Things I couldn't say this year - By Navyata Tripathi

Written By: Navyata Tripathi

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Navyata Tripathi's evocative poem, "Things I couldn't say this year," is a remarkable entry in the Poetry category of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This reflective piece delves into the theme of unsaid words and the heavy weight of silence. Navyata explores the art of communication and the complexities that arise when thoughts remain unspoken, offering a deeply personal and relatable narrative.

About the Work

The poem captures the silent struggles of holding back words and emotions. With a gentle yet profound touch, Navyata uses vivid imagery and introspective verses to convey the internal conflict between expressing and withholding. The mood is contemplative, highlighting the tension between vulnerability and the desire for self-preservation. Through this work, readers are invited to acknowledge the echoes of unspoken truths in their own lives.

Things I couldn't say this year

Original Submission by Navyata Tripathi

Things I Couldn’t Say This Year

This year I learned the art of pause,

Of half-held truths and silent laws.

I measured words, I swallowed tone,

I made my heart a guarded zone.

I laughed at things that bruised my chest,

Called unrest normal, pain a test.

I mastered nods, perfected smiles,

And walked myself in careful miles.

Some nights I spoke to empty air,

Practiced honesty in prayer.

But morning came, and with it fear

So I stayed quiet. Stayed unclear.

I loved in glances, not in claims,

Let feelings burn without their names.

I watched connections slowly fray,

Because I couldn’t ask them to stay.

There were apologies I owed,

Regrets too heavy to unload.

There were truths that begged to breathe,

But felt too sharp beneath my teeth.

I learned that silence can pretend

To be a shield, a loyal friend.

It keeps you safe, it keeps you seen

But never says what might have been.

So I carried words like folded notes,

Unread, untouched, inside my coat.

Not gone, not lost-just tucked away,

For mouths braver than mine someday.

And maybe that’s what years are for:

To teach us what we can’t ignore.

Because the things I couldn’t say

Still echo

Soft

Inside my days.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious event celebrating creativity and literary excellence. Participants from around the world showcase their talents through poetry, short stories, essays, and creative writing. This competition provides a platform for writers to share their unique voices and engage with a global audience, fostering a vibrant community of creative expression.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Navyata Tripathi for sharing "Things I couldn't say this year" with us. Your contribution to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 has offered a profound exploration of silence and expression. Thank you for enriching our platform with your reflective insights and poetic grace.

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.