Two Months Old and Already Crossing - By Aashvi Mehrotra

Written By: Aashvi Mehrotra

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Aashvi Mehrotra's evocative poem "Two Months Old and Already Crossing" is featured in the poetry category of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar. This poignant piece eloquently captures the theme of identity and belonging, reflecting on the complexities of cultural heritage and personal roots. Through her words, Aashvi navigates the nuanced interplay between her Indian origin and the experiences of growing up in Singapore, offering a profound exploration of self and place.

About the Work

In "Two Months Old and Already Crossing," Aashvi Mehrotra delves into the themes of identity and belonging with a delicate blend of personal reflection and vivid imagery. The poem portrays the fluidity of cultural identity, emphasizing the seamless yet complex connections between different parts of oneself. With a contemplative tone, Aashvi uses symbols like rivers and borders to convey the natural merging of diverse cultural experiences, ultimately presenting her identity as a bridge rather than a divide.

Two Months Old and Already Crossing

Original Submission by Aashvi Mehrotra

Two Months Old and Already Crossing

I was born in a city I've never really known.

Delhi is a name I carry like a stamp —

official, permanent,

and somehow not quite mine.

They brought me here at two months old.

I didn't choose Singapore.

We just found each other,

the way rivers find the sea —

without asking, without papers,

just arriving.

At home the pressure cooker sings in Hindi.

At school my thoughts run in English.

I say lah without thinking.

I cry at National Day without knowing why.

But the form says: nationality — Indian.

And sometimes a classmate says

so you're not really from here —

and I smile

and swallow the answer whole.

Here is what I wanted to say:

I learned to walk on this ground.

The rain here is the only rain I know.

Every border they draw between me and this place

runs straight through something living.

I used to think I had to choose.

India or Singapore.

Roots or ground.

Where I was born or where I grew up. But I am done choosing.

I am the bridge.

Not split between two worlds —

connecting them.

Every hyphen, every border, every crossing was just the river

learning its own shape.

I was born in one country.

I grew up in another.

Both live in me, permanent and real —

and the border between them

is not a wound.

It is the most interesting thing about me.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, hosted by Hashtag Kalakar, is a prestigious platform celebrating the power of words and creativity. This competition invites participants from around the world to share their unique voices and stories through poetry, short stories, essays, and more. It serves as a global stage for writers to explore and express their ideas, providing an enriching experience for both contributors and readers alike.

Thank you, Aashvi Mehrotra, for sharing your moving poem "Two Months Old and Already Crossing" with us. Your participation in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 highlights the beauty and complexity of cultural identity, offering readers a thoughtful reflection on belonging and self-discovery. We appreciate your contribution and look forward to seeing more of your insightful 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.