytelling in understanding and reflecting upon the human experience.

We extend our gratitude to Hiral Mankad for sharing the moving poem "Never as Bright as You" in the Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Hiral's poignant reflections on loss and hope resonate deeply, offering a compelling contribution to the competition. We look forward to more inspiring works from Hiral 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.