What Once Was - By Nuha Imran

Written By: Nuha Imran

Category: poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Nuha Imran graces the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 with her moving poem "What Once Was," a poignant reflection on nostalgia and the enduring bond of family. This piece, categorized under poetry, captures the essence of memories and the bittersweet passage of time. Nuha's work invites readers to ponder the lasting impact of love and legacy across generations.

About the Work

"What Once Was" exudes a deep sense of nostalgia, exploring themes of parenthood, legacy, and the passage of time. Nuha Imran's poetic style is rich with imagery and emotion, illustrating the delicate balance between memories of the past and the realities of the present. The poem resonates with a universal message of love and endurance, beautifully encapsulated through vivid imagery and reflective prose.

What Once Was

Original Submission by Nuha Imran

MEMORIES OF WHAT ONCE WAS…

“We are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided.” – J. K. Rowling

I sit back in the chair,

And as I close my eyes,

A powerful surge of nostalgia

Overtakes me.

I see my children,

Playing on the shore,

Like they used to do,

Many, many eons ago.

They are happy and content,

Unbothered by the cruelty of life,

For I have shielded them endlessly.

Knowing that I will continue to shield them forevermore,

I lean back and watch them,

While a feeling of prosperity,

It blinds my senses.

T’was I who taught them,

That nothing was impossible unto

Those who believed.

It was I who showed them to;

Dream,

Work,

And achieve.

I have taught them to be strong and to endure.

To persist and never fail.

To imagine and yet be realistic.

To be proud but humble.

To not indulge in your desires,

For your success defines who you are,

And indefinitely your actions put you in the line of danger.

I have pushed them to their limits,

All the while, hiding my struggles.

As I am

Their only hope.

I watched them grow,

With great sorrow and pain.

It was their light that eased the rain

And the thunderstorms,

That threatened to come afterward.

They wanted me there,

But lacked appreciation.

I pretended not to care

And continued my moral obligations.

I put aside their flaws,

And they endeavored to be better.

But,

As the old saying goes,

It’s all for one

And one for all,

So, I ended up having none,

And thereby, I took the greater fall.

Years later still,

I mourned over my loss.

For losing them equivalated death to me.

I spent years reminiscing,

over what could have been

and what never was.

And eventually,

Like a flower loses its scent with time,

I lost all roots of my motherhood

As my children left me for the greater good.

But a flower grows back,

Still attracting more insects to its pollen.

As did I,

With my children.

Love wins all,

As I was once taught.

So, I held by those morals,

Keeping all mutual affection short.

Firm I will be and firm I was,

I thought.

And now, I sit back,

I open my eyes.

I see,

The children of my children,

As they come running to me.

I envelop them in my arms,

As I once upon a time, did with my progenies.

They have done a good job,

They have raised their children

As I raised them in the past.

To be strong,

To be honest,

To understand,

To empathize.

But most importantly, to love.

I’m awakened

To a world that greets me with tranquility,

A whisper between daisies and dandelions.

And as the wind blows time on further,

I hear Death call out to me,

Arms stretched in a warm welcome.

My duty here is done,

But through the souls of my children,

I will prevail.

Nuha Imran

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, hosted by Hashtag Kalakar, offers a platform for writers and poets like Nuha Imran to showcase their talents. This esteemed event brings together diverse voices from around the world, celebrating the power of the written word and the unique perspectives of each participant.

Thank you, Nuha Imran, for sharing your evocative poem "What Once Was" with us in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Your work beautifully captures the enduring power of memory and the timeless bonds of family. We look forward to seeing more of your poetic 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.