Porcelain Shrine - By Senandee Jayalath

Written By: Senandee Jayalath

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Senandee Jayalath offers a captivating entry in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 with the poem "Porcelain Shrine." As a participant in the poetry category, Jayalath weaves an introspective tapestry that invites readers into a world of vivid imagery and haunting introspection. "Porcelain Shrine" explores the delicate balance between reality and imagination, capturing moments of solitude and contemplation.

About the Work

"Porcelain Shrine" is a haunting exploration of solitude and inner turmoil. Through evocative imagery and a lingering sense of unease, the poem delves into moments of stillness and introspection. Jayalath's use of language creates a dreamlike atmosphere, where shadows and silhouettes merge with the tangible world, leaving readers pondering the boundaries between reality and the mind's illusions.

Porcelain Shrine

Original Submission by Senandee Jayalath

Porcelain Shrine

Thin silky curtains gliding in the air,

I can hear the wind blow,

Though I shut the window tight.

The growling wind grows louder,

The glow of the yellow amber light flickers,

Shadows of swaying branches fill the room,

While I lay awake on my derelict bed,

Staring at the blades of the ceiling fan,

Spinning and humming a goodnight’s lullaby.

Visions of red aurora spread across,

Shadows of figures moving in haste,

From left to right in my terrace,

When the hands of the clock struck two,

Echoing a chime across my room.

I got off my bed,

Feet touching the cold tiles,

As I crawl my way to the tub.

“Must be imagining things,”

I thought to myself,

As I lay down in the empty porcelain shrine.

I still hear the rumbling wind,

Through the vents on the ceiling.

Crawling bugs I see on the white blank tile,

When I wipe my eyes, suddenly

Clouded with blurry vision,

As I linger alone in the tub,

With the water running from the sink.

Against the wall I kept my head,

When my gaze fell upon,

The falling leaves of eucalyptus,

The splashing of water, my somnolent eyes,

Sealed my vision,

When my foot hit the faucet.

Water started filling in the tub,

As my body sat still,

My mind duped by the figures,

That sauntered in the distance.

“Who are you?”

I tried asking, over and over again,

But the silhouette remained mute,

Cold as the water around me,

Carved into my vision.

Minute by minute,

The water rose, filling my lungs,

My eyes still closed,

But wait-

“Is it coming closer to me?”

The figure now stood before me,

Hysterically laughing from a corner.

I feel my heartbeat pounding,

And a weight pulling me down,

As my illusory world sank, when,

All at once,

I opened my eyes,

Pulling back from the drowning tub.

I sat in the freezing water,

Fear coursing through my skin,

But it no longer stood by the corner,

Or in the radius of my sight.

The wind outside no longer rumbled,

And the dancing trees now stood still,

Under the moon’s dimlit sky.

With my heavy, drenched clothes I arose,

As I limped into my bedroom,

Where the blue pills my doctor gave,

Remained scattered.

“Did he say two or three pills?”

My mind could not recall,

I grabbed a handful

As I swallowed it down my throat,

Collapsing on the cold tile.

The figures had now waved me goodbye,

Voices in my head tell me to carry on,

With what? They don’t whisper back.

While my tired gaze drowsed, sinking into the darkness.

-P.K. Senandee Thisansa Jayalath

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious event celebrating creativity and expression in literature. It invites writers from around the world to share their original works, fostering a global community of poets and storytellers. This competition aims to highlight diverse voices and imaginative narratives across various genres and styles.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Senandee Jayalath for the submission of "Porcelain Shrine" to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Your poem's poignant imagery and introspective depth have added a rich layer to this year's entries. We wish you continued inspiration and success in your creative endeavors.

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.