Star-Crossed Hope - By Nurul Syuhada (Nanie)

Written By: Nurul Syuhada (Nanie)

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In her poignant poetry piece, "Star-Crossed Hope," Nurul Syuhada, known by her writing name Nanie, delves into the intimate realm of dreams and aspirations shared amidst the backdrop of digital connections. As a part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, this evocative submission captures the essence of human connection and the dreams we nurture. The poem navigates through youthful promises and shared hopes, evoking a sense of nostalgia and longing.

About the Work

"Star-Crossed Hope" is a heartfelt exploration of youthful dreams and the solace found in shared aspirations. Through vivid imagery and tender reminiscence, Nanie paints a picture of nights spent fostering dreams of escape and belonging. The poem's gentle rhythm and evocative language invite readers to reflect on the comfort of companionship and the wistful yearning for a future once imagined. It beautifully captures the essence of dream-filled conversations and the warmth of imagined havens.

Star-Crossed Hope

Original Submission by Nurul Syuhada (Nanie)

Star-Crossed Hope by Nanie Nicky

Do you remember the cold nights

we used to spend together online,

talking and chatting until we both fell asleep,

the blue screen in our faces, and the star as our witness

to the promises we made.

Do you remember how we laughed and plotted

the stories we had in our heads?

From fanfics to our own

that was never written or shown to the world.

How you would brighten my gloomy days

and indulge my crazy theories

and how we once shared a dream

to leave and live together, far away.

Do you remember our promise

to run to Singapore or England

or even New Zealand

to find and build our tiny home

away from the pain we once grew up in.

To live far enough from the city, but close enough to peace,

spending our days in a three-bedroom house

as I work as a writer and you as an artist

among the meadows with our cats and dogs.

We would have a garden

where you’ll spend your days

planting and nurturing the flowers you’d get—

petunias, tulips, roses and peonies

and watch them bloom in the cool breeze of spring

while I sit at the porch, writing my new book

or stay in my study playing my favourite games.

We would cook together in the eve,

but I’ll be your taste-tester while you’re our main chef

yelling and throwing flour at each other

and drinking cold orange juice we picked from your garden.

________________

We would bring dinner outside,

eating and laughing under the stars,

with the soft tunes of the night as our song

as we carve our names in the stars above.

Or maybe we’ll live in an apartment together,

with a black cat named Loki and a white cat named Moon,

as I work as a teacher, and you an engineer

with dates at cafes and parks after work,

holding hands as we would walk home

watching the stars as we climbed the stairs,

laying in bed with a movie on play

as you lay next to me in the comfort of our bed,

your hand in mine, our breaths mingled close

as I hear your heart beating the same rhythm as mine,

closing our eyes in this haven we made

called Home.

________________

Do you remember all these dreams

we used to have and shared as teenagers,

young, broken and hurt by the world outside,

and we had each other to call home?

I grieve for the future once written in dreams

by two broken girls yearning to leave

the pain and misery behind and forgotten

and live the life they had always wanted.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a celebration of literary creativity and expression. It invites writers and poets from around the world to share their unique voices and perspectives. This esteemed competition serves as a platform for showcasing diverse narratives and exploring a variety of themes through poetry and creative writing. Participants are encouraged to weave words into compelling stories and verses that resonate with audiences globally.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Nurul Syuhada (Nanie) for sharing "Star-Crossed Hope" with us as part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her evocative portrayal of dreams and companionship offers a touching glimpse into the hopes we cherish. We appreciate her contribution and look forward to seeing more of her creative work 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.