The Poem - By Nethu Ruwanya

Written By: Nethu Ruwanya

Category: Short Story

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In her short story, "The Poem," Nethu Ruwanya captures the nuances of workplace romance and the courage it takes to confess one's feelings. As a participant in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, Ruwanya's work is a testament to the timeless theme of love's unpredictability. The narrative unfolds in an office setting, where characters navigate the complexities of modern relationships.

About the Work

"The Poem" delves into the emotions of yearning and vulnerability. Through Ruwanya's careful character development, readers explore the idea of expressing love in unconventional ways. The story is imbued with a sense of anticipation and humor, painting vivid pictures of a young woman's internal struggle and eventual triumph.

The Poem

Original Submission by Nethu Ruwanya

The Poem

Ruwini and Kethaki were occupied by their usual work at the office when Nadun walked right in front of them with his usual greeting of "Good Morning" and his charming smile. Charming, however to Ruwini. They both greeted back. Kethaki knew just why Ruwini turned to her the next second with a stupid grin. "Do you think it's too soon to tell him? But I feel like I need to hurry. What if some other girl puts her hook on him before I do. I mean he really is a good catch." A 'good catch', again, for Ruwini. This plethora of questions, suggestions, this restlessness, Kethaki is used to all of this. Because Ruwini's crush on Nadun has been going on for months now, and Kethaki knew that by now it is at the peak of it. So she said, "Well confess to him already. It's okay for the girl to do it, it's twenty twenty six for God's sake." Kethaki also wanted this to be done before her own excitement turns into a boredom. "I know, but I need a proper plan first." said Ruwini with a troubled look on her face. "Like what?" Kethaki asked expecting some childish answer that any young person in love would give. "Maybe I'll write a poem confessing my feelings for him, it's my thing anyway." This is exactly the kind of foolish answer Kethaki expected. "You're kidding right?" Kethaki said and crushed the smile on Ruwini's face. It's the sad way Ruwini asked "Why?" that made Kethaki regret her reaction. But Kethaki's intention was never to ruin this for her, but to help her in a better way. Kethaki was careful about what she said next. "I mean think about it Ruwi, do you really think someone like Nadun would like that. I mean a poem? Guys these days don't like those kind of stuff. Think about the impression you'd be making." As much as Ruwini wanted to disagree, she realized that there could be some truth in it. The scenario of Ruwini confessing her love to Nadun with a poem did not look right. "What a waste." she thought, because she had already started the poem that was meant for him.

***

Ruwini thought she was dreaming when she heard Nadun's voice, calling her name "Ruwini...Ruwini..." Then she opened her eyes to see the handsome figure standing besides her desk, leaning toward with a smile on his face. And yes, handsome, however to Ruwini. Anyway, that was when she realized that she had fallen asleep on her desk at work. When did she fall asleep? Why didn't Kethaki wake her up? She wasn't on her seat. Possibly it's her lunch break. What time is it? Ruwini was too embarrassed to look away from Nadun. Imagine being caught sleeping by your office crush. Breaking the awkward silence Nadun started, "Hey, I was gonna ask, would you like go out with me? to grab a drink maybe." Now Ruwini is sure that she's dreaming. "You want to go out with me?" She wasn't sure if she heard him right. But then she was suddenly afraid of a NO. So she quickly added, "Sure, what time?" Dream or no dream, she couldn't risk it. Nadun pretended to think and said "I don't know, maybe when you're done with your poem?" That was the first time Ruwini looked away from Nadun, which was to look down at her desk. And there it was, a piece of paper with a few lines, following a title in big, bold letters that says, "To Nadun". Ruwini could die. This was beyond embarrassment. Nadun must've read her face. Because he smiled a smile that wasn't just lovely for Ruwini, and said "Let's meet after work. I would love to read a poem written to me by you." And so the next second he was gone. Ruwini was still processing everything when Kethaki's voice tolled her back into reality all of a sudden. "So the poem did work. Good for you." Ruwini finally had a relieved smile on her face. Kethaki saw it from the corner of her eyes and was happy for her.

-Nethu Ruwanya-

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious platform showcasing diverse literary talents worldwide. It invites writers to share their unique voices and stories, celebrating the richness of human expression across genres and cultures.

We extend our gratitude to Nethu Ruwanya for sharing "The Poem" with us. Her engaging story adds a delightful layer to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. We look forward to more inspiring submissions from her 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.