Our Entertainment - By Taanirika Sharma

Written By: Taanirika Sharma

Category: Poetry

Competition: Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In her poignant poem "Our Entertainment," Taanirika Sharma offers a reflective exploration of media consumption and societal apathy. Submitted to the esteemed Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar, the piece captures a nuanced perspective on how news is perceived and consumed in daily life. Sharma's work, categorized under poetry, invites readers to contemplate the impact of headlines and the transient nature of information in our modern world.

About the Work

Taanirika Sharma's "Our Entertainment" employs vivid imagery and a compelling narrative style to examine the routine absorption of news. The poem contrasts the weight of headlines with the seemingly mundane ritual of reading the newspaper, highlighting a disconnect between information and empathy. Through evocative language and a rhythmic structure, Sharma challenges readers to consider the desensitization that accompanies constant media exposure.

Our Entertainment

Original Submission by Taanirika Sharma

OUR ENTERTAINMENT

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The newspaper arrives every morning.

It travels from people,

places, minds, and hearts,

upto my bedroom.

“30 died in a bus crash”.

Tragic.

“Rate of oil soaring skies”.

Shameful.

Tea and coffee,

but, don’t forget the biscuits-

the newspaper has arrived.

Through multiple murderous

minds and hearts,

the newspaper has arrived.

Wrap up your food and clothes

with the entertainment you read,

more newspaper will arrive.

But, in this corner of my room

a bundle of newspapers lie

stacked on top of each other.

On these newspapers

lives their dear friend dust,

yet to befriend the latest ones.

It isn’t shy.

It’s just waiting-

waiting for cobwebs to form

and time to die in people’s minds.

Yet, another one gets bitten by dust.

How many newspapers

do we need to fill this room

to choke ourselves?

How many more of these

till the dust starts covering

the people too?

Less of everything remains-

less of home, of land,

seas and oceans,

as the papers fill the empty spaces.

About the Competition

The Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar celebrates diverse voices in literature. This prestigious platform invites writers to share their unique perspectives through poetry, short stories, and essays. The competition serves as a conduit for creativity, encouraging participants to engage with a wide audience and contribute to the vibrant literary community.

We extend our gratitude to Taanirika Sharma for her insightful contribution, "Our Entertainment," to the Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her work provokes thought and dialogue, reflecting the essence of the competition's mission to inspire and connect. Thank you for sharing your voice with us, Taanirika.

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.