Stolen - By Kanchana Perera

Written By: Kanchana Perera

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Kanchana Perera presents "Stolen," a profound piece of poetry that delves into themes of loss, love, and the relentless passage of time. As part of the esteemed Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, this work captures the essence of emotional endurance in the face of a debilitating disease. Through vivid language, Perera paints a picture of how life's inevitable challenges can reshape relationships, underscoring a universal experience of love interwoven with grief.

About the Work

"Stolen" is a heartfelt exploration of the emotional toll exacted by illness, capturing the nuanced interplay between love and exhaustion. The poem's evocative imagery and poignant reflections highlight the silent grief of losing someone who remains physically present. Through a delicate balance of bittersweetness and resilience, Perera masterfully conveys the coexistence of conflicting emotions and the enduring strength found in love's persistence.

Stolen

Original Submission by Kanchana Perera

Stolen

This disease

this slow, merciless thief

has been stealing something held close.

Not all at once,

but in bits and pieces,

seeping into days in insidious ways:

a name here, a precious memory there,

until you’re no longer sure

what remains to lose.

Its unpredictability cripples

how a simple good morning can turn without warning,

without reason,

how you brace yourself

before you even open the door.

The exhaustion is not merely physical.

It settles into your bones,

a weariness untouched by sleep,

built over years

until you cannot recall a time you weren’t tired.

You roam, you live, you love, and wish

Achingly; that you could share the joys.

But this sordid reversal of roles

has reshaped the landscape entirely,

making you the parent

not by choice,

not by his,

but by circumstance.

The one who once held your hand

to cross streets, to go somewhere,

now needs you to hold theirs

through something

neither of you can cross together.

You grieve someone who is still physically present

still sitting at the table,

still breathing the same air

but not fully here,

not entirely reachable.

There is no word for that kind of loss.

The dictionary fails, and so do we,

because few speak of grief

that still has a heartbeat.

You hate the guilt that rises

when you admit this

as if loving someone fully means

you are not allowed to be tired,

as if naming the hard parts diminishes the love.

It does not.

You can hate the disease.

You can be exhausted.

You can still love the person.

And still show up tomorrow.

Oxymorons can coexist.

Bittersweetness does not cancel itself.

Both truths.

can live in the same heart

without undoing each other.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a distinguished platform celebrating the power of words and the creativity of writers globally. It brings together voices from diverse backgrounds to share their unique perspectives through poetry and creative writing, fostering a community united by a love for the written word.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Kanchana Perera for sharing "Stolen" with us in this year's competition. Your insightful portrayal of love and loss resonates deeply, adding a significant voice to the dialogue on human resilience. We are grateful for your contribution to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026.

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.