Speechless - By Ng Ka Ying

Written By: Ng Ka Ying

Category: poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Ng Ka Ying's poignant poem, "Speechless," is a captivating entry in the poetry category of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. The competition invites creative minds to explore the depths of expression through words. Ng Ka Ying presents a profound reflection on the theme of silence and the loss of one's artistic voice, resonating deeply with anyone who has ever felt speechless in the face of life's complexities.

About the Work

"Speechless" delves into the emotional landscape of a poet grappling with the loss of words. The poem captures a haunting mood, exploring themes of identity and artistic expression. Ng Ka Ying employs vivid imagery, evoking the tactile sensation of words slipping away, leaving behind a profound sense of mourning and introspection. The work invites readers to reflect on the essence of creativity and its inherent challenges.

Speechless

Original Submission by Ng Ka Ying

Speechless

So what happens when a poet goes speechless or mute?

Or when the writer ceases to write?

One who’s supposed to produce and link words into artistic expressions, but no more?

The first death of a poet goes with her physical body, her frame withers away.

Farewell to a beautiful mind.

The second and complete death comes when her words are erased and wiped from day and age, eras, history and world creation,

she is ceased to have ever existed.

So when she no longer speaks, or writes, or thinks it, or minds it, will that already be her ultimate death before even her flesh decays?

Words slipped through my pen like cells streaming through my blood vessels, like silk to the touch

now all they do is slip my mind

into oblivion.

A half-filled notebook

Torn-out pages, crumpled, and thrown into the bin

My palm smudged with ink and lead

A head too big for such a cruel world of confinement

For so long, I thought I had found my voice

but for even longer, I have lost my words

I mourn, I grieve, I bid farewell and last good-byes to unspoken, intangible words like one would to the loss of a dear childhood companion.

Where do I go now?

What do I do?

My dearest, what am I, if without you?

If I were a poet, I would write about you every single day, certainly, your laughs, your dark, lush lashes, your hair, the way your tongue clicks and twists when pronouncing a certain sound when you are confessing your love to me…

but I am not a poet, for if I am to be reduced to my words…

I have none.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious platform that celebrates the art of words. It brings together writers and poets from around the globe, providing an opportunity to showcase their talents and explore diverse themes. The competition is a testament to the enduring power of language and its ability to inspire, provoke thought, and connect individuals across cultures.

Thank you, Ng Ka Ying, for sharing your evocative poem "Speechless" in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Your exploration of silence and loss resonates with profound depth, leaving a lasting impression. We appreciate your contribution to the world of poetry and look forward to seeing more of your creative expressions.

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.