The Staged Sea - By Halah

Written By: Halah

Category: Poetry

Competition: Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, Halah brings us "The Staged Sea," a compelling piece in the poetry category. This work is a profound exploration of love, deceit, and transformation, set against the haunting backdrop of the sea. Halah's insightful portrayal of a seemingly carefree love story that unfolds into a darkly staged play invokes powerful emotions and vivid imagery, making it an unforgettable contribution to the competition.

About the Work

"The Staged Sea" by Halah captures the duality of love and betrayal through its vivid maritime imagery and lyrical style. The poem's atmosphere transitions from serene to sinister, as the narrative reveals hidden deceit beneath a romantic facade. Through eloquent verses, Halah conveys a haunting message of transformation and liberation, as the protagonist navigates a treacherous emotional journey, culminating in an evocative symbol of rebirth.

The Staged Sea

Original Submission by Halah

THE STAGED SEA

Unbothered, carefree seemed the sight,

A love that swayed in borrowed light.

Where were they, drifting and unseen?

Caught in an eternal maze between the sea.

They sailed upon the open boat,

Love sparkling like fireworks afloat.

He set the diamond on a finger slim;

The cranes sang hymns for her and him.

Blushing cheeks, then the blight’s sharp peck -

A scene etched forever in time and space.

A sudden tightness around her neck -

Hands held tight, knots pulled fast,

As someone plotted until the last.

The boat distorted, the wood splintered wide,

And the waves applauded the turning tide.

And the night bloomed with a precarious say:

Time to switch the roles of play, to prey.

The original staged play.

The ship was crowded with quiet deceit;

Shattered was the vision, lovely and sweet.

Trapped in the web of a violent maze,

She gasped as pain set her throat ablaze.

The world turned dim in the fading twilight,

As her eyes shut tight, robbed of the light.

He traced her features, soft and slow,

Blade drawn of grace in the afterglow.

On her lips he pressed a cold, soft peck,

And whispered, “With this ship, you shall wreck.”

Her kohl smeared black in the fading light,

As the staged scheme swallowed up the night.

Stained was the wedding gown, crimson bright,

And his lips curled in a crooked smile:

“You are the past I overthrow,

In the ocean’s depths you are free to go.

Decay or fray, it matters not to me.

My dearest wife, with this I present you your life -

The play is done upon this sea.”

And from the depths of the ocean floor

The dark only silence knows

As its heart a single petal begins to grow -

A bloom of blood, yet splashes of ink like black shows

Same as the red of blight-

You devoured upon the cries of night,

For every skin you tore, I wore the black.

It’s high time the cliches I overthrow,

As the Truth I now glow- the black rose.

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About the Competition

The Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar showcases diverse talents and voices in literature. This esteemed platform provides poets and writers a stage to share their unique narratives with a global audience. Celebrating creativity and expression, the competition serves as a beacon for emerging and established writers alike.

We extend our gratitude to Halah for sharing "The Staged Sea" with us in the Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Your evocative storytelling and vivid imagery have left a lasting impression. Thank you for your participation, and we look forward to seeing more of your brilliant work in the future.

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.