The Laws They Remembered - By Danielle Mia Newmarch

Written By: Danielle Mia Newmarch

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Danielle Mia Newmarch offers a captivating exploration of nature and introspection with her poem, "The Laws They Remembered." As part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, this submission in the poetry category invites readers to traverse a path where memory and nature intertwine. Newmarch's work delves into the essence of recollection and continuity, painting a vivid picture of the world as it morphs around us.

About the Work

"The Laws They Remembered" is a reflective and evocative piece that uses imagery of nature to explore themes of memory and transformation. The poem's mood is contemplative, with a subtle tension between the familiar and the unknown. Through its vivid imagery and thoughtful style, Newmarch crafts a narrative that speaks to the fluidity of memory and our relationship with the natural world.

The Laws They Remembered

Original Submission by Danielle Mia Newmarch

The Laws They Remembered

The leaves hustled around my ankles,

Trading nothing

But the fragile, meaningless privilege of continuation.

The trees guided me,

Making keeping my eyes open or shut

Synonymous.

Their overhang was presumed

Rather than seen,

Its overarchingness

Stealing the luggage of light from sight.

The earth itself adapted to me,

Compressing inward

Beneath my open shoes.

But I had to move,

So the dirt and mud and carnage

Rose from their rest,

Disturbed from the deepest sleep they possessed.

But they had rested for so long

They no longer knew

The laws of our physics.

Instead, they obeyed the ones they remembered.

And the more they remembered,

The more the true laws

Bent,

then blurred,

before lopsidedly slurring

into surrender.

Two paths were breathed into being.

(Ironic that dust and decomposition

Sneezed

Without ever drawing breath.)

I walked –

No.

Stumbled.

Or leapt?

The memory has become mist now –

Down the path with life.

The crocodiles snapped at my heels,

Yet the ground stayed dry.

The other path seemed safer.

Lonelier.

Safer.

But the creature beyond the swamp

Beckoned to me.

Its unfamiliar familiarity

Knew my heart,

Every fracture, every part,

And promised to keep me whole.

The crocodiles never drew blood,

Yet they bit

With all the strength

They remembered having.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar celebrates literary excellence across the globe. It is a platform where writers and poets share their unique voices and perspectives, contributing to a rich tapestry of creativity. Participants are encouraged to explore diverse themes, creating works that resonate with readers worldwide.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Danielle Mia Newmarch for sharing "The Laws They Remembered" with us. Her participation in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 adds a thoughtful and imaginative voice to the event. 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.