What is in a name? - By Thando

Written By: Thando

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the poignant and introspective piece "What is in a name?" Thando delves into the essence of love and identity. This entry, submitted to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, offers readers an opportunity to reflect on the intrinsic value of love beyond labels and conventions. Thando's work invites us to ponder the timeless question of what truly defines our connections and experiences.

About the Work

Thando's poem explores the timeless theme of love, questioning the necessity of labels and societal norms. The work is rich in vivid imagery and evokes a sense of introspection, challenging readers to consider the depth of their own relationships. Through a blend of rhetorical questions and powerful metaphors, the poem captures the essence of love as an entity that transcends names and definitions.

What is in a name?

Original Submission by Thando

What is in a name?

“What is in a name? That which we call a rose / By any other name would smell as sweet”

What is it in our love that hasn’t been felt before by which we deem so special?

A name is still a word

And a rose still smells as sweet without a name

And our love is still as full, even without the concept of a container to fill it.

What is in your touch that sends shivers down my spine and longing between my thighs?

What is my laugh that draws you closer to the warmth of the sun and brightens up your day?

Our hands have been in the palms of others before

And our smiles have settled comfortably on our faces in the presence of many

How can we then reason that there is something unique about us?

That our love deserves to be claimed in the greatest storybooks,

To be passed down from generation to generation.

“What is in a name? That which we call a rose / By any other name would smell as sweet”

What is in your lips that any kiss shared between us would be felt as deep?

That I would yearn for you with every passing moment that I wake, and I would be plagued by memories of your kiss on my forehead in each dream every night.

A name is still a word with an unnecessary burden

And a rose still smells as sweet without the security of its popularity

And our love still holds secure without the anchor of having to conform to what we thought was true.

What is in our love that we keep making a home in it?

And what is it about us that makes it impossible to leave?

A name is but a word

And a rose is just as sweet

As our love that has no end.

What is in a name? That which we call our love / By any other name and time would be just as deep, and just as sweet.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious event that celebrates the art of writing across the globe. It provides a platform for poets and writers to showcase their talent and engage with a diverse audience. Participants from various backgrounds contribute their unique voices, enriching the literary landscape with fresh perspectives and innovative expressions.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Thando for sharing the evocative poem "What is in a name?" with us. Your participation in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 enriches the dialogue on love and identity. We celebrate your contribution to the world of poetry and look forward to your future 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.