"Scroll" - By Maryam Bhoja

Written By: Maryam Bhoja

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the realm of contemporary poetry, Maryam Bhoja's "Scroll" emerges as a poignant reflection on the digital age. Featured in the Poetry category of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar, this piece delves into the pervasive habit of scrolling and its subtle yet profound impact on our lives. Bhoja invites readers to contemplate the influence of technology on our dreams, connections, and mental space, offering a timely critique on modern society's digital immersion.

About the Work

"Scroll" captures the essence of introspection within a digital landscape. Through a series of evocative questions and vivid imagery, Bhoja crafts a narrative that questions the motivations and consequences of our scrolling habits. The poem juxtaposes the historical significance of the scroll as a vessel of knowledge with its current role as a medium of endless distraction, inviting readers to reflect on the true cost of our digital engagements.

"Scroll"

Original Submission by Maryam Bhoja

“Scroll”

How much longer will we scroll?

Will we ever realise that it has slowly taken control?

Slowly swallowing your soul…

This is surely a disease,

yet one we fail to perceive

So why do we scroll?

How many more dreams will we let go?

How many more strangers will we follow?

What do we think we will find?

Or do we just do it to occupy the mind?

Perhaps to escape the troubles we face

while watching others live in grace

I miss when “scroll” had a different meaning

Back when it meant something worth reading

When a scroll held words upon a page,

not endless videos that steal away our days

So, are we truly escaping or just avoiding it all?

And what happens when there’s nowhere left to hide at all?

For how much longer can a screen make us feel small…

-Maryam Bhoja

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar celebrates diverse voices and stories from around the world. This prestigious event offers participants a platform to share their creative expressions in various categories, fostering a vibrant community of writers and poets. The competition underscores the importance of artistic exploration and cultural dialogue, making it a cornerstone of contemporary literary achievement.

We extend our gratitude to Maryam Bhoja for sharing her insightful poem "Scroll" in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her work challenges us to examine our interactions with technology and its impact on our lives. Thank you, Maryam, for contributing to the rich tapestry of voices in this year's competition.

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.