THE ECHO OF SILENCE - By Wasim Shaikh

Written By: Wasim Shaikh

Category: Social Justice

Competition: Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the poignant submission "THE ECHO OF SILENCE," Wasim Shaikh delves into the profound themes of social justice and human resilience. This piece is part of the esteemed Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, hosted by Hashtag Kalakar, where writers explore diverse themes with creativity and insight. Through evocative imagery and powerful emotions, Wasim captures the silent struggles and unheard voices of those caught in the turmoil of conflict, urging readers to listen to the echoes of silence that permeate their existence.

About the Work

Wasim Shaikh's "THE ECHO OF SILENCE" resonates with haunting imagery and a moving narrative that speaks volumes about the human condition in times of war. The piece uses stark contrasts between past joys and present sorrows to emphasize themes of loss, fear, and the resilience of the human spirit. With vivid metaphors and a somber tone, the work invites readers to reflect on the unseen and often ignored suffering of individuals who endure great hardships, urging a deeper understanding and empathy.

THE ECHO OF SILENCE

Original Submission by Wasim Shaikh

THE ECHO OF SILENCE

I

I sleep under a fractured sky,

Where stars once whispered bedtime stories.

Now, they descend as burning sparks,

And even the moon veils its face.

I walk through corridors where laughter used to live-

Now, only a suffocating silence breathes,

Waiting for the next explosion.

II

We used to draw with crayons;

Now, we map our losses in ashes.

The castles we built in the sand

Are ruins marking where we fell.

And the lullabies?

They no longer soothe.

They scream.

III

I was born under the same stars as you,

But mine never bloomed into destinies.

They rained down-

As bullets, as drones, as smoke, as death.

I once ran to school;

Now, I flee from a silence too deafening to bear.

Have you ever seen a newborn smile,

Knowing it will never live to laugh?

IV

Fear used to hide in the shadows.

Now, she dines with us, sleeps beside us,

Walks with every trembling breath.

She is no longer a coward-

She has become our survival.

She is the collective scream

We are forbidden to speak.

V

They say, "Stay strong."

But how resilient can bare feet be on shattered glass?

They ask, "Why don’t you leave?"

But where do we go when the world has bolted its doors?

Why do my tears cost less than your silence?

VI

My name is missing from the headlines;

Instead, it is carved into headstones,

Etched into broken toys, and left on walls

Where family portraits used to hang.

I am not your political leverage.

I am a child-who asked for candy and received shrapnel.

A father-who buried his future with bare hands.

A mother-whose final lullaby became her last goodbye.

VII

They say every war has two sides,

But I only see one side dying-over and over.

We are not "casualties." We are not "collateral."

We are stories severed halfway,

Eyes that will never witness a sunrise.

VIII

And the world?

It scrolls. It watches. It moves on.

You change the channel.

We change the shroud.

IX

But still-we speak.

Let the fear rise like thunder to crack the silence

Of those whose comfort is bought with the breath of our children.

We are not just a warzone; we are poems never read,

Birthdays never celebrated, weddings never danced.

I am already gone, but my voice endures.

My ashes still whisper:

"I am not your enemy. I am the echo of your silence."

About the Competition

The Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious event that celebrates the power of words and artistic expression. This competition provides a platform for writers to showcase their talents and explore a wide range of themes, fostering a community of creativity and dialogue. Participants from around the world are invited to contribute their unique voices, enriching the literary landscape with diverse perspectives and thought-provoking works.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Wasim Shaikh for sharing "THE ECHO OF SILENCE" with us. Through this profound piece in the Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, Wasim has given a voice to the voiceless, encouraging reflection and compassion. We are grateful for the opportunity to experience such a moving work and look forward to more contributions from talented writers like Wasim.

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.