The Curse of Tears That Stained Black - By Namrah Akram

Written By: Namrah Akram

Category: Short story

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Namrah Akram presents a moving narrative in her short story, "The Curse of Tears That Stained Black," as part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This evocative piece delves into the heart of devotion, grief, and the natural world, showcasing Akram's unique storytelling ability. Her work captures the essence of unspoken love and the indelible marks left by profound loss, inviting readers into a world where nature and emotion intertwine deeply.

About the Work

In "The Curse of Tears That Stained Black," Namrah Akram crafts a tale rich with emotion and natural imagery. The narrative unfolds with a cheetah's silent admiration and love, juxtaposed against a harsh, tragic turn. Through evocative descriptions and a poignant emotional depth, Akram explores themes of love, loss, and the marks they leave behind. Her story captures the beauty and brutality of the natural world, leaving readers to ponder the eternal nature of sorrow and love.

The curse of tears that stained black

Original Submission by Namrah Akram

The Curse of Tears That Stained Black

Each night, the cheetah climbed to the peak of the mountain and gazed at the moon- at least, that is what the forest believed.

On nights when the moon hid herself, he still waited, patient beyond reason, sitting as if time itself owed him something. But he was never really watching the moon.

Beneath its silver spill sat another cheetah- a feline whose presence quieted the world. He loved her with a devotion so deep it frightened him. He never believed himself to be worthy of speaking to her, never believed love could belong to him so easily.

So instead, he spoke to the trees. He whispered to the moon. He asked the wind how one gathers courage without losing themselves. But when advice came, he let it through him like air. Shyness wrapped around his chest like a cage.

On one luminous night, when the moon stood whole and bright, he decided this would be the night. With the forest as witness and the trees as accomplices, he would finally speak.

He watched her as she licked her paws, he did not notice the red dot trembling over her body. He admired her a moment longer. And then- the gunshot split the forest open.

Shock froze him where he stood. Then instinct screamed louder than fear. He ran- speed tearing through muscle and breath, faster than he had ever been, faster than fate allowed.

But he was too late.

As the man reached for her lifeless body, the cheetah stood before him, growling, grief sharpened into rage. The forest held its breath. The man fled.

The cheetah collapsed beside her. He did not blink as he cried. He did not look away. The moon dimmed. The trees bowed the animals mourned in silence, knowing what had never been spoken yet had always been true.

Days passed. Then more. He remained there, tears spilling endlessly, carving their path down his face. Grief, with nowhere left to go, burned itself into his skin- dark, permanent, unforgiving. The stains deepened beneath his eyes.

And when time finally claimed him, the earth wrapped them both in her warmth. Burying love beside love, silence beside silence.

That was the last night the forest saw him.

-And that is why cheetahs wear sorrow beneath their eyes- blackened tears, forever marking a love that never found its voice.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, organized by Hashtag Kalakar, is a prestigious platform celebrating writers worldwide. It invites diverse voices to share their unique perspectives through poetry and creative writing. The competition is renowned for its commitment to fostering creativity and providing a stage for both emerging and established writers to showcase their literary talents.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Namrah Akram for her powerful contribution, "The Curse of Tears That Stained Black," to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her poignant storytelling and deep emotional insights have truly enriched the competition.

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.