The place between sad and depressed - By Kiara Smith

Written By: Kiara Smith

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, Kiara Smith presents a powerful piece titled "The place between sad and depressed." As a participant in the poetry category, Kiara explores the intricate and often overwhelming emotions that lie between sadness and depression. Her work captures the essence of a personal journey through mental health, making it a deeply resonant submission in an era increasingly aware of the importance of emotional well-being.

About the Work

Kiara Smith's poem, "The place between sad and depressed," offers a vivid portrayal of the internal struggle faced when caught in the liminal space between sadness and depression. The imagery of drowning in shallow waters and the feeling of being unreachable despite proximity evoke a haunting sense of isolation. Through her evocative language and stark honesty, Kiara invites readers to reflect on their own experiences with these complex emotions.

The place between sad and depressed

Original Submission by Kiara Smith

The place between sad and depressed

I am always caught in the middle of this wave of emotion

And no boat can save me now

How do you save yourself when you’re drowning on the shallow end

When all they say is

“Just let your feet touch the ground”

But it can’t

I am neither here nor there

I am stuck

And no boat can save me now

Even though you can still see me in the distance

I am gone

I have been gone for a long while

I have not reached the edge yet

Though it is so close that I can see the pain of my death

And the scariest thing about that

Is that I am not scared

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is an esteemed platform celebrating creative expression across the globe. It provides writers and poets a unique opportunity to share their voices and connect with a diverse audience. The competition highlights the power of words in capturing the human experience and encourages participants to explore imaginative and thought-provoking themes.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Kiara Smith for her poignant contribution to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her piece, "The place between sad and depressed," resonates deeply, reminding us of the nuances of mental health. Thank you, Kiara, for sharing your voice and inviting us into your world through your captivating 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.