Up and Down - By Ayeesha Kanji

Written By: Ayeesha Kanji

Category: poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the evocative poem "Up and Down," Ayeesha Kanji delves into the oscillating emotions of grief and reflection. This piece is part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar. Through the poignant imagery of ups and downs, Ayeesha captures the profound sense of loss and the enduring bond shared with a loved one, creating a resonant piece for readers to connect with.

About the Work

Ayeesha Kanji's "Up and Down" navigates the turbulent journey of mourning and remembrance. The poem's rhythmic repetition mimics the emotional highs and lows of dealing with the absence of a cherished presence. Through intimate and heartfelt language, Ayeesha explores themes of unfinished dreams, eternal bonds, and the relentless cycle of grief, crafting a narrative that is both deeply personal and universally relatable.

Up and Down

Original Submission by Ayeesha Kanji

Up and Down

Up and down

With you not around

Up and down

But not in pieces

Up and down

Without seeing your smile

Up and down

Because your presence

Was taken for granted

Up and down

When I lay my head down to pray

Up and down

Without your loving and warming hugs

Up and down

When you said goodbye to yesterday

Up and down

To the river so deep

Up and down

Like tears dropping up and down from

My eyes to my quivering lips

I go up and down

Asking why so fast

Wondering why so soon

Pondering why now

Thinking why you left so much unfinished

Analyzing why everything happened the way it did

I can only say when I see your face

That I know your with me

I can believe that your watching over us

I can feel how much you know what we are trying to finish

In honor of what you wanted

In honour of your dreams

I can see your face because

I did see you and was able to sleep afterwards

I know your with me at my side

Because I do everything knowing

What you would say to me

I go up and down because

You were my twin

My moon that was in gemini

Regardless of up

Regardless of down

I have yet to feel a day of no pain

The first time

I held your hand

In five months and

You were gone

That’s what hurts

That’s why I go up

And why I go down

I don’t know

If it will ever go away

It didn’t feel fair at all

Just like we say

Life isn’t fair

And the cycle continues

Of up and down

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a distinguished event celebrating the richness of the written word. This competition provides a platform for writers and poets worldwide to showcase their talent and creativity, fostering a global community of literary expression and appreciation.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Ayeesha Kanji for sharing "Up and Down" with us in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her words poignantly capture the essence of enduring love and loss, resonating deeply with readers. We look forward to seeing more of her insightful contributions 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.