Shadows - By Halah Fatmi

Written By: Halah Fatmi

Category: Essay

Competition: Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the realm of evocative essays, "Shadows" by Halah Fatmi stands as a poignant contribution to the Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 hosted by Hashtag Kalakar. The essay delves into the intricate dance between life and the shadowy presence of death, exploring the profound depths of human experience. With a narrative that resonates deeply, Halah Fatmi invites readers into a world where the nuances of existence are laid bare. This submission, categorized under "Essay," offers a reflective and thought-provoking examination of the themes that bind us all.

About the Work

"Shadows" is a contemplative essay that navigates the delicate balance between life and death, with vivid imagery and a hauntingly poetic style. The piece explores the internal struggles of a soul caught between existence and nonexistence, painting a picture of life's tumultuous journey. Through its rich symbolism and emotional depth, the essay challenges readers to consider the fragility of life and the silent battles faced by many. Halah Fatmi’s work eloquently captures the essence of human resilience amidst despair.

Shadows

Original Submission by Halah Fatmi

As shady as everybody, a silent auroral depth hidden tight within with fooling the eyes of many were the laughs, smiles stood the exclusive of everything, a scream so inaudible were the cries, a soul so unexplained no difference on the outsides but waves so unsettlingly inexpressive insides.

whilst desperate stood a girl excelling at something which never was in her fortune according to the eyes hidden are the cries behind the brightest of the squeals..content is like steps for babies to climb..tremors of her life had her tremblingly taking each step cautiously fearing not to awaken the monster that stood within..involuntarily unknown.

A monster of her own sharing each count of the breath she breathes tampering down the rainbow for her to cross over stamped by the heavy heart is fallen into ruins as she tends to believe. A turmoil from the heavens so affecting bestowing the steps of thorns lies ray of life, a pathway of blood yet the way to heaven always before the colours of death, neither red nor white not even pitch black rather something more gruesome, the absolute nothingness which the darest couldn’t even escape…That shivers of each strike of pain gifts the survivors is nothing but the explicit definition of death, ur living? Nope ur just breathing not indifferent from corpse rather just a corpse who breathes death, with each strike of pain the life flashing before ur eyes believing it definitely is ur last but then again the already dead corpse pushed to life laying lifeless wherever it’s put. Every of them struggling between the steps of life and death whose right of decision is long snatched is neither dead nor alive. The crows behind the crystal clear tears stood unnoticed to the naked eyes of the humans are the cries, a yelp of peace, the peace which should’ve been long granted but so harsh and bewitched is this nature playing of demands from the danglers of life and death to pray so forgiving to it asking of the corpses to play humans when the soul which differentiates the dead from the living lies in between the heavenly heavens crossed the normal but denied the heavens marking of the fall, the fall so deep and steep piercing right through the heart shattering it to pieces but not killed complete, the heavy boulder over the lids making it painful to open the eyes full just to see the outflow of something so beautifully red, a liquid pouring right from the heart every time it’s hit of ‘between’ carefully collected quenching the thirst of nobels of evil enjoying every sip of the cries and unheard screams evident clean by the bloody red sips. Just a hope residing within of finally being free, to have returned the souls, stepped down from the between reversing the clasps of evil and not be just bodied rather live that body,

be a full human again. Then hits another strike as sharp as the knife cutting through the littlest of the hopes the mind cooks in as the heart keeps on getting squeezed set in as a reminder kicking hard with the sayings coming forward.. u are limited to being a human. Visioning, breathing, praying for forgiveness of braking the ties of death, lays the corpse blessed with slight of the human things the nature thinks. A residual of ultimate sadness beyond what the nature believes, through their sight it’s a site of the blessing straight from the almighty of the heavens that a corpse which should decay in thin air can breathe the same air as a living hence is bestowed with greatest gifts but no longer does it take for the greatest to turn into the harshest reality, only the breathing corpses can define how more painful death is than from being dead. How painful death is when ur not dead. Only death knows how tormenting it can be, only the living of dead of death can feel, the survivors of fibromyalgia screams. O

About the Competition

The Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious platform celebrating the diverse voices in literature. This competition showcases the talents of writers worldwide, offering them an opportunity to share their unique perspectives and narratives. Participants are encouraged to explore various themes across genres such as poetry, essays, and creative writing. It is a celebration of creativity and a testament to the power of words in capturing the essence of human experience.

We extend our gratitude to Halah Fatmi for her profound contribution, "Shadows," to the Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her exploration of life's complexities and the human condition enriches the tapestry of this literary event. We thank her for sharing her unique voice and insightful perspective, offering readers a chance to reflect on the deeper meanings within our lives.

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.