The Palette of Prejudices - By Nasreen Thasleem

Written By: Nasreen Thasleem

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, poet Nasreen Thasleem presents "The Palette of Prejudices," a poignant exploration of harmony and diversity. Through her insightful verse, Nasreen delves into the natural world's seamless coexistence of colors, juxtaposing it against humanity's often divisive tendencies. Her work invites readers to reflect on the profound lessons nature offers, encouraging a reevaluation of our societal interactions.

About the Work

"The Palette of Prejudices" by Nasreen Thasleem is a rich tapestry of imagery and insight. The poem contrasts the harmonious blending of colors in nature with humanity's inclination to draw divisive borders. Through vivid descriptions, Nasreen captures the beauty of coexistence, urging a collective embrace of diversity. Her use of color as a metaphor for societal interaction is both striking and thought-provoking, leaving readers to ponder the deeper message of unity and peace.

The Palette of Prejudices

Original Submission by Nasreen Thasleem

The Palette of Prejudices

Red does not envy the blue

for the sky was never its home.

Gold does not question the green

for the earth has room for them both.

Violet carries the hush of twilight,

orange keeps a little of the sun,

And white gathers a thousand colours

without asking where they came from.

Alone, they are beautiful.

Together, they become a sunset,

A thousand flowers leaning into spring,

A rainbow stitched across the wounds of rain.

Somewhere beneath the same wide sky,

humanity forgets what colours know.

We draw borders around our souls,

raise our prayers against another's,

How strange?

Colours can mingle without demanding sameness,

while human hearts, carved from the same earth,

wage wars over the names of heaven.

Perhaps the world has been trying to teach us

since the first dawn opened its eyes.

If every colour can keep its own beauty

without declaring war on the rest,

Why must humanity, the masterpiece that holds them all,

be the one thing that cannot live in harmony?

How Strange?

Nasreen Thasleem

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious platform celebrating creativity and expression. It invites poets and writers worldwide to share their unique voices and perspectives. The competition highlights diverse themes, encouraging participants to explore and articulate their innermost thoughts and ideas through the written word.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Nasreen Thasleem for her thought-provoking contribution, "The Palette of Prejudices," to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her evocative poem serves as a powerful reminder of the beauty found in diversity and the importance of unity. Thank you, Nasreen, for sharing your 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.