Poem: the debt of silence - By Warisha Vakeel

Written By: Warisha Vakeel

Category: Poetry

Competition: Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Warisha Vakeel takes part in the Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 with her evocative piece, "Poem: the debt of silence." As a participant in the poetry category, Warisha delicately navigates the themes of love, loss, and the unspoken emotions that accompany relationships. Her work is a contemplative reflection on the personal debts we hold in our silences, serving as a poignant reminder of the complexities that lie within human connections.

About the Work

In "Poem: the debt of silence," Warisha Vakeel crafts a narrative filled with emotional depth and introspection. Her use of vivid imagery and tender language explores the nuances of love and the quiet burdens of unexpressed feelings. The poem's tone is both reflective and melancholic, inviting readers to ponder the weight of unsaid words and the passage of time on relationships. Through her eloquent style, Warisha invites us into a world where silence speaks volumes.

Poem: the debt of silence

Original Submission by Warisha Vakeel

The Debt of Silence

I'm sorry for the tears you shed,

Sorry for pretending as if I don't care

Not knowing what else to do,

I decided to shut my doors for you.

With no one left to share,

I swallowed my lonely tears.

Letting you go was not something

I choose,

So, I decided to wait for you.

Maybe we were too young to name

what we had,

But old enough to feel its ache

when it passed.

You gave me warmth when

I was afraid to melt,

And I gave you silence,

masking what I felt.

If I could write back to the time

we first met,

I'd hold you longer in hush of

sunset.

But seasons changed & so did we,

Not with anger, just quietly.

I don't regret the thing we never

named,

Nor the moments that softly

came & went.

You'll always be a quiet part of

me,

A chapter I carry silently.

So if you ever wonder if I cared-

Know that I cared, just

wasn't prepared.

Maybe in another life, or

maybe when we're new...

But part of me still waits

for you.

About the Competition

The Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious platform celebrating the power of words and creativity. This competition invites poets and writers from diverse backgrounds to share their unique voices and perspectives. As an annual event, it serves as a beacon for emerging talents, fostering a community of literary enthusiasts who push the boundaries of expression through poetry and creative writing.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Warisha Vakeel for her thoughtful submission, "Poem: the debt of silence," to the Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her work beautifully captures the essence of introspection and emotional complexity. We appreciate her contribution to the competition and look forward to seeing more of her inspiring work in the future.

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.