Time and again - By Rajni Verma

Written By: Rajni Verma

Category: Poetry

Competition: Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Rajni Verma presents "Time and again," a thought-provoking poem in the Poetry category of the Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar. Through this piece, Verma delves into the complex web of friendship and human connection, questioning the essence of loyalty and the nuances of emotional intimacy. With a keen reflective tone, the poem invites readers to ponder the intricacies of relationships, both real and platonic, in the modern world.

About the Work

"Time and again" explores the internal conflict between the tangible presence of human connection and the steadfast loyalty of books as companions. Rajni Verma's poetic style is contemplative, weaving a narrative that questions traditional notions of friendship, trust, and emotional expression. The poem is rich with introspective imagery, evoking a sense of longing and introspection that resonates deeply with anyone who has ever pondered the nature of true companionship.

Time and again

Original Submission by Rajni Verma

Time and again, I am reminded that books are the only friends I can get

My keepers, listeners and silent seekers

Yet I ignore them at times

The urge to physical touch paves in

And overlaps the desire of emotional intimacy

By physical touch I mean presence of other human body adjacent to mine

To stay alive

Sometimes amid crisis of wants and needs

A wise man once said books are the most loyal friends

I wonder if loyalty is the only condition for friendship

Slowly loosing trust in people, particularly, with names such as friends

But I still love the idea of soulful connections

Of all sorts, real and or platonic

I sense it from far if I could be a person’s friend and then the distance between Hi to Bye seems quite unreal,

I still am unaware of how long it takes to be honestly expressive with people who you knew just a day or few

Where do you draw a line

When do you open the heart to them

When it’s too much

How it’s too less

Perplexing and insecure

Dreaded of drifting apart some bonds are never built with as much pure heart

As if we lose a piece every-time we put it into the connected universe

As if we won’t get it back from the ever so vast ocean of love

As if turning cold is the only option

As if stoic principles are the only way forward

As if communication would harm the egotistic self

As if the surface is enough to float on without getting wet

About the Competition

The Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a distinguished event celebrating diverse literary voices from around the globe. It provides a platform for writers to showcase their unique perspectives and creative expressions. The competition is renowned for its commitment to fostering literary talent and creating a vibrant community of writers and poets.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Rajni Verma for sharing "Time and again" with us in the Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Your exploration of friendship and human connection offers profound insights and enriches our understanding of these timeless themes. Thank you for your contribution to this year's competition.

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.