The Road and the Root - By Hiral Mankad

Written By: Hiral Mankad

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Hiral Mankad presents a profound piece titled "The Road and the Root" in the category of Poetry for the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This evocative poem delves into the themes of life's journey and the pursuit of self-discovery. Mankad's work is a vivid exploration of inner and outer landscapes, inviting readers to reflect on the paths they choose and the roots they nurture.

About the Work

"The Road and the Root" weaves a narrative of contrast between a traveler and a farmer, exploring themes of ambition and contentment. Mankad's poem uses rich imagery and a reflective tone to convey a message about finding peace within oneself rather than in external pursuits. The piece invites introspection and resonates with readers through its thoughtful portrayal of human desires and the quest for true fulfillment.

The road and the root

Original Submission by Hiral Mankad

The Road and the Root

The traveller pursued the sun,

Which preferred to hide, with a heavy stride,

“I’ll rest” he said “when the mountains crossed,

When the gold is won and fear is lost”

He treated the path like a bitter chore,

A hallway leading to a distant door.

But the door was a ghost, a trick of the light,

That vanished whenever it came to sight.

Meanwhile the farmer stayed in the shade,

Of a briar hedge his own hands made.

He did not wait for harvest’s boon,

Nor begged delight,

From a golden moon.

He found his joy,

In the dirt,

In the rain.

In stubborn roots and honest pain.

For he believed beneath the fruit,

Lives quiet wonder in tangled root.

Traveller drowning his sorrows long,

On dusty roads

With a broken song,

Met the farmer humming low and free,

A tune as wide as an open sea.

And asked in reverent envy’s tone,

“How can you smile with so little on your own?

Should your castle not rise tall in gold,

With banners bright and tower bold?

Should it not ring with bells that proclaim

A household worthy of praise and name,

A place that earns,

From those who pass,

That covetous respect

Of shining brass?”

The farmer laughed,

A steady sound,

Like the wind that moved,

But stayed earth bound.

“my castle stands where silence grows,

In hidden rooms no stranger knows.

In midnight talks,

When truth is faced,

And bitter wrongs are slowly graced.

It’s stairs are carved from chosen cred,

It’s doors swing wide

Where my public face meets the person inside.

For if pillars twist in lies,

No golden roof can hold the skies.

Us humans are built sailors,

Wide and sore,

Who thinks we must keep seeking the shore.

To outrun wind and conquer gale,

With weathered heart and swollen sail.

But, ships find peace when the anchor drops,

When chasing more at last will stop.

It takes less sea

Than we suppose,

To feel the tide within us close.

The shiniest coat is the first to fray,

But inward fire outlives all the shiny displays.

This compass that rests in your hand

You know it works when still,

Not over planned.”

The traveller stood,

His flask gone dry

Watched the clouds cross open sky

The road stretched on,

Same as before,

Yet something stirred at it’s silent core.

The farmers words stayed,

A warmth that neither burned,

Nor faded.

For somewhere deep beneath his chest

He felt the truth he once supressed.

The gold he chased,

The distant cheer,

The borrowed praise, he held so dear,

Were lanterns swinging in the night,

Not stars that held

Their steady light.

He saw it clear,

Too clear, too late,

The weight was not the hand of fate.

The door he sought on every mile.

Was built within,

All the while.

Yet habit tugged with iron thread,

And hunger whispered, “walk ahead”

The silence scared him more than the loss,

More than the mountains

Yet uncrossed.

To stand, to stay, to simply be

Felt harder than travelling the untravelled

Perilous sea.

So with a sigh not loud but long,

He chose again,

The chasing song

He turned his back on the rooted ground

Followed hope that made no sound.

He looked inside his chest,

Begged himself to lead the way to his home.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious platform celebrating literary creativity and expression. This global event unites poets and writers across the world, encouraging diverse voices to share their stories and insights through poetry and prose. It serves as a beacon for emerging and established writers to showcase their talent and connect with a global audience.

We extend our gratitude to Hiral Mankad for sharing "The Road and the Root" with us. This evocative poem, submitted to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, offers deep insights into the human spirit and life's journey. We appreciate Mankad's thoughtful contribution and look forward to more of their creative expressions.

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.