The orange leaf - By Sumaa Tekur

Written By: Sumaa Tekur

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Explore the evocative poem "The orange leaf" by Sumaa Tekur, a notable entry in the Poetry category of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This competition, hosted by Hashtag Kalakar, invites participants from around the world to share their creative expressions. "The orange leaf" captures the essence of fleeting beauty against the backdrop of a natural landscape, inviting readers to ponder the impermanence of cherished moments.

About the Work

In "The orange leaf," Sumaa Tekur masterfully weaves a narrative around a single vibrant leaf, using it as a metaphor for the ephemeral nature of beauty and life. The poem's imagery vividly contrasts the bright orange against a sea of green, creating a striking visual that draws the reader into a reflective journey. The contemplative tone and gentle rhythm guide us through emotions of admiration, attachment, and the inevitable acceptance of change.

The orange leaf

Original Submission by Sumaa Tekur

Poem 5 for Hashtag Kalakar

By Sumaa Tekur

The orange leaf

I spotted you as a bright orange spot

On the grey tar road

A sea of green on either side

Of the winding road

Made your colour pop in the

Forest’s natural landscape

I walked closer to you

Hello, you said

I bent down to pick you up gently

There you were…

Perfect with every contour

But your blaze of orange

Was the heart of you

I did a rare thing

And brought you home

Admiring you all the way back

Talking to you

Singing to you

And basking in my luck

At having bumped into you

I will show you off, I decided

And kept you in the wooden vase

In a place of pride

In the sitout where all can see

People asked about you

I found you yesterday, I beamed

I said good night to you

Before I went to sleep

The next morning, I greeted you

And went about my day

By mid-day I glanced at you from my blinking screen

You were turning a pale brown now

Your colour was fading

I paused in sadness

How could this happen?

Where is the orange

That I loved and held yesterday?

It’s fleeting, my dear

An inner voice said

That irritating voice

Cool and certain

And says it like it is

Like everything in life

Colour, too, is transient

But my love? I reasoned

I begged

Couldn’t the orange stay another day?

Time and tide, it whispered.

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About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, organized by Hashtag Kalakar, showcases a diverse range of voices and talents from across the globe. This prestigious event invites writers to submit original works that resonate with universal themes and personal insights. Participants engage in a celebration of creativity, contributing to a vibrant tapestry of contemporary literature.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Sumaa Tekur for sharing "The orange leaf" with us in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Your work beautifully encapsulates the transient nature of beauty, leaving a lasting impression on all who read it. We appreciate your contribution to this global platform and look forward to more of your inspiring poetry.

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.