Some Girls Arrive Early - By Nur Firzana Mohamed Raffi

Written By: Nur Firzana Mohamed Raffi

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Nur Firzana Mohamed Raffi presents "Some Girls Arrive Early," a heartfelt piece in the Poetry category for the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This reflective work delves into the nuances of personal milestones and the internal dialogue they spark. Through her evocative writing, Nur Firzana captures the shared experience of measuring one's journey against societal expectations and peers.

About the Work

"Some Girls Arrive Early" is a resonant exploration of the delicate balance between societal timelines and personal growth. With a tone that combines vulnerability and resilience, the poem navigates the themes of comparison and self-worth. Its vivid imagery and introspective musings create a tapestry of emotions that many can relate to, offering solace to those who feel out of step with life's expectations.

Some Girls Arrive Early

Original Submission by Nur Firzana Mohamed Raffi

4. Some Girls Arrive Early

It started, like most spirals do —

a scroll too deep into someone else’s sunshine.

A post. A milestone.

One of those soft-lit, sepia-toned stories that makes you pause mid-swipe.

She looked radiant — not just glowing, but done.

Completed, almost.

As if all the boxes life ever gave her, she ticked them off before I even found a pen.

I sent a text.

Just a quiet, honest little thing.

“We’re the same age… but why does it feel like I’m ten chapters behind?”

And almost immediately,

someone I love replied with something that sounded like

“Same.”

But heavier.

Turns out, she cried on her birthday morning.

Not because anything was wrong, but because nothing felt… right.

Because sometimes, being 25 feels like

being on the edge of something you were supposed to have reached by now.

We laughed a little through the ache, danced around the usual self-deprecating jokes,

and threw in the occasional sigh for good measure.

But the truth stayed sitting quietly between our messages:

Some girls arrive early.

To the aisle. To the baby. To the house with morning light and evening quiet.

And some of us — we’re still pacing the hallway,

holding dreams that haven’t chosen us yet.

And it’s not that we’re not happy for them.

We are. We really are.

But joy for someone else doesn’t always cancel out

the hollow echo of your own waiting.

And yeah, maybe I haven’t done half the things

the world says I should’ve done by now.

What the world doesn’t know is the strength it

takes to stay soft while feeling behind.

To keep showing up.

To keep believing your story still matters,

even if no one’s clapping yet.

So, no — I’m not where they are.

But I’m still here.

Still learning. Still trying.

Still holding space for the woman I’m becoming.

And that, babe?

That’s its own kind of arrival.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious platform celebrating the depth and diversity of literary talent worldwide. This competition invites poets and writers to showcase their unique voices and artistic expressions, fostering a global community of creative minds.

Thank you, Nur Firzana Mohamed Raffi, for sharing "Some Girls Arrive Early" with us in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Your poignant reflection on personal growth and societal timelines resonates deeply, offering a powerful reminder of individual journeys. We appreciate your contribution and look forward to witnessing more of your creative endeavors.

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.