Tidal Tantrums - By Diala Wassim El-Derby

Written By: Diala Wassim El-Derby

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the compelling poem "Tidal Tantrums," author Diala Wassim El-Derby explores the dynamic interaction between nature and the human spirit. Submitted to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, this piece encapsulates the intensity of natural forces through vivid imagery and emotional depth. The poem invites readers to immerse themselves in the rhythmic dance of waves and the fiery presence of the elements.

About the Work

"Tidal Tantrums" is a vivid poetic exploration of nature's tumultuous beauty. With its evocative imagery of crashing waves and consuming flames, the poem creates a powerful contrast between the natural world and human inertia. The piece is rich in metaphor and symbolism, capturing the struggle and awe inspired by the elemental forces of water and fire.

Tidal Tantrums

Original Submission by Diala Wassim El-Derby

Tidal Tantrums

There they go again

Cerulean waves crashing against the shore

White, foaming ends reaching out

Stretching towards the rocks and gravel

There you sit

Atop the sand canvas

Legs crossed, arms folded to your chest

Bound near your heart

As the sun begins to climb towards the throne

Once again, they crash, closer every time

Bubbles and faint fizzing dripping

Over the dull rocks and plain sand

Almost there, nearly covering the beach

Till they recede once again

Away from you

Across from you

Sits a lone piece of land

Surrounded by the active, ferocious waves

A glimmer of sparks visible beneath the dawn glow

Sparks ignite, and grow to flickers

Embers incinerating softly

Cradling an orb of light, growing, eating up the space around it

Whispering wisps of heat towards you

And there you stay

Stagnant

Hands now on the miniature dunes

Fingers curling into the beige

Legs- chained to the asphalt

The fire rages, and it climbs the sky’s ladder

Its faint whispers turning to words

Forming shouts, then screams

Towering, leering above the sand scape

It stands tall, great, a Kaiser

Eyeing you straight

Daring you to lift your arms

Move your legs

Walk across the water

Its tentacles expand, reach, consume

Eating at the veins of a tree

The arteries of the flowers

The skin of the wood barks

Gouging into the eyes of the flowers

Hands curling around the throats of a branch

Fingers scraping tears from the algae

Catching onto the sand

And there you remain

The sand curling around your ankles

Shackling you to the shore

As the waves crash again, leaping, again

Too far

Too slow

And the fire rages

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar celebrates diverse voices and innovative storytelling. This prestigious event encourages writers to express their unique perspectives and engage with audiences around the world through the art of poetry and creative writing.

Thank you, Diala Wassim El-Derby, for sharing your profound work "Tidal Tantrums" with us. Your participation in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 enriches the literary tapestry of this international celebration of creativity. We appreciate your contribution and look forward to witnessing more of your evocative 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.