The Paradox of Pain - By Sharon Tong

Written By: Sharon Tong

Category: Poem #3 (Do read them in order)

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In her evocative poem "The Paradox of Pain," Sharon Tong brings forth a profound exploration of personal healing and divine revelations. As part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, Sharon's entry delves into the intricate emotions surrounding relationships and self-discovery. Her work, categorized as Poem #3, forms part of a larger narrative, offering readers an intimate glimpse into the spiritual guidance that shaped her journey.

About the Work

Sharon Tong's "The Paradox of Pain" weaves a tapestry of emotional introspection through vivid imagery and metaphorical language. The poem captures the essence of navigating personal pain and spiritual enlightenment, highlighting the duality of feeling liberated yet bound by past experiences. The work resonates with a sense of vulnerability, as the poet reflects on divine messages that unravel the complexities of human relationships.

The Paradox of Pain

Original Submission by Sharon Tong

Turns out you were a counterfeit

Not a canary, but a parakeet;

Paddleboarding on a raft

That’s been handcuffed to your feet

You glide through the waters

Slow and still at sea;

Careful not to be knocked over

By the tempest that is me.

Muay Thai, dance, biking

Late evening work meetings;

Apparently you were also shopping

Instead of dealing with your feelings

Retail therapy, though?

Them Euros coming in clutch;

Though I never would have guessed

Knowing that you are Dutch.

God has revealed enough

In terms of what you are and aren’t;

Turns out you were raffia string

Disguised as a ball of yarn

Now that the fog has been lifted

I am more willing to acquiesce,

So why do I still feel

A dull ache on my chest?

I cling onto His wings for dear life,

As he protects me from the fowler,

He also calls me an albatross

That soars over storms with great power

But every now and then

When the past and present collide,

All I’d want in that instance

Is just to be by your side

These flashbacks, they singe

Choke, scald and bruise;

They make me relive the loss

Even though there’s nothing left to lose.

God said He makes no mistakes

And that I haven’t lost a thing;

It’s almost as if this break

Has been His undertaking

So fate may have been the premise

Of this entire situation,

But it still hurts like hell

For it was he who made the decision.

So I hide in His shadow,

Where I am safe and sound,

And pray every single day

That he’d be nowhere to be found

Because at the end of the day

The irony of a safety pin

Is that it becomes unsafe

The second it gets under your skin.

Context:

My healing journey was supported by many messages from heaven. Through dreams and visions, God not only unraveled the reality of this situation, but showed me how Matt was coping with the break up. He doesn’t have social media, so everything I’ve known about him since was purely revealed by God. The common narrative that has been circulated in the world of dating and relationships is that the Avoidant is what comes after the Narcissist, but calm doesn’t mean safe. Every metaphor in this poem is actually a vision from God who’s shown me that the very thing that has been thought to preserve autonomy and freedom, is the very thing that’s been keeping him bound.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar invites writers worldwide to share their unique voices and stories. This prestigious event celebrates creativity and literary excellence, offering a platform for poets and writers to present their work to an international audience. Participants explore diverse themes and styles, contributing to a rich tapestry of contemporary literature.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Sharon Tong for sharing "The Paradox of Pain" with the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her poem provides a window into a deeply personal healing journey, enriched by divine insights. Thank you, Sharon, for contributing your voice to our literary community.

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.