Waiting Room - By Usayd Qazi

Written By: Usayd Qazi

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the compelling piece "Waiting Room," Usayd Qazi invites readers into a realm of introspection and emotional reflection. As part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, this poetry submission stands out for its raw exploration of personal thoughts and the uncertainties of life. Usayd Qazi's contribution in the poetry category underscores the universal themes of self-doubt, familial bonds, and the passage of time, offering a window into the human condition with both warmth and honesty.

About the Work

"Waiting Room" is a vivid tapestry of introspective musings, capturing the essence of a mind caught in the complexities of modern life. Usayd Qazi's poem navigates themes of familial expectations, personal aspirations, and the weight of unspoken emotions. With a narrative style that balances between the profound and the mundane, the work employs striking imagery and candid reflections, creating a resonant exploration of the self amidst life's uncertainties.

Waiting Room

Original Submission by Usayd Qazi

WAITING ROOM

My brain is a waiting room

with bad lighting

and every thought thinks it has an appointment.

They sit there.

Legs crossed.

Hands folded.

Refusing to be called.

How much money will I make.

Not dream-money.

Not headline-money.

Just enough to not flinch at the grocery counter

when the cashier pauses.

Enough to say yes

without doing math in my head first.

Will I be able to support my family

or will support look like apologies

and long hours

and promises that sound thinner every time I repeat them.

Will I be a better dad than my dad was

or will I inherit his silences

the way people inherit eye color.

And why is my dad good to me now.

Why now.

Why when I’m old enough to see it

and young enough to still be suspicious.

Why is my mom softer these days.

Why does love feel heavier

when it arrives late

like you’re grateful

but also bracing.

What will I do when they die.

No metaphors here. No rhymes.

Just logistics.

Just a house full of their things

that suddenly become evidence

that they were real

and mine.

Why is the girl I dated for one month

still renting space in my skull

like she signed a lease

I don’t remember agreeing to.

It wasn’t epic.

It wasn’t tragic.

So why does my brain replay her laugh

like it’s trying to find a hidden message

in the background noise.

Other thoughts pile on.

Am I wasting time or just resting.

Is this fear or intuition.

Am I behind

or is everyone lying about being ahead.

What if I peak quietly?

What if I already did.

What if the version of me

who believed harder

was actually braver

and I traded that bravery

for being realistic.

I wrote this like I’m static.

Like I’m talking to the steering wheel

at a red light that won’t change.

I let the short lines spill before they think.

I let the long ones linger

because they don’t want to leave yet.

I pause where it’s dirt, not where it’s neat.

If my voice cracks, I keep it.

Thoughts.

They’re stuck.

All of them.

Wedged between my neurons

like popcorn kernels

no toothpick can reach.

I shake my head.

I scroll.

I sleep.

They stay.

And under all of it

the smallest thought

the most embarrassing one

tapping politely from the inside:

Is this poetry good enough to post?

Usayd Qazi

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar celebrates literary excellence, providing a platform for poets and writers worldwide to share their unique voices. This prestigious competition seeks to highlight compelling narratives and poetic expressions, fostering a community of creative thinkers. Participants are encouraged to explore diverse genres and themes, contributing to the vibrant tapestry of contemporary literature.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Usayd Qazi for sharing "Waiting Room" with us. Your participation in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 enriches the literary landscape with its poignant insights and emotional depth. Thank you for contributing your voice and creativity to this celebrated event.

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.