The picture I'd forgotten I'd taken - By Hana Amr

Written By: Hana Amr

Category: Descriptive composition

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Hana Amr presents a poignant piece titled "The picture I'd forgotten I'd taken" in the Descriptive Composition category of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Through vivid imagery and a deep sense of nostalgia, Hana takes readers on a journey to rediscover a forgotten photograph and the memories that it evokes. Her work exemplifies the power of creative writing to capture and convey the essence of past experiences.

About the Work

Hana Amr's descriptive composition delves into the theme of forgotten memories, using rich imagery and evocative details. The piece paints a picture of a long-lost photograph and the emotions tied to it. Through the use of sensory language, Hana crafts a vivid setting that invites readers to reflect on their own cherished memories. The mood is nostalgic yet tender, offering a glimpse into the warmth of bygone days.

The picture I’d forgotten I’d taken

Original Submission by Hana Amr

Descriptive Writing

It lay buried beneath the pages of my leather-bound, dust-coated photo album, like the fossilized remains of a prehistoric animal hidden underground, waiting to be discovered; a lost fragment of a time, reminiscent of a childhood I once had, but can only vaguely recall. A photograph, no bigger than the palm of my hand, its creases and curled, yellowed edges characterizing it as a remnant of the past. It felt rather brittle between my fingers, as though it might crumble if I held it too tightly. Its faint smell of attic dust seeped into my nose, triggering a tingling sensation in my chest. Upon further inspection, I noticed that the image had begun to fade - brilliant blues bleeding into grim greys, vibrant hues turning ghostly pale. Despite its critical condition, I still managed to make out the photograph’s contents.

The newly risen sun had emerged from beyond the horizon, weaving threads of lavender and crimson into the vast cerulean tapestry that was the sky. It cast its exuberant beams of light onto everything in its wake, irradiating the otherwise despondent landscape. A cottage stood at the foot of a mountain, nestled amidst woods that stretched out for miles, knowing no end.

A stone pathway led to its entrance, each carefully laid slab glinting as it basked in the sun’s embrace. The cottage boasted walls of cedar wood, smothered in tangles of overgrown ivy, and a thatched roof, slightly worn out by years of rain, sleet and snow. Each of the walls’ crevices was occupied by thin tendrils of weeds and patches of moss which clung onto the wood like parasites. French lace curtains, suspended from the weathered window frames, swayed gently in the soft breeze, illuminated from behind by a warm, ethereal candlelight.

Besieging the cottage were the prickly brambles bearing succulent blackberries, and the ancient oak trees, living monuments of time, tall and sturdy with rough, coarse barks and branches spread wide like open arms. Their expansive canopies cast a shadow over the meadow, cloaking it in a veil of darkness. Gentle flurries of wind carried withered oak leaves across the clearing. All was still, save for the occasional warbles of finches reverberating around the pasture, piercing the unfaltering silence.

It was in the heart of this very field where my younger self ensconced herself, allowing its benign tenderness to penetrate her skin and etch its ardent words of affection into her soul. She would lay serenely in a cluster of hydrangea blossoms, a riot of pink and periwinkle decorating the ground, as the foliage caressed her frigid face with such compassion, much like the loving touch of a mother.

Upon abandoning my fantasies, I was suddenly overcome with a chest-tightening yearning to return to the carefree life I had taken for granted. The picture I'd forgotten I'd taken — a painful reminder of what once was, but is no longer.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious platform that celebrates the art of writing. It invites participants from around the world to showcase their talent in various categories, offering a unique opportunity for writers to share their voices and connect with a global audience. The competition fosters creativity and encourages diverse literary expressions.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Hana Amr for sharing "The picture I'd forgotten I'd taken" with us in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her ability to evoke nostalgia and capture the essence of forgotten memories through descriptive writing is truly commendable. We look forward to seeing more of Hana's evocative compositions 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.