Poems - By Manjari Singh

Written By: Manjari Singh

Category: Poetry

Competition: Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Introducing "Poems" by Manjari Singh, a compelling entry in the Poetry category of the Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Manjari Singh, known for her creative and emotionally charged poetry, presents a collection that delves into themes of resilience, identity, and social justice. Her work is recognized for its depth and elegance, providing a voice to human rights issues. This collection is a testament to her ability to transform raw emotion into art, resonating deeply with readers.

About the Work

Manjari Singh's collection of poems weaves a tapestry of emotional resilience and social commentary. Her vivid imagery and poignant storytelling bring to life the struggles and triumphs of individuals facing societal and personal challenges. Themes of empowerment, identity, and the pursuit of genuine inspiration are explored with a heartfelt sincerity. Each poem serves as a reflection on the human condition, urging readers to find strength and authenticity in their own lives.

Poems By Manjari Singh

Original Submission by Manjari Singh

POEMS

by

MANJARI SINGH

- ◆ -

A collection of three poems

@pageturningsoul

________________

The Sindoor She Never Cherished

BY MANJARI SINGH

At the age of nineteen,

She had a dream in her eyes,

Full of energy, wished to fly.

She had hopes of a brighter future,

And her aspiration brushed the sky.

But her dreams came burning down

When her "Baba" ask her to wear the "bridal red".

She fought, cried, and pleaded,

But all her appeals were lost; no one heeded.

Reluctantly, she accepted the pain,

Dressed in red sindoor, bindi, and saree,

She boarded the train.

The time had come to say goodbye. She was married.

Hoping for happiness in future, yet again.

Then destiny played its game,

This time it was not her father,

But her husband to blame.

Her first night was more than torture,

With sharpened claws, he waited for her,

Dragged her to bed & behaved like a wild vulture.

Since then, dark became a nightmare for her.

She screamed in silence and couldn’t dare.

He masked his lust in the name of culture,

What they call love, hidden behind the Mangalsutra.

Each night he unwrapped her without consent.

If this is the love, the marriage vows meant.

The room became a silent observer of her scream,

Her world was broken; dignity couldn’t redeem.

Smothered in sindoor, her mangalsutra resembled a chain;

Her body and mind shaken with pain.

He religiously tortured her like a game.

It was not her love, but her body, he wanted to tame.

And one final day, she took a path,

Not of submission, but defiant wrath.

As a resilient fighter,

She was not ready to surrender,

She escaped the boundaries set for her.

She decided to make her own destiny,

With no father, husband, or progeny,

As she found herself as complete.

Not a daughter, not a bride

just the woman she was meant to hide.

________________

The Girl You Never Knew

BY MANJARI SINGH

The girl you meet every day

wears a smile to hide her pain

She is not what she seems to be

She recites the script of the societal play.

The girl you meet every day

Dons a pretty dress, a practiced art

Perfect fit to play her part

Hiding her real truth, but staged for display.

The girl you meet every day

Determined, confident

Yet docile and speechless

Just the perfect mix, you wanted in your way.

The girl you meet every day

Has dreams and inspiration

All faltered to create a mannequin

That everyone desired.

The real soul hibernates, fades into grey.

________________

Something inspired us the most

BY MANJARI SINGH

Instagram - Pageturningsoul

Something that inspires us the most

often comes with a hefty cost.

Replaced by strangers in pixel,

Mastering the art of disguise.

Gone are the days of elderly, sincere advice,

We resonate to what “they” say;

At times, I feel we have lost our way.

We echo the voices we see online,

Thinking that is the truth, and it’s fine.

The elders still await with smiles in their eyes:

"Listen to our wisdom; surely don't lie."

With each social media carousel post,

Our life is coated with a little gloss.

Let us choose the right source of inspiration,

From those who are in full admiration.

Don't lose your way in the world's grand show;

Capture the real essence of life and grow.

Your inspiration lies with people who struggle,

Those you meet daily, part of your hustle.

No need of superheroes for inspiration,

Or the people who lead you to temptation.

As what your elders say is right:

"It is just 1% inspiration,

Combined with your zeal,

Garnished with 99% perspiration

For your future to be bright."

So don't fall for online gimmicks;

Success lies in your hand,

In no false promises and tricks.

Dream of stars, dwell on it,

and see how your horizon expand.

________________

ABOUT THE POET

Manjari Singh

Poet • India

Creative poet and writer who transforms emotion into art, bringing elegance and emotional depth to her work with human rights and social justice at its core.

@pageturningsoul

MANJARI SINGH • POETRY COLLECTION •

About the Competition

The Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar celebrates the art of written expression, inviting participants from around the globe to share their unique voices. This prestigious competition serves as a platform for poets and writers to showcase their creativity and passion for storytelling. Participants engage with diverse themes and styles, contributing to a vibrant tapestry of contemporary literature.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Manjari Singh for her powerful contribution to the Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her collection, "Poems," offers a profound exploration of themes that resonate with many. We appreciate her dedication to crafting works that speak to the core of human experience and social justice. Thank you, Manjari, for sharing your inspiring voice with us.

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.