The Background - By Olivia Montzinger

Written By: Olivia Montzinger

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In her evocative poem, "The Background," Olivia Montzinger takes readers on an intimate journey through the landscapes of love and separation. As a participant in the esteemed Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, Olivia's work is a testament to her ability to weave intricate emotional tapestries. Her poem is a profound exploration of the heart's desire and the haunting presence of past connections, set against a backdrop of vivid imagery and introspective musings.

About the Work

"The Background" delves into themes of love, memory, and emotional resilience. Through rich imagery and a measured cadence, Olivia Montzinger paints a portrait of a heart trying to reconcile with its past. The poem's mood is both reflective and liberating, capturing the tension between holding on and letting go. Olivia's use of natural imagery, like twisted ivy and collapsing worlds, underscores the complexity of human emotions and relationships.

The background

Original Submission by Olivia Montzinger

The background:

I try to leave you in the background of it all,

Because if I bring you any closer

My heart will start to hurt.

Our fate grew like twisted ivy

Bound together on a singular branch

on the tree of pain

But now we have diverted

We share a branch no more.

I speak,

And my words tumble out like roses

They adorn the walls and

make everything beautiful.

I ran to you

Through the present and into the future

Moments falling away into the light blue like strips of linen slithering down to the floor like snakes.

In my mind you are always next to me

* Always

Whispering in my ear, laughing at my jokes

* Holding me

I am a star, a fatal force

that could explode at any moment

“I don’t wanna be a grenade”

But with you

I don’t have a choice

and I love it.

I throw my head backwards and breathe

Like it’s something new and freeing,

something gorgeous and limiting

Everything that it is.

Breathe in.

Breathe out.

The world collapses within itself

A child cries without the joy that tinges her cheeks pink.

Breathe in.

Breathe out.

The grass is in submission

To our careless treads

funny,

that we abuse the ground

that made us.

Breathe in.

Breathe out.

A High note or scream

Pierces the world and glass shatters…

I am healed.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious event celebrating the voices of writers worldwide. It offers a platform for poets and authors to showcase their creativity and engage with a global audience. This competition is renowned for its diverse entries and commitment to fostering literary talent across genres.

Thank you, Olivia Montzinger, for sharing "The Background" with us as part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Your poignant reflection on love and memory resonates deeply, offering a window into the complexities of the human heart. We appreciate your contribution and look forward to seeing more of your poetic explorations.

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.