The Almost - By Hiral Mankad

Written By: Hiral Mankad

Category: Poetry

Competition: Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Hiral Mankad, writing under the name "The Almost," presents a deeply evocative piece titled "The Almost" in the Poetry category of Hashtag Kalakar’s Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This poignant poem delves into themes of love, longing, and the bittersweet nature of almost-relationships. Through her words, Hiral captures the essence of emotional vulnerability and the complex dance of human connections, inviting readers to reflect on their own experiences of love and loss.

About the Work

"The Almost" by Hiral Mankad weaves a narrative rich with emotional depth and introspection. The poem explores the theme of unreciprocated love and the heartache of being almost chosen. Hiral's use of vivid imagery and metaphor paints a picture of longing and self-discovery. The poem's lyrical quality and heartfelt expression evoke a sense of universality, resonating with anyone who has experienced the pain of not being fully seen or loved.

The Almost

Original Submission by Hiral Mankad

We grew up trading secrets,

Scraped knees, stolen time

Your laughter lived in corners

That once felt almost mine.

You learned my silence before I learned your eyes,

I was the place you rested, never the one you’d choose to try.

You chased me like a season- warm, impatient, sweet,

Your words were sugar promises

Melting at my feet.

Every glance a dare, every joke a thread,

You pulled me closer, daily,

Then left me where I bled.

I learned your flirt like scripture,

Memorized the way.

You’d say my name like maybe, then walked the thought away.

You wanted me wanting you,

Nothing more, nothing less.

The chase was your religion, not the altar of yes.

And the moment my heart softened, finally brave,

The moment I believed you might stay instead of wave,

You vanished into curves I was never meant to grow,

Into a body louder than

Things I’d ever know.

She was thic and she was glowing,

She was wanted at first sight,

She didn’t ask you questions, didn’t make you feel your fight.

She was simple in the ways I was painfully deep,

She slept inside your arms,

While I lay awake to weep.

You chose her like an escape-

Easy,

Warm,

Admired,

Even when your smile dulled, even when you were tired.

You stayed though you were empty,

Though something felt untrue,

Because being desired mattered more than being known by me, by you.

She was loved in all the ways I begged the dark to learn.

Soft hands, open pride

A place you didn’t earn.

You showed up for her loudly,

You stayed,

You cared,

While I learned love could starve you and still call itself fair.

Then she left, or you did,

The story always bends

And like clockwork, like hunger

You found me once again.

Your voice would turn familiar, your eyes would start to plead,

You’d flirt like it was fate and not a well-practiced need.

You’d touch me with your maybes,

Your almost, your someday

You’d make me feel chosen in a temporary way.

And just when hope grew legs,

Just when I stood too near.

You’d find another body

Brave enough to hold your fear.

Different names, Same ending, Same familiar ache,

Same lessons taught brutally,

I was never the stake.

I was the pause between desires, the mirror you passed through,

The proof you were wanted

Before you wanted someone new.

I was never the one you stayed with when love got hard,

I was the softness you escaped, not the place you parked your heart.

You wanted depth without drowning, truth without the pain,

But I was made of oceans, you preferred the rain.

So now I stand remembering

The boy I almost knew,

The Man who almost loved me,

The lie that almost grew.

You keep choosing elsewhere, and I keep learning slow.

Some hearts are just crossroads, not homes you’re meant to know.

And maybe one day,

You’ll wonder why you still feel alone,

Why beauty keeps leaving,

Why comfort never feels like home.

By then,

I’ll have unlearned the way I reached for you,

I’ll know that

Being chosen once

Is worth more than being almost endlessly, too

About the Competition

The Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a celebration of literary talent from around the globe. This prestigious event invites poets and writers to showcase their creativity and storytelling prowess. Participants explore diverse themes, crafting pieces that reflect their unique voices and perspectives. The competition serves as a platform for both emerging and established writers to share their work with a broader audience.

Thank you, Hiral Mankad, for sharing your beautifully crafted poem "The Almost" with us as part of the Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Your work offers a profound exploration of love and longing, capturing the complexity of human emotions. We appreciate your contribution and look forward to witnessing more of your literary journey.

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.