The Rotten Prison - By Najah Ilham

Written By: Najah Ilham

Category: Poetry

Competition: Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Najah Ilham presents a thoughtful exploration of time and existence in their poem "The Rotten Prison," submitted to the Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This evocative piece resides within the poetry category and delves into the philosophical musings about the constraints of time and how it shapes human experience. Najah's work invites readers to contemplate the nature of time as both a guide and a prison, highlighting a universal struggle with its passage.

About the Work

"The Rotten Prison" is a contemplative piece that uses rich imagery and poignant questions to dissect the human relationship with time. The poem's reflective tone underscores the tension between man's desire to control time and the natural flow of life. Through its vivid metaphors and philosophical depth, the work challenges readers to reconsider their perceptions of time and autonomy, ultimately suggesting that time's constructed nature holds a paradoxical grip on human freedom.

The Rotten Prison

Original Submission by Najah Ilham

The Rotten Prison

How do you let go,

when you never got to hold?

How do you stop,

when you have not begun?

How do you walk away,

without taking the first step?

How do you wake up,

when sleep never came at all?

If running beside a moving car,

on a highway is impossible,

then chasing life's clock,

is no different.

Brooks, rivers, oceans,

all flow at their own pace.

So do not ask a soul,

to move by another's time.

Time is a prison,

man built to feel purposeful.

Breaking out of it,

may feel like entering another dimension.

I have heard wise men speak,

of precious time and conquering it.

Yet when the mind diverts

to an unvisited path,

time reveals itself

as the true culprit.

Perhaps, wandering more,

the logic takes me to another conclusion.

Time alone takes no bait.

It is the man-made definitions

that turned it

into a rotten prison.

About the Competition

The Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is an esteemed event celebrating the art of written expression. It gathers a diverse array of talent from across the globe, providing a platform for poets and writers to showcase their creativity. This competition is a celebration of the power and beauty of language, fostering a vibrant community of literary enthusiasts.

We extend our gratitude to Najah Ilham for sharing "The Rotten Prison" with us as part of the Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Najah's introspective poem provides a profound exploration of time, encouraging readers to reflect on their lives and the constructs that govern them. Thank you, Najah, for contributing your voice to this literary journey.

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.