The Graceful Fake - By Halah Fatmi

Written By: Halah Fatmi

Category: Poetry

Competition: Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the poignant poem "The Graceful Fake," Halah Fatmi, writing under the name "The graceful fake," takes us on a contemplative journey through themes of deception and identity. Submitted to the Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, this piece stands as a testament to the power of words in unveiling truth. Halah's work invites readers to reflect on the often blurred lines between appearances and reality, making it a compelling entry that resonates on multiple levels.

About the Work

"The Graceful Fake" skillfully weaves imagery with a rhythmic cadence that captures the essence of its theme. The poem delves into the nature of falsehood and the allure of appearances, portraying a world where truth is often masked by a facade. Through vivid metaphors and a haunting narrative, Halah Fatmi challenges readers to discern the genuine from the counterfeit and to question the narratives that dictate our perceptions.

The graceful fake

Original Submission by Halah Fatmi

Cloaked were it’s paces,

falsely great they stated

Gracious it pretended

Blessed were the tales with its graces

Displeasingly evident were it’s poisonous traces,

Ruled the grace’s

The devil claimed crown,

The crow in a white gown

Swayed was the crowd,

Of the spoken false loud,

Sweet were the announcements slipped,

Unnoticed went the reference deep-poison dipped

Fooled was the crowd,

The devil claimed the crown

A crow in a white gown

False stood the trail

Of the screaming fail

Glorified was it’s tale

Crystal was the coal,

Evident was the vicious call

Stunned stood the crowd,

Creased were the faces

Unwaveringly stunned placed were the frowns

Determined were the true clowns

False stole the crown

The devil claimed the crown

The crow in a white gown

Unwavering was the power of the crown,

True was it’s beauty,

Fierce was it’s call,

None can stand identical tall

The most amicable of all to the crown

No matter the weakling,

Becomes the most daring

Irrespective of the better bearings

Has the right to become its darling.

Foolish of the crown to give itself away

Fall as the prey

Grinned the devilish grey

Claimed devil the crown

The crow in a white gown

Landed was dictation in the wrong

Beneath the befriended lake

Stood the true fake

Looked as holy was apparently the unholy

Claimed the lake,

There stood a snake

Venomous of a heck, exclaimed the lake

Foolish was the take

Curtained were the eyes,

Of the crown so bright,

Screamed the crows so white

Crowned was the devil

A smirk so vast

Ready was the blast

Fired was the first canon,

Grinned the canny

The bursting so fast

Claimed devil the crown

The crow in a white gown

Swift was the move,

Believed the fool

Celebrated the light spark

Unwary awaited the future so dark, Failed were it’s features sharp

When received the last warning From the one which claimed it as darling Shook was the dear Charming

Creepy was the creaking

Stood the actual weakling

Pretentious was the gameplay

In striking contrast to slay,

Crept a mastermind so gay

None could accept a fair pay

Dumbfound was the play

Unseasoned remained the prey

Fell the predator as the true prey Drenched in shame

Stood the perplexed game

Stuttered the player,

Was not the true slayer.

Shook croaked the white crow

Entitled to it’s name stood the crown

Claiming the entire town

Claimed before by the imbecile clown

Repressed were the frowns

Swayed was the crown,

For the time around,

After realisation hit sound

Unleashed was the fume,

Freed was it from the devilish loop

Regained was the realm,

From the stolen claim

It’s respect once again found

Accepted hearty by the town

With it’s lust, hunger of power

Hung on the tower

Exposed was the unfound fame

Rather resulted as a defame

Drowned was the devil,

In the water of holy

Burnt was the impure

Proven was the true pure

Mistaken once for sure

Repaired was the tear

A character so crystal clear Tainted once was dark

Wouldn’t regain it’s previous spark Fell to the dark spear,

Eased were the frowns

Relieved was the crowd

Remained the crown crowned All profound

Ruled the crown

Left it’s trail down,

Remained infinity,

The story stupidity

About the Competition

The Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar celebrates diverse voices in the literary arts, providing a platform for poets and writers to showcase their creativity and insight. This prestigious event encourages participants from around the globe to share their unique perspectives, fostering a vibrant community of literary expression and innovation.

We extend our gratitude to Halah Fatmi for her striking contribution, "The Graceful Fake," to the Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her exploration of truth and deception offers profound insights into the human condition, inviting readers to engage deeply with her work. Thank you, Halah, for sharing your unique voice with us.

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.