She Called It Love - By Arpita Das

Written By: Arpita Das

Category: Poetry

Competition: Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In her poignant poem "She Called It Love," Arpita Das delves into the intricate and often painful dimensions of maternal relationships. Featured in the Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar, this piece is a stirring reflection on the complexities of love intertwined with manipulation. Arpita's work stands as a testament to the emotional intricacies experienced by many in their familial bonds.

About the Work

Arpita Das's poem "She Called It Love" captures the emotional turbulence of a relationship where love and manipulation coexist. Through evocative imagery and heartfelt expression, the poem explores themes of guilt, silence, and the yearning for autonomy. The tone is raw and reflective, inviting readers to ponder the true nature of maternal affection and its impact on personal identity.

She called it love

Original Submission by Arpita Das

[She Called It Love]

(Mom’s manipulation)

She called it care, her twisted demand,

While I stitched my wounds with trembling hands.

She said “I raised you” Yes, with a price,

Where guilt was fed like daily rice.

Her love was loud, but never kind,

And peace? A thing I’d never find.

She blamed my silence, Mocked my tears,

Used my love to sharpen my fears.

She said “I gave you this, Gave you that,”

But took my voice and left me flat.

I left not in hate, but out of need,

Where a mother couldn’t see how badly I bleed.

Later, She called me once, then twice, then ten.

Not to ask if I’m okay, but to pull me in again.

“You didn’t pick up. You always used to Stick with your phone,

You were of no use before, did you became useful after going to your dad?

Are you too good now?”

She didn’t ask if I had eaten or slept,

Just why her calls were left unread.

She threw her years like chains at me:

“Eighteen Years I gave you, Can’t you see?”

Her call was never to check if I bled

It was to see if I’d bow my head.

About the Competition

The Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar celebrates diverse voices in literature, offering a platform for writers and poets to share their unique stories. This esteemed competition is a gathering of inspiring works that explore various themes, capturing the essence of human experiences through poetry and creative writing.

Thank you, Arpita Das, for your touching contribution to the Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Your poem "She Called It Love" is a powerful exploration of the complexities within familial relationships. We are grateful for your participation and the depth of emotion your work brings to the 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.