The Wait - By Zoe Landsberg

Written By: Zoe Landsberg

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the 2026 Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition, Zoe Landsberg presents "The Wait," a poignant poetic exploration. This submission is a captivating addition to the Poetry category, where Landsberg delves into the nuances of creativity and longing. Her work invites readers into a world where the tangible and intangible intermingle, creating a tapestry of introspection and emotional depth.

About the Work

"The Wait" weaves a narrative rich in sensory imagery and introspection. The poem navigates the complex relationship between the self and creativity, juxtaposing presence and absence. With an evocative style, Landsberg crafts a vivid landscape of longing and uncertainty, capturing the essence of artistic pursuit and the elusive nature of inspiration.

The Wait

Original Submission by Zoe Landsberg

Tapping into the felt shape of creativity,

digging my bare hands into its squelching existence—

How do I feel that?

How do I act that?

How do I not shy away?

To tell a story,

manipulate the orb…

It’s something I hear whistling for me.

Come, come, dear…

I await your presence,

Your friendship,

Your kinship.

But I am blind

and

I am deaf.

I am one whose nerves are numb—

One who is deprived.

I cannot taste you,

though I long for you.

You

exist

between

cracks

that

neither

my

fingers

nor

tongue

can

reach.

So here I stand—

Nowhere.

Unwanted and unfound by my Story.

Though its hieroglyphs mark me,

I have not the wand to wend them into visibility,

nor the motility of certainty in my weariness.

Instead.

I am captured.

Even

inside

my chamber

of whispers, the webbing reels

become cones

with no

reverb-

Unfeeling.

Unseeing

Unhearing

Untasting.

Unthinking

—but not—

Unsmelling.

The putridness is clear.

The gaudy colours of this fragrant glass

cannot escape my unfeeling hand—

the weight,

the wait

…

The Wait

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a distinguished event that showcases diverse literary talents from around the world. This platform celebrates the art of poetry and creative writing, providing a space for writers to share their unique voices and stories with a global audience.

Thank you, Zoe Landsberg, for your contribution to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 with "The Wait." Your poem offers a profound exploration of creativity and longing, resonating deeply with the reader. We appreciate your participation and look forward to your continued literary journey.

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.