The Girl in the Leaves, the Face in the Glass - By Magi George

Written By: Magi George

Category: Creative Non Fiction

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Introducing Magi George's poignant piece, "The Girl in the Leaves, the Face in the Glass," a creative non-fiction entry in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This evocative narrative explores themes of identity, belonging, and familial relationships. Magi George, known by the writing name "The girl in the leaves," weaves a compelling story that resonates with readers on a deeply personal level.

About the Work

"The Girl in the Leaves, the Face in the Glass" captures the haunting journey of a young girl navigating her sense of identity and belonging. Through vivid imagery and a narrative rich with irony, Magi George explores the profound impact of familial acceptance and self-realization. Her literary style combines introspection with a touch of humor, creating a piece that is both moving and thought-provoking.

The girl in the leaves

Original Submission by Magi George

The Girl in the Leaves, the Face in the Glass

The scrawny, dark little girl sits high up in the branches of a farm tree, knees scraped, her messy, wavy black hair tangled in the leaves. She watches the world below from a detached, quiet space. “They left you at six months,” the whisper inside her head always says. “You don’t belong down there.”

She watches her mother below, so elegant, so effortlessly feminine. The little girl looks down at her own sharp, boyish elbows and sighs. She spends her days desperately collecting scraps of approval, yearning for just a sliver of resemblance. But every time a neighbor says, “Oh, she looks a bit like you,” the mother vehemently shuts it down. “Not at all. Nothing like me. Or her sister.”

The girl in the tree flinches. The ache of being invisible settles deep in her chest. “Fine,” she thinks, looking at the sky. “I'll just stay up here forever.”

Then, the clock fast-forwards. Decades blur past. The little girl is still watching from her quiet space when time pulls off its ultimate, hilarious prank.

The gravity of middle age hits. The scrawny frame expands in girth and width. And suddenly, looking in the mirror is like seeing a ghost.

The mother looks across the room, blinks, and inadvertently lets it slip: “I see myself in your face.”

Up in her tree, the little girl bursts out laughing. The decades of pain evaporate into pure, poetic irony. “See?” the inner voice giggles. “You didn’t need her permission. You just needed time, biology, and a few extra calories to become her exact twin.”

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar celebrates diverse voices and creative expression from around the world. This prestigious platform invites participants to showcase their literary talents, fostering a community of writers and poets sharing their unique perspectives and stories.

Thank you, Magi George, for sharing your insightful work, "The Girl in the Leaves, the Face in the Glass," with the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Your narrative has touched upon universal themes of identity and acceptance, leaving a lasting impression on all who read it. We appreciate your contribution and look forward to more of your creative endeavors.

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.