Red Ants - By Thavisha Deraniyagala

Written By: Thavisha Deraniyagala

Category: poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Thavisha Deraniyagala presents "Red Ants," an evocative entry in the poetry category for the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This poem delicately weaves themes of justice, societal conflict, and the dreams of the marginalized. Written with a profound sense of observation and urgency, "Red Ants" invites readers to reflect deeply on the societal structures and the human condition. Deraniyagala's piece stands out for its vivid imagery and poignant questions, making it a thought-provoking contribution to this year's competition.

About the Work

"Red Ants" is a powerful reflection on the complexities of justice and societal conflicts. Thavisha Deraniyagala uses striking imagery and a rhythmic structure to convey a sense of urgency and contemplation. The poem's mood oscillates between despair and hope, challenging readers to consider the underlying forces that shape society. Through vivid metaphors and rhetorical questions, Deraniyagala crafts a narrative that critiques power dynamics and advocates for peace.

red ants

Original Submission by Thavisha Deraniyagala

Red ants

a thousand silent whistles

as a single raindrop prickles

my eyes

i see

a blinking angel in the night sky

a million faces outside

waiting for the gavel to strike

struck is justice

a bright light glows reminiscent of Sarajevo

muck the thirsty

as the fire ablaze grows out of control

burn this city

as the last remnants huddle up and move like ants

their lasting shadows burned into the ground by black ashes

why can’t we sing a song while swaying our hands?

because a poor man’s dream is a rich man’s plan

plans to abuse and misuse

divide our youth, ensue the pursued

yearn for peace, piece by piece

till you puzzle a mosaic with tanks and propaganda bulletins

so id end this poem if you listened with hark

war is always ended with a question mark

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a celebration of literary talent from around the world. It offers writers a platform to express their creativity and share their unique voices with a global audience. The competition welcomes submissions across various categories, including poetry, short stories, and essays, fostering a vibrant community of writers and readers alike.

Thank you, Thavisha Deraniyagala, for sharing "Red Ants" with us. Your poem is a compelling addition to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. We appreciate your thoughtful exploration of justice and societal issues, and we look forward to seeing more of your 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.