Rocket Swing - By Arthur Neong

Written By: Arthur Neong

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Introducing Arthur Neong's poignant poem, "Rocket Swing," submitted under the Poetry category for the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Neong, writing as Rocket Swing, crafts a vivid reflection on parenthood and the enduring bond between a father and his children. The poem beautifully captures life's vibrant colors and joyful moments, offering a window into the universal theme of familial love.

About the Work

"Rocket Swing" elegantly delves into the interplay between dependence and independence, as seen through the eyes of a parent pushing their children on a swing. The imagery is rich with symbolism, portraying the swing as a slingshot rocket and evoking a sense of nostalgia and hope. Neong's work resonates with tenderness, capturing the essence of fleeting happiness and the indelible imprint of parental presence.

Rocket Swing

Original Submission by Arthur Neong

Rocket Swing

Pushing my kids on the swing

at the park at the playground,

where everything is green

and beautiful and blue,

life’s colours,

they laugh like it’s a slingshot rocket.

They call it themselves, the slingshot rocket.

Slingshot us daddy, orbit tethered to the chain-link

to the top-beam of the frame,

an arc.

I wonder why they don’t push off on their own legs.

All rockets push off on their own, they’re independent.

All they need is fuel to be burnt, for their take-off.

I love to push off on my own, I don’t recall wanting someone

to push me off, or did I forget? Since when did I forget?

Their body weight and momentum will be their force (propulsive).

But I hope perhaps when all else fails, when I am not there,

more importantly, when their mom is not there,

when there’s no one left, none left, nothing to rely on,

some part of their body, some cells might recall

this memory, a shared memory of the body and the brain,

of what it means to have a daddy.

Daddy never kept them in him for 10 months.

Daddy only expelled, propulsive for the take-off.

I hope they will remember this brief arc of happiness.

Remember it all their lives.

Instead of drugs’ and cold forces’ rush and hug

and clammy fingers.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar celebrates the art of the written word by showcasing talent from around the world. This esteemed platform provides an opportunity for writers to share their unique voices and perspectives, fostering a global community of creativity and expression.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Arthur Neong for sharing "Rocket Swing" with us. This evocative piece is a valuable addition to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, and we appreciate the depth of emotion and insight it brings. Arthur's contribution is a reminder of the powerful connection between parent and child.

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.