What If? - By Mary Joy Osmil

Written By: Mary Joy Osmil

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the poignant poem "What If?" by Mary Joy Osmil, we are invited to delve into a world of introspection and emotional depth. Submitted to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, this work encapsulates an exploration of love, loss, and the haunting questions that linger in the wake of a profound relationship. Through her evocative language, Osmil captures the essence of human vulnerability and the timeless nature of "what if" moments.

About the Work

Mary Joy Osmil's "What If?" weaves a narrative of introspective melancholy, exploring themes of love lost and the deep-seated regrets that accompany it. The poem is rich with imagery, contrasting the warmth of past connections with the coldness of current solitude. Through reflective questioning and vivid emotional landscapes, Osmil invites readers to ponder the fragility of relationships and the enduring impact of past decisions.

What If?

Original Submission by Mary Joy Osmil

“What If?”

If I was not the one who you met and fell in love with Would you still be here?

You were sinking

You had the sweetest smiles,

But your eyes tells me that you're drowning

Everyone is going somewhere

Things are changing

I'm still here, right where you left me

Mind's in a replay of when I was holding your lifeless body

These days,

Tears are the only thing that keeps me warm It used to be you

Always chasing out all of my blues

Now, every moment's frozen

I stare at nothing in this deafening silence

All I could do was count,

Count the times I saw you crying

The times I could have done something

One for the money

Two for the show

If I could back in time and never asked you out for dinner Would you have met someone better?

You would say "It's not your fault"

So sweet and so kind

You always knew what to say,

I could have done the same

I sat down alone, under the weeping willow

Hoping time will bring me along,

To get through tides of life

To tell me that someday, I am going to be fine

If souls reincarnate

I want you to live,

Live the life you want

Laugh often

And if you are sad,

Just look at the people you love

This is for you up there, my love

Goodbye…

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, hosted by Hashtag Kalakar, is a prestigious platform celebrating the art of written expression. This annual event encourages writers and poets from around the world to showcase their talents and share their unique voices. The competition is renowned for its diversity of themes and its commitment to nurturing creativity and literary excellence.

We extend our sincere gratitude to Mary Joy Osmil for sharing her evocative poem "What If?" with us in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her work beautifully encapsulates the complexities of love and introspection, leaving a lasting impact on all who read it. Thank you, Mary Joy, for contributing your voice to this creative journey.

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.