Tribe Tie Tripura - By Anirban Sen

Written By: Anirban Sen

Category: Poetry

Competition: Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Anirban Sen, writing under the name Tribe Tie Tripura, presents a compelling piece titled "Tribe Tie Tripura" in the Poetry category of the Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This evocative composition beautifully captures themes of unity, identity, and cultural heritage. Anirban's work invites readers to delve into the shared experiences and bonds that transcend individuality, resonating with the spirit of community and collective identity.

About the Work

"Tribe Tie Tripura" is a profound exploration of cultural ties and collective identity. Anirban Sen uses vivid imagery and reflective prose to convey the beauty and complexity of shared heritage. The poem's contemplative tone and striking contrasts between individuality and community invite readers to reflect on their own perceptions and connections. The work elegantly weaves themes of unity and belonging, leaving a lasting impression on its audience.

Tribe Tie Tripura

Original Submission by Anirban Sen

Tribe Tie Tripura

My nose is neither blunt, nor sharp enough,

My eyes do not mimic the Himalayan terrain, nor mirror its peak;

Yet yours do, and sometimes it feels so serene, though you hide,

One should neither judge nor compare.

You might be right, but am I wrong in what I perceive?

Not always but sometimes.

How do I find myself in you? Yet, I do.

We always do; this land holds a singular grace, democracy.

We jest about our features, not like yours, with a dagger, nor with a gun.

Shielded by two sisters and a father, who once brought grains for the hearth,

But I don’t know why, all of a sudden, a divorce was filed;

Split the whole into not so better halves;

Yes, you heard me right. How can a child grow to be a man, lacking a father?

A father, who never protested but withdrew into seclusion, striving but never arriving,

In my homeland, whether sharp-nosed or blunt, hardly rub our noses in pride;

We toil in fields, we plough, we harvest, and we celebrate one another,

We are not what you perceive us to be; we are a collective whole made of us, not I or Me.

Our schools never demanded us to sit apart from people based on what was not meant to be.

Nor have parents ever complained about it. We don’t wear ties-hardly ever, if we did.

We are not scattered; we are one-not the one which is considered as a singular “I,”

But the one considered as a plural “we.” That is what ties us, we understand.

We eat, drink, wear, celebrate, and follow not the same, but not completely different practices.

We are philosophers; we are human, running the process.

We build houses, like yours, with brick, stone, and cement, but,

Still find ourselves in our huts, made up of clay, bamboo, and mud.

We live in plains and in hills too;

We believe in God, not the idols which could be bought with cash and reputation.

We are what we are, not you. I find mud structures once worshipped, and then find the same,

In a place where I doubt it was meant to be.

This land is so serene and beautiful that it draws me to its people, though of different tongues,

Different attire, attitudes, and ways of life. How can one resist?

So I let myself into the stream, which leads me to the land where I hardly feel alien,

I hardly feel lost, all faces are not the same, but we are the same.

I saw people so intelligent that they draw the curtains just to discuss,

How to break the tie-not the tie of misunderstanding, but the opposite.

Our life is what we decide. I feel so empty when I realize that the father

Who filed a divorce feared the chaos; he walked away, and realized,

That the divorce was not filed by him but was a conspiracy.

The land once called the land of water still calls itself so, but,

I wonder how it looks and feels to be a part of a family where no father, no mother,

But parents do exist-not as a singular, but as a plural.

I hope this is what you feel-the "you" who reads, not just to get knowledge,

But to understand, look to the past; yes, this land and its people are "we," not "I" or "me"-

To me, to you, nor to us alone;

Never unaccompanied.

About the Competition

The Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar serves as a platform for writers and poets to showcase their creativity and storytelling prowess. With diverse categories and themes, the competition aims to foster artistic expression and connect talented individuals from around the world. Participants are encouraged to explore and share their unique perspectives through the written word, contributing to a vibrant tapestry of voices.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Anirban Sen for sharing the remarkable poem "Tribe Tie Tripura" with us. Your participation in the Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 enriches the literary landscape with profound insights into cultural identity and unity. We appreciate your contribution and look forward to seeing more of your inspiring work in the future.

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.