When I Became A Stranger - By Bhavya Jayabharathwaj

Written By: Bhavya Jayabharathwaj

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, Bhavya Jayabharathwaj presents a poignant piece titled "When I Became A Stranger." This evocative poem captures the essence of nostalgia and the profound shifts in identity and belonging that accompany changes in the physical spaces we call home. As part of this esteemed competition, Bhavya's work stands as a testament to the emotional power of poetic expression.

About the Work

"When I Became A Stranger" delves deep into the emotional landscape of memory and change. Through vivid imagery and a reflective tone, the poem explores themes of nostalgia and the transformation of familiar spaces. The work's powerful use of metaphor and sensory details brings to life the poignant sense of loss and the inevitability of change, as it artfully captures the essence of becoming a stranger in one's own home.

When I Became A Stranger

Original Submission by Bhavya Jayabharathwaj

I have seen the paint chipping.

At first,

the walls were pastel green.

I do not remember

the first patch of white

showing through.

But I remember

the last.

I remember

when the paintings were unhooked,

and the walls forgot

our ancestors' faces.

When glass cases were emptied,

and the shelves forgot

my grandmother's figurines

from countries

I did not know,

my father's old toy cars

lined up like traffic

from another life.

When the brass nameplate

lay on the floor,

unscrewed,

and the house forgot

our name.

When my grandfather's books

were carried out,

and the walls forgot

the sound

of his morning prayers.

I remember

the teak swing

being lowered

from the ceiling,

the chains slack

in someone’s hands.

I know I cried

when it was brought

to rest.

I still miss

how it creaked me

towards sleep.

Room by room,

the house was taught

to live without us.

Then the doors locked.

The gates clanged shut.

The last time

I saw that house,

the walls were red.

My mother’s Warli art

had vanished

from the terrace.

Someone else’s curtains

moved

behind the windows.

Freshly painted,

brighter than before,

the house stood there

as if forgetting

made it new.

The last time

I saw that house,

it did not know me

anymore.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, hosted by Hashtag Kalakar, celebrates the richness of poetic and narrative expression. It brings together voices from around the world to share their unique stories and perspectives. This platform provides participants with the opportunity to showcase their creativity and connect with a global audience, fostering a vibrant community of writers and poets.

Thank you, Bhavya Jayabharathwaj, for sharing your evocative poem "When I Became A Stranger" in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Your work beautifully captures the themes of memory and transformation, resonating deeply with those who have experienced the changing landscapes of home and self.

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.