We bleed green - By Samridhi Bikram Laishram

Written By: Samridhi Bikram Laishram

Category: Poetry

Competition: Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the poetic submission "We bleed green," Samridhi Bikram Laishram explores profound themes of identity and division. This entry is part of the Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, showcasing the power of words to evoke thought and emotion. Through vivid imagery and a stark narrative, the poem delves into the inherent contradictions within societal constructs of identity, urging readers to reflect on the divisions we perceive and perpetuate.

About the Work

"We bleed green" is a compelling work that challenges conventional perceptions of identity by using the metaphor of bleeding green. The poem presents a vivid exploration of what it means to be labeled as different, inferior, or threatening. With a tone that is both introspective and urgent, Samridhi uses strong visual imagery to dissect the invisible boundaries that divide us. The poem's message is clear: beneath the surface, we share a common humanity often masked by superficial distinctions.

We bleed green

Original Submission by Samridhi Bikram Laishram

We bleed green

We bleed green. Say it slow. Let it sit behind your teeth.

We bleed green. Thick, sour, luminous, like radioactive waste

The color of something that shouldn’t be alive

but keeps twitching anyway.

We bleed green when the skin splits,

when bone argues with pavement,

when history presses too hard

and something finally gives.

And still, we look at each other.

Her eyes too small.

We bleed green.

Her body too big.

We bleed green.

His skin the wrong shade of green, apparently.

As if blood ever asked permission.

We bleed green and call it different.

We bleed green and name it filthy,

exotic, inferior, threatening,

depending on who’s holding the knife.

Pull us apart, layer by layer,

face, fat, muscle, memory,

And the lie can’t survive the incision.

We bleed green.

Same spill. Same smell.

Same panic when it won’t stop.

We bleed green in borders.

We bleed green in the streets.

We bleed green under flags

that swear they’re cleaner than us.

Green pools under bodies, labeled them.

Green dries on hands, labeled us.

We bleach bones white and pretend the color ever mattered.

We bleed green in every language.

In every god.

In every mouth that says

I’m not like you

while choking on the same fluid.

Say it again. Louder. Until the mirrors crack.

We bleed green.

And the real horror,

the real mutation,

is how badly we want to believe

that someone else doesn’t.

About the Competition

The Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious platform celebrating literary creativity and expression. Participants from diverse backgrounds are invited to share their unique voices and perspectives through poetry and creative writing, fostering a global community of writers and readers. This competition highlights the transformative power of words and their capacity to inspire change and understanding across cultures.

We extend our gratitude to Samridhi Bikram Laishram for sharing the poignant poem "We bleed green" with us. Your contribution to the Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 enriches the dialogue on identity and unity. We appreciate the depth and introspection of your work, and we look forward to seeing more of your thoughtful creations.

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.