The Second Cup - By Sarah Telford

Written By: Sarah Telford

Category: Rhyming Story

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Sarah Telford, with her poignant piece "The Second Cup," participates in the Creative Writing category of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her work delves into the profound simplicity of daily rituals and the quiet generosity of an elderly woman. Through her narrative, Telford explores themes of loneliness, community, and unexpected kindness, capturing the essence of human connection.

About the Work

"The Second Cup" presents a touching narrative that combines the art of rhyming with storytelling. Telford crafts a scene of everyday life, where a simple act of making coffee becomes a gesture of kindness and inclusion. The mood is reflective and heartwarming, with a literary style that employs vivid imagery and a gentle rhythm. The story ultimately conveys a powerful message about the impact of small acts of kindness in alleviating loneliness.

The Second Cup

Original Submission by Sarah Telford

The Second Cup

Every morning started the same way

With two simple cups of coffee

Sometimes rich, sometimes bold

Even sometimes frothy

Just one old woman with her pot

Making enough for two

Few could tell just at first glance

All this lady had been through

Alone she’d been for fifteen years

Since her other half passed away

Yet her routine remained the same

Two cups every day

One day when they witnessed this

A neighbour asked how come

Why the second cup was made

Where that idea came from

It’s for whoever needs it

The old woman replied

Nobody specific

No one is denied

After being questioned

She did make one small revise

She placed the second cup outside

As someone’s nice surprise

As the weeks began to pass

Different people stopped

A single mother with a baby

Whose income had just dropped

A man who was in a hurry

To an interview

He had to feed his family

Despite his collar being blue

A widower with no one

To hold close or to love

Took a sip and smiled

Like a present from above

More and more were grateful

For this simple gift

The old lady was stunned

How much she could uplift

It made her feel a part of

Something bigger than just her

She wasn’t the only lonely one

Others could concur

Sometimes loneliness won’t disappear

It sneaks around with stealth

And the only way that it will fade

Is by reaching someone else.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar celebrates diverse voices in poetry and creative writing. This prestigious event invites participants from around the world to submit their original works, fostering a global community of literary enthusiasts. The competition is recognized for its commitment to nurturing creativity and providing a platform for writers to share their unique perspectives.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Sarah Telford for sharing her evocative piece, "The Second Cup," with us. Her contribution to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 is a testament to the power of words in building connections. We appreciate her participation and look forward to seeing more of her insightful storytelling.

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.