What the Leaves Witness - By Bhavya Jayabharathwaj

Written By: Bhavya Jayabharathwaj

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Bhavya Jayabharathwaj presents "What the Leaves Witness," a poignant poetry entry in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This evocative piece dives into the theme of student life, exploring the anxiety and self-reflection experienced during exam times. Through the metaphor of nature, Bhavya captures the silent observance of the world around us, even in moments of personal turmoil.

About the Work

"What the Leaves Witness" masterfully captures the tension and vulnerability students face during exams. With vivid imagery and a reflective tone, Bhavya Jayabharathwaj paints a picture of the pressures of academic life. The poem employs nature as a silent observer, contrasting the chaos within with the calmness outside. This dichotomy highlights the struggle between external expectations and internal doubts.

What the Leaves Witness

Original Submission by Bhavya Jayabharathwaj

We gather—

a loud, sleep-deprived mess

of frazzled nerves,

endless questions,

barely hidden panic.

We smile

as teachers pass,

trying to convince them—

and ourselves—

we are prepared.

Only the orange-green leaves

flickering on the branches

see through the act.

The impromptu doubt session—

avoiding teachers

who might ask

“Aren’t you prepared?”

so we pester the toppers instead.

Pages flip—

ten a second—

at the last minute,

eyes racing over pages

trying to learn

what time forgot,

before the teacher barks—

"Stop."

Even the line

is a charity of knowledge—

before we murmur

the daily prayer

we wish

worked better.

The short walk

to the hall

fills with hurried whispers.

Thirty minutes inside—

killing time

while the questions

patiently wait

for our misery.

Anticipation

turns ten minutes

into fifty.

Then

reading time begins.

Brain freeze.

Blank stare.

Thoughts collapsing—

too familiar.

Then she says,

“Start writing.”

Pens race—

hoping neat handwriting

and full pages

matter more

than answers.

A small victory—

one question

that actually makes sense.

Too soon

we must stop.

The watchful silence

replaced

by the dreaded

"How was it?"

The worst part follows—

checking answers,

lingering over lost marks.

Watching someone grin

at a solution

you missed.

Poring

over the answers

now revealed,

I wonder—

did I study enough?

Each day

I’m relieved

to both enter

and leave

those gates.

Driving home,

I try to silence

the thoughts

counting every lost mark

like a lifeline.

Outside,

the orange-green leaves

still flicker on the branches—

quiet witnesses

to another day

of borrowed confidence.

I cross out the day

on my calendar,

count down the days

to freedom—

and open my books

for tomorrow.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar celebrates diverse voices in poetry and creative writing from around the world. This prestigious event invites participants to share their unique perspectives and creative expressions, fostering a rich tapestry of literary art. The platform provides an opportunity for writers to showcase their talents and contribute to a global dialogue through their work.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Bhavya Jayabharathwaj for sharing "What the Leaves Witness" with us. It is a thought-provoking piece that resonates deeply with anyone who has faced the trials of academic life. Thank you for contributing to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, where your voice adds to the rich diversity of creative expressions.

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.