The Faceless Generation - By Lisa Karantonis

Written By: Lisa Karantonis

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, Lisa Karantonis presents "The Faceless Generation," a poignant piece in the Poetry category. Her work captures the essence of childhood interrupted by unforeseen circumstances. In this evocative poem, Karantonis delicately explores themes of freedom, innocence, and the impact of societal challenges on the younger generation. Her insightful portrayal invites readers to reflect on the resilience and adaptability of youth in the face of adversity.

About the Work

"The Faceless Generation" employs vivid imagery and a rhythmic flow to depict a world where childhood freedom is curtailed by external forces. Karantonis skillfully illustrates the journey from carefree innocence to a more constrained reality, capturing the emotional landscape of a generation affected by a global crisis. The poem is a testament to the enduring spirit of children, highlighting the enduring hope and eventual liberation that comes with overcoming challenges.

The Faceless Generation

Original Submission by Lisa Karantonis

The Faceless Generation – Lisa Karantonis

The children were happy, wild and carefree

They danced in the rain and climbed every tree They breathed the fresh air and sniffed the wildflowers They smiled and they hugged and played catchers for hours

Then one sunny day when their homework was done Their parents told them to get out of the sun

Their friends scattered off gathering speed at each turn Wondering why mum and dad’s voices were stern

Mum spoke first in a calm gentle voice

“I am sorry my child, but we really have no choice” Dad spoke next, his frown out of place

“You have to stay inside and keep a mask on your face”

The wild, carefree children were trapped and confused They begged to climb trees, but their parents refused They spoke about a virus which is quite like a germ Which kept them in prison for more than a term

They stared out the window and wished for the days When they ran with the wind and soaked up the rays Their smiles started fading with their touching sensation And that was the birth of the faceless generation

Their voices grew quieter till they became almost silent The voices they heard in their head grew more violent

They dreamt of the outdoors with sticks, bats and balls Then woke up to find they were surrounded by walls

One night on the telly, the president changed a big rule The wild, carefree children could return to their school Their prison sentence was becoming a thing of the past As long as they sanitized and kept on their mask

They ran through the gates and rushed to their friends But were stopped in their tracks when they saw the new trends The carefree, wild children were gone for a start Social distance meant staying at least two metres apart

Classes grew quieter, no ball games during break Teachers were answered with a nod or a shake

The carefree, wild children were hibernating for a season Ready to break free and to laugh without reason

After many months had passed, way longer than a year They finally heard the words they had so longed to hear They could hug and shake hands and see expressions on faces The corona germ had left to find new hiding places

Laughter returned as they ripped off their masks The faceless generation became a thing of the past They leapt from their beds and broke down the walls And hurried outside with their bats and their balls

The children were happy, wild and carefree

They danced in the rain and climbed every tree They breathed the fresh air and sniffed the wildflowers They smiled and they hugged and played catchers for hours

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious event celebrating the art of written expression. It brings together a diverse range of voices from around the world, offering a platform for poets and writers to showcase their creativity and insights. The competition fosters a vibrant literary community, encouraging both established and emerging writers to share their stories and perspectives.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Lisa Karantonis for her participation in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 with her evocative poem, "The Faceless Generation." Her insightful exploration of childhood during challenging times is a valuable contribution to the literary world. We look forward to seeing more of her inspiring work 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.