The Small Things - By Divya Moodley

Written By: Divya Moodley

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In her evocative poem "The Small Things," Divya Moodley captures the essence of life's understated yet profound moments. As a participant in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, Moodley invites readers to reflect on the seemingly insignificant instances that compose the fabric of our lives. Her work, submitted under the poetry category, beautifully explores the theme of finding beauty and fulfillment in the ordinary, encouraging us to cherish the present.

About the Work

"The Small Things" is a poignant exploration of how the beauty in life often resides in fleeting, unnoticed moments rather than grand events. Moodley's work is imbued with a reflective tone, urging readers to find joy in everyday occurrences. Through vivid imagery and a gentle rhythm, she conveys a message that happiness is found in appreciating the present. The poem invites us to pause and recognize the significance of these small, yet powerful, moments.

The small things

Original Submission by Divya Moodley

The Small Things

I think my favourite moments

are the ones nobody photographs.

The song that comes on

at exactly the right part of the drive.

The window open

and the evening air

rushing through the car.

Someone laughing in the next room

and making you laugh

without even knowing why.

The first cold drink

after being outside too long.

Bare feet on warm pavement.

Rain arriving

when nobody remembered

to bring an umbrella.

A friend saying your name

from across a crowded room.

The kind of sunset

you almost miss

because you were too busy talking.

Maybe we have misunderstood

what makes a life beautiful.

We wait for the huge things.

The graduation.

The wedding.

The plane ticket.

The photograph

where everyone is smiling

and nobody is missing.

But what if a life

is mostly made of this?

Little seconds

stacked quietly on top of each other.

A hundred ordinary mornings.

A thousand conversations

we will eventually forget the words to.

Songs we will never hear

the same way again.

People who won't always

sit beside us.

Places we won't always

be able to return to.

Maybe that's why

the small things matter.

Because they don't announce

that they are becoming memories.

They simply happen.

And then one day

you are older,

standing somewhere unfamiliar,

and suddenly you remember

the exact way

the afternoon light

used to fall across your bedroom.

You remember a friend's laugh.

You remember that song.

You remember the feeling

of being completely unaware

that you were happy.

So I want to pay attention.

I want to notice

the coffee before it gets cold,

the sky before it gets dark,

the people before they become

photographs in my phone.

I want to live loudly

in the quiet moments.

Because maybe happiness

was never hiding

in some extraordinary future.

Maybe it has been here

the entire time,

wearing ordinary clothes,

waiting for me

to notice.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious platform celebrating the art of written expression. It brings together talented writers and poets from around the world, showcasing diverse voices and perspectives. This competition is an opportunity for participants to share their unique stories and poems, contributing to a vibrant literary community.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Divya Moodley for her participation in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her poem "The Small Things" is a beautiful reminder to embrace and cherish life's quiet moments. We look forward to witnessing more of her literary journey and hope her work continues to inspire readers globally.

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.