To My Furnace of Affliction - By Sharon Tong

Written By: Sharon Tong

Category: Poem #1 (Do read them in order)

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In an evocative entry to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, Sharon Tong presents "To My Furnace of Affliction." This poem, part of the Poetry category, delves into the tumultuous emotions stemming from a deeply personal experience. The work encapsulates the pain and resilience associated with personal relationships and emotional challenges, offering a raw and powerful narrative.

About the Work

Sharon Tong's poem intricately weaves themes of emotional turmoil and resilience. The piece vividly portrays the experience of dealing with a narcissistic and emotionally abusive relationship. Through potent imagery and an intense emotional tone, Tong captures a journey of personal struggle and liberation. Her words resonate with those who have faced similar hardships, offering a cathartic reflection on moving forward.

To My Furnace of Affliction

Original Submission by Sharon Tong

To My Furnace of Affliction

whose ego is an idol I couldn’t compete with

who gaslit me so hard I peed myself screaming

who watched me do the Limbo with my standards

who forged swords from my sanity before weaponising them at my expense

whose masculinity I’ve had to bubblewrap

who has a collection of sippy cups, each shade a true colour

who hisses at me with crumb-coated fangs for stealing from the cookie jar

who drums the floor indignantly when denied accolades for doing the bare minimum

who’d always want to walk ahead but couldn’t go the extra mile

who bought a ring for damage control

who plays the victim while playing house

who gets exposed in my wettest dreams

whose mouth is a landfill and tongue a landmine;

knuckles white as I reach for the landline

may I walk out

of you

gilded from head

to toe

and may David’s imprecation

be your portion.

Context:

This was written out of utter distress towards my narcissistic and emotionally abusive ex-fiancee of 9 years whom I was still co-living with.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 hosted by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious platform that celebrates diverse voices in poetry and creative writing. It invites participants worldwide to share their unique stories and perspectives, fostering a global literary community. The competition is a testament to the power of words and creativity in expressing the human experience.

Thank you, Sharon Tong, for sharing your powerful poem "To My Furnace of Affliction" with the world. Your participation in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 enriches the literary landscape with a poignant exploration of personal resilience and emotional depth.

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.