The Bird I Could Not Keep - By Debkalpa Nath

Written By: Debkalpa Nath

Category: Poetry

Competition: Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In a beautifully evocative piece titled "The Bird I Could Not Keep," Debkalpa Nath invites readers into a reflective journey through the quiet corners of a garden and the depths of human emotion. This poetry submission is part of the esteemed Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, showcasing Nath's ability to weave introspective themes with a delicate touch. The poem captures a universal longing for peace and the essence of transient beauty, making it a poignant exploration of life's fleeting connections.

About the Work

"The Bird I Could Not Keep" is a masterful exploration of themes like impermanence and the tender moments that touch our lives. The poem's mood is both contemplative and melancholic, wrapped in rich imagery of a quiet garden and a small bird symbolizing fragile beauty. Nath's lyrical style and emotive language guide readers through a narrative of discovery, loss, and the profound impact of brief encounters, leaving an indelible mark on the heart.

The Bird I Could Not Keep

Original Submission by Debkalpa Nath

The Bird I Could Not Keep

Softly, I wandered through a quiet garden,

beneath a sky stitched with distant light,

searching-though I did not know for what-

for a kind of peace others seemed to name so easily.

Even the hush between the leaves felt full,

roses and marigolds breathing in color,

the trees standing still in their ancient calm.

And yet-

as I walked past one,

I saw her.

A small bird, folded into the earth,

her wings unsure of the language of flight.

I gathered her gently,

carried her home in my hands-

and in her trembling warmth

I found something I hadn’t known I needed.

Her presence softened the corners of my days.

In her fragile songs,

there was a quiet kind of healing-

like light learning how to stay.

She rested in my arms,

and for the first time in a long while,

silence did not feel empty.

But mornings are not meant to keep everything.

One day, I woke to a stillness

that did not belong to peace.

She was gone.

No flutter at the window,

no song weaving through the air-

only absence,

loud and unrelenting.

I searched for her in every corner,

as if grief could be undone by looking hard enough.

But it returned instead-

like a tide that knows no mercy,

rising quietly,

then all at once.

And I was left

with the echo of something brief,

something beautiful,

something never meant to stay.

Perhaps some souls arrive

only to awaken a tenderness within us-

and leave us to carry it alone.

About the Competition

The Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a distinguished platform celebrating the diverse voices and creative expressions of writers from around the world. It offers participants an opportunity to showcase their work alongside peers, fostering a community of literary enthusiasts and professionals. This competition continues to highlight the importance of storytelling and poetic expression in contemporary culture.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Debkalpa Nath for the touching contribution of "The Bird I Could Not Keep" to the Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This poignant piece resonates deeply, reflecting the ephemeral nature of beauty and connection. We appreciate Nath's artistic voice and look forward to witnessing more of such profound expressions 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.