Rebounded Attachments - By Tenille Petersen

Written By: Tenille Petersen

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the elegant verses of "Rebounded Attachments," poet Tenille Petersen delves into the intricacies of human emotions and the perpetual cycles we often find ourselves in. As part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, this poignant poem offers readers an opportunity to reflect on the themes of self-awareness and emotional healing. Petersen's work invites a deeper contemplation of our internal worlds and the often unnoticed patterns that guide our lives.

About the Work

"Rebounded Attachments" is a compelling exploration of emotional introspection and the universal struggle to break free from repetitive cycles. Through vivid imagery and a reflective tone, Petersen encourages readers to confront their inner turmoil and recognize patterns that hinder personal growth. The poem's contemplative mood serves as a gentle prompt for self-reflection, urging readers to engage in the difficult yet rewarding journey of healing and self-improvement.

Rebounded Attachments

Original Submission by Tenille Petersen

Gripes... Gossip... Cattishness...

Spite... Revenge...Cracked intentions... Competition

And a world of top class confusion.

Does it resonate? Sound familiar?

Denial will always find its way to the surface

To protect the things we silently know about;

But refuse to come to terms with.

Imagine bouncing back and forth with no idea where you will land.

Time is the only source that synchronizes all pieces of the puzzle.

Whenever we read or hear such things,

We tend to automatically think of someone who could possibly resemble those traits.

How often do we empty our minds concerning other people?

How often do we self-reflect?

How often do we ask ourselves: "What can I do within me to change the situation, positively?

When you read about this,

Remove the "other" person and switch roles.

Round and round in a circular motion.

Things we refer to as patterns but something you're obviously blind to.

Could it be a lack of knowledge?

But how?

The same series playing over and over,

Yet you don't recognize the pattern?!

Could it be that you just refuse to see?

Or maybe you just enjoy the most ridiculous dances, I don't know.

I can only imagine the darkness in you

Expressing beams of dark, black corridors.

No direction but we use our hands to navigate our way into perfect uncertainty.

I am convinced that investing halfway is all you're capacitated to do.

I don't blame you.

Your internal chaos is accompanied by fingers pointing outward

And how ironic, that you never get to see the tip of those same fingers.

Opening each tin halfway,

Nibbling and deciding halfway through

That your taste buds are no longer appetizing.

Switching to the next; hoping for a different flavour.

In your glory, the new flavour is complete bliss but guess what?

Each time you indulge,

The flavour starts to fade and

You’re already on to a search for the next tasting.

Doesn't that become exhausting?

Not only that... Halfway invested in escalating age.

No completed projects to be proud of,

Only exhausting dances sucking your soul dry.

Each time you avoid riding the waves of sadness and discomfort,

You abandon the parts of yourself that need your presence and comfort the most.

Your sadness, self-anger and regret

Show in your behaviour because

Intentional time for yourself is what you've mastered, avoiding.

Jumping from one to another,

With absolutely no change is BIZZARE!

Avoiding dealing with your emotions in one area,

Only spills over into the next

And then you wonder why you feel like you're re-living scenes of curated trauma.

Trauma keeps you in a loop of your past

And what you don't repair, you will repeat.

I did more than just stay afloat.

I navigated through oceans of chaos

To reach multiple islands of peace.

Sometimes people go into isolation to recharge

And not many will understand this - that's okay.

It's just the innocence of the other,

Is now suffering because of unhealed baggage

You refuse to deal with, within yourself.

You found it exciting and shared your damaged being

With new faces who don't understand

That your childhood trauma and what you looked upon,

Became your ideal part of life.

It became you.

Rebounded love that you so easily attach yourself to,

Has you blinded in ways that increases your internal chaos

Because INTRIGUED...

You stay for a while,

Until the next best flavour hits the ground and takes it's turn.

If you don't heal from what hurt you,

You’ll bleed on people who didn't cut you.

Be gentle with yourself,

Sit with yourself and see the patterns you have the ability to change.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, hosted by Hashtag Kalakar, is a prestigious platform celebrating the art of poetry and creative writing. This competition seeks to provide writers from around the world with an opportunity to showcase their unique voices and creative expressions. It encourages participants to explore diverse themes and styles, fostering a global community of literary talents.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Tenille Petersen for sharing "Rebounded Attachments" with us. Your contribution to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 enriches the tapestry of voices seeking to inspire self-awareness and transformative growth through literature. We look forward to witnessing your continued journey in the world of poetry.

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.