The Woman at the Crossing - By Anisha Ekka

Written By: Anisha Ekka

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Anisha Ekka presents "The Woman at the Crossing," a striking entry in the Poetry category of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Through her poem, Ekka paints a vivid picture of the unnoticed lives that exist within our bustling world. This reflective piece invites readers to pause and consider the quiet struggles that often go unseen.

About the Work

"The Woman at the Crossing" embodies a poignant narrative that delves into themes of empathy, indifference, and the human condition. Through evocative imagery and a reflective tone, Ekka highlights the unnoticed struggles of a frail woman amidst the chaos of life. The poem serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of compassion and the impact of seemingly small gestures of kindness.

The Woman at the Crossing

Original Submission by Anisha Ekka

The Woman at the Crossing

Under the harsh sun,

The long road spread out,

While horns and engines filled the air,

And hurried people rushed by.

I rode my bicycle through the heat,

Just another student passing through,

Until the traffic suddenly halted,

And something caught my eye.

There stood an old, frail woman,

Bent under the weight of years,

Her dusty hair fell into her face,

Her eyes held silent tears.

A heavy stick was in her hand,

Every step relied on its support,

A broken bowl hung in the other,

Carrying hunger, hope, and pain.

She made her way between the waiting cars,

With shaky feet and fading grace.

She stopped beside a shining window,

But it closed before her.

She didn't speak, she didn't ask for more,

Yet her eyes expressed so much.

A story filled with sorrow,

That everyone chose to ignore.

Some offered bread, some dropped a coin,

Some looked away and rushed on,

Some showed kindness for a moment,

While others acted coldly.

I watched her from a distance,

With empty hands and worried eyes.

I wanted to help so badly,

But fear stood quietly by me.

I later learned she lived nearby,

Just across the busy road,

So close to all of us each day,

Yet carrying such a heavy burden.

The traffic moved, the engines roared,

And I kept going on my way,

But somehow she became part

Of every ordinary day.

Then came a day like any other,

The same hot sun, the same noisy street,

The same impatient crowd,

But something felt strangely off.

Then I heard the news,

She died yesterday they said.

And suddenly the noisy world

Felt quieter than death.

Her trembling steps returned to me,

Her silent eyes, her broken bowl,

Her fight to stay alive,

While no one acknowledged her fading spirit.

I thought of how I stood and watched,

How I had felt but never acted,

And guilt became a quiet weight.

That settled deep inside me.

Sometimes cruelty is not

The only force that makes hearts cold.

Sometimes it is indifference,

That leaves suffering unheard.

The greatest tragedy may be

Not just someone's pain,

But being seen by many

And still remaining unnoticed.

Since then, that road has changed for me,

Though nothing seems different.

The cars still rush, the people hurry,

The world keeps moving along.

But now I know how quietly

A human life can fade,

How easily a soul can vanish

When no one chooses to care.

So when I pass that crossing now,

I remember her fading eyes,

And wonder how many silent lives

Stand beneath our hurried skies.

Maybe sometimes we need to pause,

To look beyond the rushing crowd,

For someone may have nothing left

Except a little hope unspoken.

And maybe kindness isn't grand,

Nor something hard to give,

Sometimes it's just taking a moment

To help someone live.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious platform celebrating the art of words. It gathers talented writers and poets worldwide, encouraging them to express their creativity and share their unique perspectives. This competition showcases diverse voices and stories, fostering a global appreciation for the written word.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Anisha Ekka for sharing "The Woman at the Crossing" with us. Her contribution to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 enriches our understanding of the human experience. We look forward to seeing more of her insightful 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.