Nothing Special - By Dhruv Tangri

Written By: Dhruv Tangri

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, Dhruv Tangri presents "Nothing Special," a striking piece in the Poetry category. This evocative submission explores the themes of societal roles and the ironies of life. Through vivid imagery and a contemplative tone, Tangri invites readers to reflect on the masks we wear and the performances we give in our everyday lives.

About the Work

"Nothing Special" delves into the complexities of human emotion and societal expectations. Dhruv Tangri crafts a narrative that questions the authenticity of our roles and the performances we put on for the world. The poem is rich in imagery, with references to nature and the passage of time, creating a melancholic yet insightful mood. It challenges readers to consider the depth of their own experiences and the unseen struggles beneath the surface.

Nothing Special

Original Submission by Dhruv Tangri

NOTHING SPECIAL

A faintly painted smile is all that you wear,

A minimalistic costume, a miniscule role in this drama you're in,

Humorous tragedy, an abomination to the well-behaved society, a social travesty,

You fit your role well, don't worry,

You play it quite responsibly.

When the leaves rustle in the mildly chilly autumn wind,

You find yourself looking at the melancholic moon and wondering,

Laughing hysterically at the tragic script so far, you see the irony under it.

Is this a performance too?

Who are you performing for, alone in your room?

You never break character, like a mad actor, becoming one with his role,

You never shed a tear but still have both your eyes sore,

You’ve bottled in so much, it has left an unquenchable hole,

You try to fill it with everything you can, but nothing ever holds,

You fail and you fail, then you try some more,

You try to break character, but soon enough, it's time to put on a show.

There are no colors in your mask, it is of the mundane sorts,

Just a plain white bit of cardboard smiling ear to ear,

Blood drop for a tear only you know is real or not,

The spectators play their part, not paying attention to your work,

They know very well that you're just another actor in this empty hall.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, hosted by Hashtag Kalakar, is a prestigious platform celebrating diverse voices in poetry and creative writing. This competition showcases the talents of writers worldwide, offering them an opportunity to share their unique perspectives and literary excellence.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Dhruv Tangri for his contribution, "Nothing Special," to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. His thought-provoking poem is a valuable addition to the discourse on societal roles and personal authenticity. We look forward to seeing more of his insightful 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.