The Calendar - By Lei Ka Man

Written By: Lei Ka Man

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Lei Ka Man presents a stirring poetic piece titled "The Calendar" as part of the Poetry category in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This competition showcases diverse voices from around the world, celebrating the art of poetry and storytelling. Lei Ka Man's work delves into the ephemeral nature of time and the human desire to grasp fleeting moments, inviting readers to reflect on the passage of days.

About the Work

"The Calendar" by Lei Ka Man carries a contemplative tone, exploring themes of time and memory through evocative imagery and introspective musings. The poem captures the futility of holding onto time as it slips away, using the metaphor of a calendar to symbolize the ephemeral and repetitive nature of life. With each torn page, the poet conveys a poignant sense of loss and acceptance, ultimately finding peace in the inevitable flow of time.

The Calendar

Original Submission by Lei Ka Man

The Calendar

by Lei Ka Man

I tear a page from the calendar, and the month falls away,

September gone, or is it October? The numbers mean nothing.

I count the days, one, two, three, but I lose count

By the time I reach ten, and I start again, and again,

And the page crumples in my hand, a small, dry death.

I look at the date they wrote in big letters: “Doctor, 3 PM”,

But I do not know if the doctor has come or is yet to come,

Or if this is a note from a week ago, a relic of a past

That no longer applies. I keep the calendar anyway,

A ritual of order in a world of disarray, and each morning

I tear a page, though it may be the wrong page,

And I lay it flat upon the table, an offering to time.

But time is a river, and I am standing on the bank,

Watching it flow without me. I do not need the calendar

To know the season, the heat of the sun on my skin,

The chill of the floor in the morning, these are my true clocks.

I hold the torn page, and I fold it into a paper boat,

And I sail it across the table, a vessel for my lost days,

And it reaches the edge, and it falls, and I do not pick it up,

For the journey is done, and the date is gone,

And tomorrow I will tear another, and another,

Until there are no more pages to tear, and the calendar

Is empty, and I am empty, and we are both at peace.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 organized by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious event that brings together writers and poets from various backgrounds to celebrate the power of words. This competition highlights outstanding literary talent and provides a platform for creative expression, encouraging participants to share their unique perspectives and stories with a global audience.

We thank Lei Ka Man for sharing their thought-provoking poem "The Calendar" in this year's Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition. Their work adds depth and introspection to the event, reminding us of the universal nature of time and memory. We look forward to reading more of Lei Ka Man's insightful creations 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.