O Solitude - By Kelly Ann Kellman

Written By: Kelly Ann Kellman

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Kelly Ann Kellman's poignant poem, "O Solitude," is a remarkable entry in the Poetry category of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Through evocative imagery and profound emotion, Kellman delves into the intricate relationship between self and solitude, inviting readers to explore the depths of melancholy. Her work captures the haunting presence of solitude, echoing the competition's celebration of creative expression and literary excellence.

About the Work

"O Solitude" weaves a tapestry of vivid imagery and intense emotional depth. Kellman's literary style is introspective, exploring themes of isolation and emotional enslavement. The poem's mood is both haunting and reflective, capturing the reader's imagination through the portrayal of solitude as an all-encompassing force. It invites introspection and evokes a profound sense of empathy and understanding.

O Solitude

Original Submission by Kelly Ann Kellman

Title – O Solitude

O solitude!

How he embraces me.

Keeping thy heart bound to the hearth of melancholy;

Plunging deep into the depths of my being, his touch burns as ice cold as the winter.

Searing my skin, freezing me over.

I’m crippled, I’m helpless in his presence.

He watches over me,

I stretch my hands, reaching into the void of his infamously cruel face

He watches over me as I weep.

He watches over me as the anguish pierces my very skin, ripping me limb for limb, taking me apart for everything that is my existence.

He watches over me, his cruel gaze scrutinises my every move and I feel like I’m cursed to live a life as burdensome as my ancestors.

Rather than a slave of a field, I’m a slave to these emotions.

I am a slave to him,

O Massah! O Solitude!

I belong to you!

“I’m not okay” – I dare not make such at utterance.

As his beady black orbs pierce me, the inner turmoil begins.

I wish to confide in thee but if I do, the suffering shall increase.

It shall amplify and burn with the intensity of 1000 suns.

A witch at the stakes, I shall be.

Hollering in despondency as my flesh is burnt alive with the flames of eternal suffering.

A mark lays engraved in my subtlety of my back.

There are marks cemented deeply into my skin, marks than only I can see,

Marks that I hide so well with a faint smile.

Some days I laugh till my sides hurt and he allows me to.

“You deserve a break from such pain but once the arrow strikes you, the sting…a sharpness similar to that of cupid’s arrow shall not evade you and you shall know suffering once again.”

He inculcated those words into my mind.

Now not even the earthly joys move me.

Having air to breathe is simply not enough.

No amount of liquid poison appeases the mind swamped in sadness.

Not even sex satisfies this empty bosom of mine.

No number of happy moments erase the memories of despair that he and I cultivated together.

No matter how far I run, he always corners me, and I remain breathless.

He follows me, seemingly to the ends of the Earth.

When my life elapses and fades into the sands of time and my soul departs to the heavenly realm, he will follow me too.

He has marked me as his own.

My eyes a marble of gloom.

Empty.

Transparent as glass to anyone who beholds a peak.

I look at myself in the mirror and I’m paper thin,

As clear as my tears I am.

Maybe they can see it.

Maybe they can see him

Maybe they can see my owner, the one I call upon -

Massah!

O Solitude…

* 19th April @23:27pm

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious platform that celebrates the art of written expression. Bringing together writers from around the world, the competition showcases diverse voices and creative narratives, fostering a global community of literary enthusiasts. The competition stands as a testament to the power of words and the universality of human experience.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Kelly Ann Kellman for sharing her evocative poem, "O Solitude," with the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her work offers a profound exploration of the human condition, enriching the tapestry of voices in this year's competition. We appreciate her contribution and look forward to witnessing more of her creative journey.

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.