The Gaze - By Kanchana Perera

Written By: Kanchana Perera

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Step into the evocative world of Kanchana Perera's poem, "The Gaze," a poignant entry in the Poetry category of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This competition, known for showcasing diverse voices and themes, provides a platform for exploring the depths of human emotion and experience. Kanchana’s work captures the essence of a journey through love and loss, illuminating the delicate balance between past and future. Her poem invites readers to reflect on the moments that define us and the enduring hope of renewal.

About the Work

"The Gaze" by Kanchana Perera delicately navigates the emotional landscape of a woman caught between the remnants of her past and the uncertainty of her future. With vivid imagery and a reflective tone, the poem conveys the raw emotions of loss, nostalgia, and the flickering hope for emotional revival. The nuanced portrayal of internal conflict and the struggle for self-reclamation resonates deeply, offering readers a glimpse into the complexity of personal transformation.

The Gaze

Original Submission by Kanchana Perera

The Gaze

Her age blurred at the edges,

as if time itself no longer bothered to hold her in its ledger.

Whether forty‑five or forty‑seven, it had slipped into irrelevance,

dissolved somewhere between love and loss,

between the woman she had been

and the one she was still painfully becoming.

They had once called her beautiful.

Soft dark curls had framed her moon‑shaped face

with an almost careless grace,

falling in waves that refused to be tamed.

Her almond eyes curious, joyful

had held a brightness

that made people linger a moment longer

than they intended.

Even the crow’s feet at the corners

had seemed like gentle signatures of a life lived

with laughter.

Her lips, full and warm, had tasted the sweet nectar of wines

shared in twilight hours,

wines that had slowly, quietly,

entwined themselves with her heart.

But her heart was broken now.

The ache had crept in like a slow,

deliberate tide, seeping through the crevices of her nerves and sinews,

hollowing her from within.

It had eaten at the light in her face

her light that once drew others in,

reflecting joy with an effortless shimmer.

Now that shimmer had dulled,

as though someone had drawn a veil across her spirit.

And yet, when she gazed upon his face today, something stirred.

The jolt, the sharp intake of breath,

the unmistakable thrum beneath her ribs.

Her heart, long dormant, now startled awake.

As if fresh blood had been pumped through her veins

She felt a flicker, a spark, a reminder

that she was still capable of being moved.

The moment stretched

He hadn’t changed much

The lines on his face were deeper, carrying stories

When he smiled at her hesitantly, years between them

folded into a single breath.

She felt her throat tighten

A quiet admission of her displaced hope

and then a flood of sorrow takes root

Taking hold of her doubt.

Doubt in her decisions and the path she pursued

But then from deep within the weave of her story

A memory flickers

A memory of who she was before the ache took root

A longing she thought she had buried

A fear of all those who will be hurt by this awakening

That would be more unbearable than this eternal numbness

Beneath it all lingers the fragile, trembling desire to

step toward the light again

She stands, suspended between past and future,

between the woman dimmed and the woman she is

She inclines her head in his direction

A small acknowledgement

Her decision settled in the quiet chambers of her heart

She understands she might never reclaim her radiance.

But she also knows that her future is not with him.

And as the world holds its breath

She turns and walks away but not before a final glance

Within her gaze she holds a constellation of stories,

yearnings, wanderings

Yet the deepest ache gathers around what she walked away from,

and what she now feels herself turning from again.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar celebrates the art of storytelling and poetry from around the world. It encourages participants to express their creativity and connect with a global audience. This prestigious event is a testament to the power of the written word in transcending cultural and geographical boundaries, fostering a community of writers and poets who inspire and challenge each other through their work.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Kanchana Perera for sharing her evocative poem, "The Gaze," with us as part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her ability to capture the nuances of human emotion and transformation is truly moving. We look forward to seeing more of her insightful work in the future and wish her continued success on her creative 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.