On love and grief - By Isha

Written By: Isha

Category: Essay

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Isha's profound essay, "On love and grief," is a heartfelt exploration of the intertwined nature of love and sorrow. Submitted to the esteemed Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, this piece delves into the depths of human emotion, examining how love and grief coexist in our lives. Through her candid reflections, Isha offers readers an introspective look at the beauty and pain of feeling deeply, inviting them to embrace their passions and vulnerabilities.

About the Work

In "On love and grief," Isha navigates the turbulent seas of emotion with raw honesty and courage. Her writing captures the essence of intense feelings, exploring how the capacity to love deeply inevitably leads to grief. Isha's evocative prose and vivid imagery invite readers to contemplate the beauty of a heart that experiences life's highs and lows with full intensity. Her message is a testament to the power of resilience and the courage it takes to embrace one's emotions fully.

On love and grief

Original Submission by Isha

Submission for Hashtag Kalakar

On love and grief

Written by: Isha

I remember the nights I fell to the ground, clutching my heart and sobbing until I could barely breathe. I remember the nights I wailed and screamed into my pillow. I remember the nights I would drown myself in substances until I blacked out. I remember the nights I would bleed out. Those nights I would beg God to stop the pain, to ease it, to show me a way out of it. I was so sure that I would not survive this pain. My soul has died a thousand times. But I'm here now, writing this. And I realise, what a gift it is to feel so deeply. Isn't the price of loving, to always be prepared for grief? How wonderful it is that love and grief cannot exist without each other. How would we ever know we loved if we didn't grieve? How would we ever grieve if we didn't love? How beautiful it is to have a heart that feels everything at full intensity. I am lucky to go through this life feeling everything deeply, even the feelings that knock the wind out of me. This realisation has saved me from the shackles of wishing I felt lesser, for wishing I was easier to understand, for wishing I could be more like those who don't put their heart and soul into everything. This devastation is proof of my passion. In a world of people who are afraid to love fully, I will keep diving head first, despite having drowned.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, hosted by Hashtag Kalakar, is a celebration of literary talent from around the world. This competition welcomes diverse voices and encourages creativity across various genres, providing a platform for writers to share their unique perspectives and stories. Participants are invited to submit their original works, contributing to a rich tapestry of global literary expression.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Isha for her moving contribution, "On love and grief," to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her essay offers profound insights into the human experience, reminding us of the strength found in vulnerability. We are honored to showcase her work and look forward to witnessing the impact it will have on readers worldwide.

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.