Oblivion - By Garima Oberoi

Written By: Garima Oberoi

Category: Poetry.

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the esteemed Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar, Garima Oberoi presents "Oblivion," a captivating entry in the Poetry category. With an evocative title, this poem delves into the nuanced experiences of self-discovery amidst chaos and uncertainty. Garima's work invites readers to explore the intersection of personal expectation and the pursuit of clarity in a world filled with fleeting encounters and undefined destinations.

About the Work

"Oblivion" is a profound exploration of the inner journey against a backdrop of external tumult. The poem presents a rich tapestry of imagery, capturing the feeling of existential uncertainty and the search for meaning. Garima Oberoi skillfully uses the metaphor of travel to illustrate the tension between the heart's hesitations and life's relentless pace, crafting a narrative that resonates with anyone who has ever felt adrift in a crowd.

Oblivion.

Original Submission by Garima Oberoi

Title-OBLIVION.

By-Garima Oberoi

I stand there,

Amidst the chaos, at the centre of it all.

And if you ask me-I’m selfish enough to expect somebody to care.

A blur of faces passes past my bewildered soul in a flurry,

And thus, acceptance arrives with a charge to keep.

That in order to survive, the body must go on even if the heart refuses to hurry.

So I tread on hesitant feet, my thoughts holding me behind.

but the announcement at the bus station has no time to be kind.

Clueless as I am, board the bus as if all is defined.

Strangely aligned with this crowd of identities,

I let out a relieved breath into the air-

that if a storm were to take us all at once,

it would be a loss for all to bear.

Finally,I sit there after what feels like an eternity,

But the people bidding goodbyes to their loved ones already was confusing as much as it had started to become clear.

The distant rumble of the mighty train grows louder,

and it becomes evident-

everyone has a destination

they are certain enough to discover.

Now my heart faces yet another dilemma,

Should I step onto the train,

Should I let it pass?

But oh-the abrupt borrowed nap left little time to decide.

And in those moments of urgency-I knew I have to take the ride.

The passengers seem so sure-so happy

just to be themselves-

but what of the one who buys a ticket in haste,

searching for something she cannot yet tell?

The wheels screech to a halt at a sparkling

new place,

yet the rush around me leaves me sick-

people booking taxis, chasing time in their own grace,

while I stand still in the haze so thick.

They move in urgency, chasing their final flight,

while I hold my head in quiet surprise.

Again,I stand there-

not the same, but fractured this time,

for the fear of an uncertain future

feels like a slow, unspoken demise.

I walk along shadows with a hope so vast,

yet nothing within me feels built to last.

Tears fall-

no; not to the ground,

but onto a crumpled piece of paper.

Curiosity stirs and so does the air around.

“Urgently looking for cultural artists”

in a city so very wide.

Oblivion, thus, ironically carried me through it all like an unwavering guide.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, hosted by Hashtag Kalakar, is a prestigious platform celebrating literary excellence from around the world. It encourages writers to share their unique voices and stories, fostering a vibrant community of creativity and expression. Participants engage with diverse themes and styles, contributing to an enriching tapestry of contemporary literature.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Garima Oberoi for sharing "Oblivion" with us in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her poignant exploration of self and society offers readers a moment of reflection and introspection. We are grateful for Garima's contribution to this celebration of creative expression.

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.