The Wailings of Uttara - By Parvathi Saji R

Written By: Parvathi Saji R

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Parvathi Saji R presents "The Wailings of Uttara," a profound piece in the Poetry category of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This evocative poem captures the depths of loss and the enduring strength of women left behind in the wake of war. Through vivid imagery and heartfelt emotion, Parvathi Saji R invites readers into a world where waiting becomes a shared experience of grief and resilience.

About the Work

The poem "The Wailings of Uttara" explores themes of loss, honor, and the quiet strength of women. Parvathi Saji R uses poignant imagery to depict the heartache of a widow grappling with the death of her beloved husband, Abhimanyu. The work delves into the cultural and personal implications of war, weaving a narrative that captures both the sorrow of loss and the enduring power of memory.

The Wailings of Uttara

Original Submission by Parvathi Saji R

The Wailings of Uttara

Abhimanyu is dead.

Say it again, or don’t.

I heard you the first time.

Loud and clear.

But I wanted him to say I heard it wrong,

Or that it was a joke.

Anything other than the fact that

My husband is dead.

How can such a small sentence,

Barely containing four words,

Take away my entire life?

I was waiting for him.

That's the only thing I ever did.

Waiting.

Like every other woman in this palace.

We wait for footsteps.

We wait for chariots.

We wait for messengers.

We wait for men to finish their wars

And come home to us.

And now this man has come to tell me that

Mine will not return, never again.

He was supposed to come back.

He was supposed to be here

And complain that I had worried too much.

He was supposed to put his hand on my stomach

And ask lovingly about his son.

His son.

My son.

What will I tell him?

What should I tell him?

Your father died for honor?

But, which honor?

The honor of men who could not take an insult?

The honor of men who find solutions in weapons?

The honor that has filled this palace with widows?

Look at Subhadra.

Look at Draupadi.

Look at Kunti.

Look at all of them.

How many more women must suffer?

Before these men understand what their pride costs?

They go to war carrying swords,

While we stay behind carrying their children.

They return with stories of victory,

While we receive their bodies.

And still, look at these women!

They are crying,

But they are standing straight.

How do women do that?

How does a mother lose her son and still live?

How does a wife lose her husband and still smile?

How does a woman lose everything and still move on?

I don't know how.

I don't want to know how.

I am still a girl.

I was a girl this morning.

I was his wife.

But now, what am I?

A widow?

A single mother?

Both?

I could feel my child moving inside

He doesn't know yet

He still thinks his father is coming home.

He is still waiting for that familiar voice

To tell him stories of war.

And isn’t it the cruelest thing of all?

That inside me, something is still waiting for him.

While outside, the world has already decided that he is gone.

They will call him a hero.

They will sing of how he fought.

They will speak of his courage.

Let them.

For I knew another Abhimanyu.

The one who laughed.

The one who held my hand.

The one who promised me a life.

I don't know how to mourn a hero.

I only know how to mourn my husband.

And maybe tomorrow I will learn how to be strong.

Maybe I will learn from the women of this palace.

But tonight, I only want to be his wife.

Just a girl who was waiting

For her husband to come home.

Let me cry for my lost love.

Let me complain for the little time we got together.

And, let me grieve in peace

Before they ask me to be a mother.

……………………………………………………..

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar celebrates the richness of poetry and creative writing across the globe. This prestigious event invites participants to share their unique voices, offering a platform for diverse stories and perspectives. Participants explore themes that resonate universally, enriching the literary landscape with their creativity.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Parvathi Saji R for sharing "The Wailings of Uttara" with the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Your poignant portrayal of love, loss, and resilience has left a lasting impression. Thank you for contributing to this celebration of poetic expression and 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.