Please be kind - By Valeria Scalese

Written By: Valeria Scalese

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In her moving poem "Please be kind," Valeria Scalese, writing under the name "Please be kind," offers a heartfelt plea for kindness and empathy. As part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, Valeria's work stands out in the poetry category with its profound message. The poem invites readers to choose kindness in everyday interactions, underscoring the unseen battles others may face.

About the Work

Valeria Scalese's "Please be kind" addresses the theme of empathy and the importance of small acts of kindness. The poem paints vivid imagery of personal struggles hidden behind everyday facades, urging readers to consider the impact of their actions on others. The mood is contemplative yet urgent, emphasizing the power of kindness to save lives and mend hearts.

Please be kind

Original Submission by Valeria Scalese

Please be kind

Choose kindness,

every day

not because it’s pretty or it could give you fame on social media

choose it,

because there shouldn’t be another option

Someone picked on this boy’s choice of fashion

unaware that he doesn’t dare wear anything else

ever since his twin brother’s passing,

because it would remind him of the day he lost his other half

You laughed at the girl and her crooked smile,

not considering the darkness that lurks behind it

consuming her alive,

and now giving her the last reason she needed,

to take

her own life

I could keep going

but it wouldn’t stop the mass from throwing glass

not thinking about how easily glass breaks

and leaving someone else

bleeding all over the place

Everyone has their own battles they have to face,

so why are we all acting so out of line

as if kindness would make us blind

Tell the stranger in the elevator their hair looks nice,

because believe it or not,

you might’ve just saved a life

Make sure that the people around you know that they’re loved

and never leave a loved one alone overnight

because of a fight,

just so you could prove

that you were right

It is not rare that this is the last moment people have shared

until it became a memory

one now has to bear for the rest of their life,

wishing,

they could make things right

So, I ask again,

to please be kind,

because you never know,

what’s going on in another person’s mind

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious platform celebrating the art of writing. It brings together voices from around the world, offering poets and writers a stage to share their unique perspectives and stories. This annual event showcases a diverse array of talent, fostering a global community of creative expression.

Thank you, Valeria Scalese, for your poignant contribution to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. "Please be kind" is a powerful reminder of the impact our words and actions can have. Your work encourages us all to approach life with empathy and compassion.

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.