Wedding Poem - By Sheetal Dave

Written By: Sheetal Dave

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Sheetal Dave presents "Wedding Poem," a poignant exploration of love and self-acceptance, in the Poetry category of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This heartfelt composition takes readers on a journey through the struggles and triumphs of embracing one's true self amidst societal challenges. Through her evocative words, Sheetal weaves a narrative that speaks to the universal desire for love and the courage to overcome personal battles.

About the Work

The "Wedding Poem" by Sheetal Dave beautifully captures themes of vulnerability, resilience, and transformation. With vivid imagery and an emotional depth, the poem reflects on the journey from self-doubt to self-love, highlighting the healing power of acceptance and compassion. Sheetal's literary style is both raw and tender, inviting readers to witness the profound impact of love that sees beyond imperfections.

Wedding Poem

Original Submission by Sheetal Dave

Wedding poem: by Sheetal Dave

I used to stand before the mirror,

Tracing every line, every mark.

My skin, a canvas of stories untold,

But all I saw was the dark.

Vitiligo whispered in colours that bled,

And the world answered with cold eyes.

I became the girl too different to love,

A shadow in her own disguise.

They called me ugly when I was small,

Told me I didn’t belong.

And so I learned to shrink,

To bite my tongue,

To quiet my song.

I hid my face behind broken smiles,

Hoping no one would see,

The outcast, the misfit,

The girl who could never just be.

I watched love from a distance,

As if it were something I’d never know.

Something reserved for the flawless,

Not for skin like mine that didn’t glow.

For years, I carried the weight of shame,

Like a heavy coat that wouldn’t fall.

I believed I was destined to walk alone,

Because who could ever love this at all?

And then came lupus, a silent thief,

Stealing more than health from my bones.

It whispered that I would die too soon,

That I would face the end alone.

The mirror became my enemy,

Reflecting fragility in its glass,

And I feared that even the thought of me,

Would make any love quickly pass.

I thought my time was ticking away,

I thought I would be gone before I could bloom.

So I buried my hopes, sealed them tight,

In the corners of my empty room.

Who could love the sick girl,

The one with veins of pain?

I was certain love would vanish,

Like footprints in the rain.

But then, you appeared,

Like light breaking through my longest night.

You saw the cracks and didn’t turn away,

You called my bruises beautiful, my battles bright.

You touched the scars with tenderness,

As if they were made of gold.

You made me feel like my story,

Was a masterpiece to be told.

You looked past the skin, past the fear,

Saw me in the raw, unguarded light.

You held me in all my brokenness,

And told me I was worthy of the fight.

You loved the girl who thought she was cursed,

And made her feel like she was divine.

You loved the parts of me I couldn’t love,

And now I call those parts mine.

You came as you were, no mask, no shield,

True in every word, in every way.

You never flinched when I showed my pain,

But instead, you asked it to stay.

You didn’t try to fix what couldn’t be mended,

But held space for me to heal.

You gave me the freedom to be unguarded,

And allowed me to finally feel.

Your heart became a refuge,

Where I could rest without disguise.

I learned to drop my mask, piece by piece,

And let you see beyond the lies.

The lies I told myself for years,

That I wasn’t enough, that I’d never be whole.

You dismantled each one gently,

And in their place, you gave me back my soul.

You showed me how to breathe again,

Without fear of judgment or shame.

In your love, I found the courage,

To stop playing love’s cruel game.

I don’t have to hide, or shrink, or run,

For you love the realest me.

With you, I am seen, I am heard,

I am more than I ever believed I could be.

You came into my life, not to rescue,

But to stand with me, side by side.

You didn’t need to save me;

You just showed me where I could hide.

In your presence, I learned to drop the walls,

To let you in and let myself out.

And for the first time, I’m not afraid-

This is what true love’s all about.

Now, moments from forever,

I walk toward a life I never thought I’d know.

A life where love is not a dream,

But a truth that continues to grow.

And as I stand before you,

Dressed in red, with trembling hands,

I’ll remember the girl who thought she was broken,

And thank the man who helped her understand.

I was never broken, never lost,

Just waiting for love to see,

That beneath the scars and the fear,

I am whole, I am worthy, I am free.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious platform celebrating the art of written expression. It brings together diverse voices from around the world, offering a unique opportunity for writers and poets to showcase their creativity. The competition honors the power of storytelling and poetry, fostering a community where words have the strength to inspire and transform.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Sheetal Dave for sharing "Wedding Poem" with us in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her powerful portrayal of love's transformative journey resonates deeply, reminding us of the beauty found in vulnerability and self-acceptance. We are honored to feature her work and look forward to witnessing her continued literary endeavors.

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.