"SHE IS" - By Kwen Garbosa

Written By: Kwen Garbosa

Category: Poetry, Horror/ Psychological

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

We are delighted to feature "SHE IS" by Kwen Garbosa, a haunting poetic entry in the Poetry category of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Kwen Garbosa's work delves into the psychological horror genre, exploring themes of identity and transformation. This piece invites readers into a realm where familiarity is twisted and identity becomes a chilling mystery.

About the Work

"SHE IS" immerses the reader in a world where the line between self and other blurs, creating a disorienting and eerie atmosphere. The poem employs vivid imagery and a fragmented narrative style to evoke a sense of unease and introspection. It challenges perceptions of identity, using unsettling descriptions and a haunting tone to explore the psychological depths of its subject.

"SHE IS"

Original Submission by Kwen Garbosa

SHE IS

________________

There was—(something) wrong with her.

Today? No. Longer than today.

A rot from the ceiling down, dripping inside the skull.

She’s—spiraling.

Turning? More like the slow twist of a blade.

Click—(click) of her heels. The jaw—unhinge—unclench— the part that still looks like her but isn’t.

It’s kissing her skin. The silhouette intertwines, breathing in reverse.

Her eyes—(her orbs) swallowed whole. No pupils. No self. Just pits.

Her face—God.

That face—a portrait scraped from canvas with fingernails.

A mouth drawn sideways. A nose that never knew where to be.

Everything—familiar but misfiled.

I want to hold her. But my hands—I do not know–I can’t remember the shape of her face.

She—does not know me. Or she knows too much.

She smiled in a way

teeth aren’t supposed to know.

I think she’s learning how to wear my face

And it speaks—without moving—

I think she’s learning how to wear my face

"you are not watching her.

you are—her."

—K.

DAY 15

“She is who?”

She is you.

Something’s wrong with her again.

Not the sickness. Not the grief.

Something deeper—

the part that still looks like her but isn’t.

Her eyes went black tonight.

Not dark.

Black—like the word itself

was poured into them.

She smiled in a way

teeth aren’t supposed to know.

I think she’s learning how to wear my face

—K.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious platform celebrating diverse voices in poetry and creative writing. This event showcases exceptional talent, fostering creativity and encouraging writers to share their unique perspectives on a global stage.

We extend our gratitude to Kwen Garbosa for sharing the chilling and thought-provoking poem "SHE IS" with us. Your participation in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 enriches the literary landscape and inspires fellow writers and readers alike.

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.