Pandemic of Priority - By Viji Aneeb Vadakan

Written By: Viji Aneeb Vadakan

Category: Poetry

Competition: Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Viji Aneeb Vadakan shares a poignant reflection through her poem "Pandemic of Priority," a remarkable entry in the Poetry category of the Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 hosted by Hashtag Kalakar. This powerful piece delves into the themes of life's cyclical nature and humanity's enduring resilience amidst unforeseen challenges. Viji's work offers readers a contemplative lens on the pandemic's impact, both personal and universal, encouraging introspection and hope for renewal.

About the Work

"Pandemic of Priority" by Viji Aneeb Vadakan captures the unpredictable and relentless nature of a global crisis. Through vivid imagery and introspective narrative, the poem explores human vulnerability and the existential questions that arise when faced with unprecedented challenges. The work is steeped in a reflective mood, urging readers to consider the broader cosmic forces at play and the inherent resilience required to navigate adversity.

Poetry

Original Submission by Viji Aneeb Vadakan

PANDEMIC OF PRIORITY

It’s been there right in front

It sure showed some signs

It eventfully escaped our eyes

What are we but fools of time!

It made us a clear subject of mockery

Puppets we turned

At the hands of a miniscule mayhem

A guest whom we never invited

A prodigy we never groomed to be

Or so we believe!

Its unpredictability has given havoc to one and all

The world gasping for breath

Hoping for the nightmare to end

Or worse still, trying to befriend a foe!

The uninvited little danger seems lurking all around

We, collectively skipped a beat,

Each time it reached its peak!

The peak; unending, uninhibited, unforgivingly long

Inviting the crippling scion of darkness

Draining every ounce of happiness

Once bitten, twice shy…

Many times over, this has been a long fight!

It’s a recursive call from above,

The work of the cosmos comprehending our every work.

Is this the end? We’ve helplessly asked

Hoping for an answer, knowing deep down

There would be none to this façade.

But why we don’t explore the history of it all

Isn’t life just repeating itself…

Wind the clock back

A few decades, a century or even more

You’ll find traces of its existence all the more.

So why is this over hype? Why is it hogging so much of the limelight?

Looking at the larger picture may be,

Will we know why?

The universe is its own boss,

And that is why we are like a spec of sand,

Done and dusted in a fraction of second,

Many loved ones gone too soon,

Many incomplete souls living on their own.

It’s an act of duty,

To study one’s cerebral maze,

Several deaths later,

We need to find solace.

The light should be on the larger scheme now,

The remaining ones deserve the light of the day,

Each morning having to face it all

Fractured families,

Broken souls,

Wounded minds,

Yet wishing a smile; within and beyond.

Perhaps, we’ve pushed it too far,

A monster of our own making,

A demon feeding on fear,

A chain we must break or break within.

The pandemic which started is being overrated

Like a phoenix, we must rise and revive

Time is the fabric of nature beyond our control

But we tend to forget its best attribute

It arrives, it barely stays, it goes.

So, this too shall heal and restore,

Illustrious is the impulse,

So, die several deaths to your heart’s content,

Let go off that last breath before rebirth,

Let the mind be modulated and mend.

Re-direct that element of ecdysis,

The catastrophic effect of death is real,

For that which cannot be achieved,

Is left for the scavengers to feed.

Life gives, but it demands,

To gain, one needs to be burnt to a crisp first.

Every diamond was a lump of coal once!

So, die often, I shall die many deaths,

Producing a creation within,

Contradicting my previous self.

Written by:

Viji Aneeb Vadakan

About the Competition

The Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar provides a prestigious platform for writers to showcase their talent. With a focus on creativity and expression, the competition attracts diverse voices from around the world, offering participants a chance to share their unique perspectives and literary artistry with a wider audience.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Viji Aneeb Vadakan for sharing her evocative poem "Pandemic of Priority" as part of the Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her work invites us to reflect on the resilience required in challenging times. We look forward to seeing more of Viji's insightful contributions to the world of poetry.

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.