“Situationships in a Test Tube” - By Priyanka Pati

Written By: Priyanka Pati

Category: Poetry

Competition: Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the 2026 edition of the Hashtag Kalakar Poetry and Creative Writing Competition, Priyanka Pati presents her poem “Situationships in a Test Tube.” This evocative piece, entered under the Poetry category, delves into the intricate and often mysterious world of chemistry. Priyanka masterfully intertwines the theme of relationships with the enigmatic processes that occur within a laboratory setting, inviting readers to contemplate the parallels between human connections and chemical reactions.

About the Work

Priyanka Pati's "Situationships in a Test Tube" is a captivating exploration of chemistry's nuances through poetic form. The poem's mood is both contemplative and witty, using the concept of "situationships" to reflect the unpredictable nature of chemical reactions. The imagery of laboratory colors and the metaphorical "jab" of results create a vivid narrative, while the underlying message speaks to the complexity and unpredictability of both science and relationships.

“Situationships in a Test Tube”

Original Submission by Priyanka Pati

“Situationships in a Test Tube”

The logic of chemistry

Will always remain a mystery,

As it talks about never-ending history.

Every reaction is a “situationship”

Trying to be in a relationship,

But ends up in forced friendship.

The never-ending reactions

Occur due to countless more actions,

Where everything needs to be measured to the fraction.

The unseen struggle to remember

Every reaction and its member

Have left us sombre.

In the end of the day,

We realise there is no way;

And in the hopes of our cerebrum, we lay.

The various colours of the lab

Make it seem “fab”,

Until the results give us a jab.

Give us a break

From the stress we take…

For our mind’s sake.

By the chemists who are still trying to figure out what went wrong in the making of Halichondrin B

* The total synthesis of highly complex natural products like the anticancer agent Halichondrin B or the synthesis of advanced nanomaterials require an exceptionally high number of precise, multi-step reactions and measurements. *

PP

About the Competition

The Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar celebrates diverse voices in literature. This esteemed event provides a platform for writers worldwide to showcase their talents across various genres, including poetry, short stories, and essays. Participants are encouraged to express their unique perspectives and creativity, contributing to a rich tapestry of contemporary writing.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Priyanka Pati for her engaging contribution, “Situationships in a Test Tube,” to the Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her insightful exploration of chemistry and relationships offers a fresh perspective that resonates with readers. We appreciate Priyanka's creativity and look forward to her future endeavors in 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.