Too much and then all too little - By Olivia Montzinger

Written By: Olivia Montzinger

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Olivia Montzinger graces the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 with her evocative piece, "Too much and then all too little." This poignant poem delves into the themes of longing and absence, capturing the emotional intricacies of human relationships. Olivia's participation in this esteemed competition highlights her ability to distill complex emotions into a lyrical form, resonating deeply with readers worldwide.

About the Work

In "Too much and then all too little," Olivia Montzinger explores the emotional turbulence experienced through longing and absence. The poem's fluid imagery and heartfelt tone convey a sense of yearning and vulnerability. Olivia skillfully portrays the transient nature of relationships, using evocative language to paint a vivid picture of love's ebbs and flows. The work invites readers to reflect on the delicate balance between desire and solitude.

Too much and then all too little

Original Submission by Olivia Montzinger

Too much and then all too little:

I only need Nicholas

When the gaping wound inside me

* created from his absence

Refuses to go unnoticed any longer

When the blood that has stained my jacket pocket red

* awakens a pain that makes me look like a ghost in the mirror,

I know that my time is up.

My sorrow at not having him

* Eats me alive

I once wrote confidently that I had tamed the wild beast

* Solved the equation

That I in fact did not let him disappear from my life like the bird he is

I have never been more wrong.

Nicholas can never be owned

He is like the tide

- He washes in and out as he pleases.

Sometimes I think to myself

( when the the silence between us seems to long to ever be broken)

This is it.

I’m never gonna hear from him ever again.

So I make the part of me that houses his levity braindead,

Functional but without zest.

I go on numbly without him

I don't need Nicholas when I study or talk to my friends

I just want him anyway.

I want him to come back and fill up that part of me with joy-drenched champagne.

To make me laugh like a child.

I want to learn and relearn the patterns which make up his life.

To cradle him in my hands like I can actually keep him.

I block out the pure ecstasy of stringing moonbeams around my shoulders,

That is only for when Nicholas is here

And he is not.

The worst part is that he always comes back

Always.

Nor rain, nor moon, nor sun, nor celestial storm could prevent him.

He stains me wine red and leaves a salt breeze in my hair.

He comes in sweetness to patch up the wound he has created,

“he is all at once till the fade to black”

All too much and then all too little…

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious platform celebrating the diverse voices of writers from around the world. It seeks to recognize and nurture creative talents by providing a stage for poets and writers to share their unique stories. This competition exemplifies a commitment to fostering artistic expression and encouraging literary excellence.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Olivia Montzinger for her participation in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 with her piece, "Too much and then all too little." Her contribution enriches the competition with its emotional depth and lyrical beauty. We are grateful for Olivia's dedication to the craft and her willingness to share her poetic vision with us.

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.