When Pigs Fly - By Atheena Tiara A. Talatala

Written By: Atheena Tiara A. Talatala

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Atheena Tiara A. Talatala brings a fresh perspective to the world of poetry with her piece "When Pigs Fly," submitted to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This evocative work explores the theme of breaking free from societal constraints and challenges the reader to reconsider the boundaries imposed by convention. Through this poem, Atheena invites us to reflect on the nature of possibility and the courage required to transcend limitations.

About the Work

"When Pigs Fly" artfully delves into the metaphor of grounded pigs versus soaring birds to explore the human experience of societal and self-imposed limitations. Atheena skillfully uses imagery and metaphor to challenge notions of conformity and inspire readers to envision new possibilities. The poem's reflective tone invites an introspective journey, encouraging a re-evaluation of perceived boundaries and the courage to redefine one's path.

When Pigs Fly

Original Submission by Atheena Tiara A. Talatala

When Pigs Fly

By: Atheena Tiara A. Talatala

“When pigs fly.”

What a phrase for the implausible. Because biologically, pigs can’t fly.

Seeing the nature of birds—

with their streamlined bodies, hollow bones, and airfoil wings—

plains, mountains, and seas

fall effortlessly within reach.

A notable blessing, really,

granting wider horizons of opportunity and perspective.

Unlike the nature of pigs—

with dense bones and heavy body mass, their rigid spines built for downward forces.

Wings would simply be an accessory.

Bound to the earth

and taught to lower their gaze,

as if the sky was never theirs to see.

For a long time, I was the pig.

Not much anatomically, but socially.

Conformity was pressed into us.

Never spoken aloud,

yet inherited as truth.

The implicit gossip—

“A pig is not meant to soar.”

Yet I couldn’t help but wonder— Was I denied by the ground beneath me, or by the surrender

to imagine otherwise?

Perhaps the ground as the limit

was never fixed—

only repeated often enough

to feel permanent.

So maybe pigs can fly, just not in the way it is usually understood.

Not in the way people imagine.

Not with feathers or borrowed wings, but through the refusal

to remain grounded.

There is not only one way to soar. Only doors mistaken for walls— until someone dares

to break through them.

What we are,

or what we are denied at birth,

is not the boundary

of who we may become,

but an idea waiting to be challenged.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious platform celebrating the power of words and stories from around the world. It offers writers and poets an opportunity to share their unique voices and perspectives, fostering a community of creativity and expression. Participants are encouraged to explore diverse themes and push the boundaries of their craft.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Atheena Tiara A. Talatala for sharing her thought-provoking poem, "When Pigs Fly," with us in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her work invites us to question the limits we often accept without challenge and inspires us to imagine new horizons. We look forward to seeing more of her creative explorations in the future.

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.