PRISONER TO SELF - By PRABIR KUMAR DATTA

Written By: PRABIR KUMAR DATTA

Category: POETRY

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Prabir Kumar Datta presents "PRISONER TO SELF," a reflective piece in the Poetry category of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This poem delves into the theme of self-imprisonment and the unseen bars we erect around ourselves in pursuit of wealth and security. With vivid imagery and a contemplative narrative, Datta explores the paradox of living in a world without physical bars yet feeling confined by one's own fears and desires.

About the Work

"PRISONER TO SELF" captures the essence of internal struggles and the invisible shackles of anxiety and materialism. Through evocative imagery and a rhythmic flow, Prabir Kumar Datta conveys the tension between external freedom and internal captivity. The poem's introspective mood invites readers to reflect on the nature of true freedom and the self-imposed barriers that hinder inner peace.

PRISONER TO SELF

Original Submission by PRABIR KUMAR DATTA

PRISONER TO SELF

(Poem)

By- PRABIR KUMAR DATTA

A prisoner in cell spends sleepless night,

Counts moment while others go to sleep,

Sound of boot of the guard startles him,

Ticking of clock makes heart beat fast.

I live in open world, not behind bar,

No guard keeps me under his watch,

Neither am I convicted of any charge,

Nor any warrant is there against me .

Still I don’t know why every night

Inside my big house on a cozy bed

I spend sleepless, an unknown fear

Steals my peace and brings nightmare.

Afraid of loosing all possesions I have,

I spend nights with worries and stress,

Restless every night tossing on the bed

I count sound of ticking of clock.

Whole life I struggled to beat everyone,

Ran around madly to earn more wealth,

While grabbing all things that I longed

I myself erected the bars around me.

I have now been a prisoner of self,

Completely clueless how to become free.

Want now to bet my everything to one

Who can take me out of this prison.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious platform celebrating diverse voices in poetry and creative writing. It invites participants from around the world to showcase their literary talents and share their unique perspectives. This competition aims to foster creativity and inspire a global audience through the power of the written word.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Prabir Kumar Datta for his contribution to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 with his poem "PRISONER TO SELF." His poignant exploration of self-imposed confines and the quest for freedom is a significant addition to the competition's diverse array of entries. We look forward to seeing more of his 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.