Shards of Our Making - By S.D.K.T. Gunawardana

Written By: S.D.K.T. Gunawardana

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

S.D.K.T. Gunawardana presents "Shards of Our Making," a poignant entry in the Poetry category of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This evocative poem delves into the intricate dance between vulnerability and resilience, exploring how we navigate the complexities of trust, love, and self-preservation. Through vivid imagery and emotional depth, Gunawardana captures the delicate balance of strength and fragility that defines the human condition.

About the Work

"Shards of Our Making" encapsulates a profound exploration of emotional resilience and the delicate interplay between love and pain. With a vivid portrayal of the human experience, it speaks to the enduring strength found in vulnerability. The poem's mood transitions from introspective melancholy to a quiet defiance, utilizing rich imagery to convey the scars left by life's challenges and the protective armor we craft from our experiences.

Shards of our making

Original Submission by S.D.K.T. Gunawardana

Shards of Our Making

Crazy how ice gets ruined

by the water that made it,

how hands that were meant to hold us

can twist into the very thing that breaks us.

We are molded from warmth,

taught to trust, to believe,

to grow in the light of eyes

that sometimes gleam with love,

sometimes with indifference,

sometimes with quiet cruelty.

And when we fracture,

we do not shatter fully,

we gather the shards,

press them into armor

and call it strength.

We smile in daylight,

we laugh like nothing happened,

we hold ourselves together

as if the cracks do not run deep

as if the frost inside us

has not thinned to vulnerability.

Yet beneath the surface,

the melt drips slowly,

a secret memory of hurt,

of whispered blame,

of hands that should have been gentle

but left scars instead.

We become mirrors of ourselves,

reflecting only the polished, unbroken parts,

while the fragile core whispers

for safety, for care, for recognition.

Crazy how ice gets ruined

by the very thing that made it,

how love and pain can coexist,

how we endure,

how we protect

what little softness remains,

even when the world only sees our frost.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar showcases diverse literary voices from around the world. This prestigious event invites participants to express their unique perspectives through poetry and creative writing, celebrating the power of words to inspire, challenge, and connect. Participants share their creative endeavors on an international platform, contributing to the vibrant tapestry of contemporary literature.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to S.D.K.T. Gunawardana for sharing "Shards of Our Making" with us in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Your exploration of the themes of resilience and vulnerability resonates deeply, offering readers a glimpse into the complexities of the human spirit. Thank you for your inspiring contribution to the literary world.

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.