PRE-LIMERENCE - By AMENA MOHAMMED BAKIR

Written By: AMENA MOHAMMED BAKIR

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the evocative poetry piece "PRE-LIMERENCE," Amena Mohammed Bakir offers a profound exploration of human connection and introspection. As part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar, this poem delves into the intricacies of meeting strangers and the unspoken bonds that form in fleeting moments. Bakir's work speaks to the universal yearning to understand and be understood, resonating with the reader's own experiences of chance encounters and the mysteries they hold.

About the Work

Amena Mohammed Bakir's "PRE-LIMERENCE" captures the essence of fleeting connections through vivid imagery and introspective musings. The poem explores themes of anonymity and the silent stories behind every encounter, using a contemplative tone to convey the tension between curiosity and the fear of misunderstanding. Bakir's poetic style invites readers to reflect on the silent impact of these moments, evoking a sense of wonder and introspection about the lives of those we meet.

PRE-LIMERENCE

Original Submission by AMENA MOHAMMED BAKIR

PRE-LIMERENCE

By Amena mohammed bakir

It aches me to see a crowd,

it makes me feel small to the core —

that I will never know the stories

behind each pair of eyes.

I will never know which stars aligned

so we could meet today,

what catastrophes you've absorbed,

what skies you've seen.

Will I get the chance to remember you forever,

or forget you to the back of my head?

Will we ever meet again?

Before I even understand this,

I'm already wondering if you'll remember our encounter.

I wish you would remember

how I studied every inch of your soul

without speaking a word —

and so again we meet at the horizon,

where opposites unite.

But we aren't opposite.

We are alike.

In a road full of cars,

in a galaxy full of stars,

in an ocean full of drops,

in a mind full of thoughts —

your eyes met mine.

I didn't move.

Neither did you.

Oh, the world is cruel.

I dare you —

if you ever let me meet a stranger again,

do me a favor: just let me admire them.

I won't make the mistake of asking their name.

Then the story starts again —

I'll know everything about a person,

yet never understand their mind.

I'll never know how they caught me

stealing a glimpse of their life.

Then the doubts arrive.

What if they aren't sweet?

What if they don't love stars and skies?

What if they don't please my heart?

Is that the fault of the eyes —

watching a stranger, wanting their secrets,

they think of a fairy land when they don't even know their crimes.

That's where my fear lives:

what if my mind is manipulated by my eyes?

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar celebrates the rich tapestry of human emotion and creativity. This prestigious event invites writers from around the world to share their unique voices and stories through poetry and creative writing. With a focus on diversity and artistic expression, the competition aims to inspire both participants and audiences alike, fostering a global community of literary talent.

Thank you, Amena Mohammed Bakir, for sharing your evocative poem "PRE-LIMERENCE" with us. Your contribution to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 enriches the tapestry of voices celebrating the beauty of human connection and introspection. We are grateful for your participation and look forward to seeing more of your thought-provoking 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.