The Boy Who Carried the Sky - By Niel V. Dayandayan

Written By: Niel V. Dayandayan

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the realm of poetic expression, Niel V. Dayandayan emerges with his evocative work, "The Boy Who Carried the Sky," entered in the esteemed Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This compelling piece falls within the Poetry category, exploring profound themes of personal journey, resilience, and self-discovery. Dayandayan's words invite readers to traverse landscapes both literal and metaphorical, reflecting on the courage needed to pursue one's dreams.

About the Work

"The Boy Who Carried the Sky" is a vivid exploration of a young dreamer’s quest for identity and belonging. Through richly detailed imagery and emotive language, Dayandayan captures the essence of perseverance amidst life's challenges. The poem's mood oscillates between hope and introspection, ultimately celebrating the strength found in overcoming adversity. The work's lyrical style and poignant message resonate with readers, evoking a deep sense of empathy and inspiration.

The Boy Who Carried the Sky

Original Submission by Niel V. Dayandayan

The Boy Who Carried the Sky

-Niel Dayandayan

I was a dreamer born of rain,

Where Leyte's green hills would whisper my name;

I crossed the sea with hope alight,

To chase a dawn beyond the edge of night.

Cebu stood bright before my eyes,

I carried all my home inside my chest;

New roads were rivers I must cross,

And every mile put courage to the test.

Then English bloomed beneath my hand,

Yet every lesson towered over me;

My classmates seemed like peaks of light,

I stood below, afraid to speak or rise.

I hid my doubts between the shelves,

And fed my weary, restless hours with books;

While daylight faded into dusk,

I sowed my hours where silent pages grew.

At last, the words became my wings,

The mountain softened underneath my feet;

I learned to stand among the stars,

And wore my hard-won dawn like golden light.

Then work became another road,

I walked its miles, but slowly lost my way;

The compass trembled in my palm,

And all my maps dissolved in shades of gray.

Night folded in around my heart,

A raging ocean thundered in my chest;

I called; the echoes answered back,

From doors I thought would open into arms.

Some days I could not face the dawn,

And fear would whisper I should disappear;

I stood too close to life's dark edge,

Still, somewhere, morning kept a place for me.

A crack of gold split through the clouds,

I found the strength to take my hand back home;

I rose, though every scar remained,

And made a bridge from all the stones I bore.

Life is no road of level ground,

Yet I will walk beneath its changing skies;

My roots remember every storm,

And still my heart keeps reaching for the sun.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious platform celebrating diverse voices and creative expression worldwide. This annual event provides writers and poets an opportunity to showcase their unique talents and share their stories with an international audience, fostering a global community of literary appreciation.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Niel V. Dayandayan for sharing his captivating poem, "The Boy Who Carried the Sky," with us. His participation in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 enriches the tapestry of voices and narratives that the competition celebrates. We look forward to witnessing more of his 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.