Sixteen - By Kiara Smith

Written By: Kiara Smith

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Kiara Smith, writing under the name "Sixteen," presents a compelling piece titled "Sixteen" in the Poetry category of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her work delves into the raw emotions of youth, capturing the struggle of validating one's pain and the journey towards resilience. Her poem is a heartfelt exploration of the challenges faced by the young, echoing the competition's spirit of creative expression and literary excellence.

About the Work

"Sixteen" is a poignant narrative that captures the turmoil of adolescence through vivid imagery and emotional depth. Kiara Smith's poetic style is both confessional and evocative, drawing the reader into a world where pain is palpable. The poem masterfully uses metaphor and introspection to convey themes of despair, struggle, and the longing for relief. Through her words, she paints a stark picture of a young soul grappling with inner demons and the quest for solace.

Sixteen

Original Submission by Kiara Smith

SIXTEEN

You think because I am young, the pain that I feel is not valid

The tears that i cry do not have the ability to push my head beneath the waters

You tell me that happiness is a choice

and that faith is all i need

I tried to believe you

But it feels like the tears keep falling until I’m drowning

and i call out to god but i fear he’s not coming

Cause it feels as if my feet are stones

Pulling me down to the ocean floor

And my throat is burning with all the insults that I’ve swallowed over the years

They’ve punctured my lungs until I’m struggling to just breathe

You’ve got to understand it’s not that easy to JUST BREATHE

When all your failures are stuck like a lump in your throat

Because you just won’t let them go

Or maybe it’s because I actually can’t

They’ve become a part of me

Like the scars on my wrists that may have faded

But the feeling in my soul still lives on

Until I move onto harder drugs

And toe the already fragile line

THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS GAME I AM PLAYING

except this is not a game

This is my life

And I wish I could put it in a bag

And take it back to the shop

Because this gift was well-intentioned

But already broken when I got it

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious platform celebrating the art of written expression. It invites participants worldwide to share their unique voices through poetry, short stories, essays, and creative writing. This competition fosters creativity and provides a stage for writers to engage with a diverse audience, offering a rich tapestry of global perspectives and talent.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Kiara Smith for her powerful contribution, "Sixteen," to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her work is a testament to the profound depth of emotion and creativity that young writers bring to the literary world. We look forward to seeing more of her evocative poetry in the future.

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.