Tahlequah - By Shreya Vishwanath

Written By: Shreya Vishwanath

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, Shreya Vishwanath, writing under the name Tahlequah, presents a deeply moving piece titled "Tahlequah." This poem, under the Poetry category, draws from the real-life story of the Southern resident killer whale, J35 Tahlequah, known for her poignant displays of maternal grief. Shreya's work reflects on profound themes of motherhood, loss, and the enduring strength required to carry on in the face of unimaginable sorrow.

About the Work

"Tahlequah" by Shreya Vishwanath encapsulates the raw emotional turmoil and strength of a mother who has faced the ultimate loss. Through vivid imagery and a reflective tone, the poem explores themes of grief, resilience, and the complex bond between mother and child. Shreya skillfully uses the story of the whale Tahlequah to draw parallels with universal maternal experiences, conveying a powerful message about unconditional love and loss.

Tahlequah

Original Submission by Shreya Vishwanath

Submission Name: Tahlequah

Writer Name: Shreya Vishwanath

Email: shreyavishwanathws@gmail.com

Phone Number: 7349127087

Background:

J35 "Tahlequah" (pronounced tah-le-KWAH) is a 27-year-old female Southern resident killer whale. She is the matriarch of the J17 matriline.[1] Tahlequah made international headlines in 2018 when she carried the body of her deceased daughter for 17 days. She made headlines again in 2025 when she carried the body of her deceased daughter J61 for at least 11 days.

Source: https://killerwhales.fandom.com/wiki/J35_Tahlequah

Her Story has always moved me to grief, especially due to my own years long struggles and grief with the idea of motherhood and how I would never be strong enough to carry the weight of being a mother. This is dedicated to Tahlequah for having a strength that so many of us pray we never have to will for ourselves.

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Tahlequah

Some legends say that your name means

Two is enough

Like we decided on the sick twist of fate

When we named you; I am so sorry

There is no name

for a mother who has lost her children

Just a growing distance

1000 miles

17 days

You carry her like you once did,

The only thing keeping her body afloat

Praying that your lungs will somehow fill hers again;

Maybe the god in the sky

does not understand the way of the water

And he makes you do it again;

Women around the world

stop to carry for you

your mother's grief

A horror so complete that

our bodies recognise it

Even when the position is one

we have never wanted to hold: Mother.

It is a weight we cannot lighten for you;

Others talk of how you are torturing yourself

How both children being lost

Never growing up to be mothers

Is a great loss to dwindling numbers

Was that your one relief?

That they would never know this familiar monster

that we call unconditional love?

What are numbers in front of an ocean of loss

The world watches you traverse it.

Who are we to tell the heart

that made the heartbeat

that it has no value silent

Someone once told me

Mother is the most ferocious form of love

You already knew that, didn't you?

Killer whale. Animal. Life-giver. Mother

Sometimes the simplest of names

Are the hardest to bear

Mother is the most ferocious form of love: Lyric from Mother III by TE/MO

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, hosted by Hashtag Kalakar, is an esteemed platform that celebrates the diverse voices of writers worldwide. This competition provides a stage for poets and writers to share their unique perspectives and artistic expressions through poetry, short stories, and creative writing. Each submission enriches the global dialogue on creativity and storytelling.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Shreya Vishwanath for her poignant poem, "Tahlequah," featured in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her work beautifully honors the strength and vulnerability inherent in motherhood. Thank you, Shreya, for sharing your voice and perspective with us and the world.

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.