The Singer Inside Me - By Shipra Mathur

Written By: Shipra Mathur

Category: Poetry

Competition: Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Shipra Mathur brings us "The Singer Inside Me," a poignant entry in the Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This piece, categorized under poetry, delves into the complex relationship between an artist and their inner aspirations. Mathur's work invites readers to explore themes of self-discovery and the challenges of artistic expression, offering a glimpse into the emotional landscape of a performer's journey.

About the Work

"The Singer Inside Me" captures the internal dialogue of a performer grappling with stage fright and self-doubt. Through vivid imagery and emotive language, Mathur paints a picture of longing and determination. The poem's rhythm and structure reflect the tension between aspiration and reality, ultimately conveying a message of resilience and hope as the singer strives to unite with her inner voice.

The Singer Inside Me

Original Submission by Shipra Mathur

The Singer Inside Me

The singer inside me is smiling bright,

One hand holding a trophy, the other holding mic tight.

The audience’s applause is heard alright,

In reality the applause vanishes from the sight.

Her sweet voice floating from the spotlight,

With nuances and emotions holding the audience tight.

The pain in her voice makes the listeners cry.

The happiness in her songs makes the audience sway their heads from side to side.

I’m in love with that singer

Whom I aspire to be.

I want to hear her in my voice,

And let her songs sing through me.

Together as a team we can burn the stage.

But it’s possible only if we’re on same page.

She can sing the high notes with so much ease,

While I struggle with them till my vocal cords cease.

She remembers all those high-pitched, complicated notes,

While I alter the lyrics and falter the notes.

As I reach the stage, my alter ego feels shy.

She flees behind the curtain, watching me like a spy.

No matter how much I try to bring her back,

She refuses to give me the voice I lack.

When I’m singing on stage,

My voice is caught in a cage.

As I start to cough,

The lyrics on my page

Vanish, leaving me enraged.

As a loser, I climb down from the stage.

She comes and asks for another stage.

She promises this time she’ll not shy away,

And assures me that she’s there to stay.

I search for a new stage and climb again.

She stands by my side and holds my hand.

As I hold the microphone with my other hand,

I feel her hand slipping, ready to flee again.

I tighten my grip and don’t let her loose.

I ask her to stay in my voice and my song I choose.

With half a desire to run away,

She stands by my side and decides to stay.

About the Competition

The Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar serves as a prestigious platform for writers and poets across the globe. It celebrates the art of storytelling and poetic expression, inviting participants to share their unique voices and perspectives. The competition fosters a community of creativity and inspiration, encouraging artists to push the boundaries of their craft.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Shipra Mathur for sharing "The Singer Inside Me" with us. Her participation in the Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 adds depth to the event. We look forward to seeing how she continues to explore the themes of aspiration and inner voice in future works.

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.