When The World Sleeps - By Liliana

Written By: Liliana

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Liliana's poem "When The World Sleeps" is a beautiful entry in the Poetry category of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This thought-provoking piece explores the serene and often unnoticed symphony of nighttime sounds. As Liliana guides us through a world where the mundane transforms into music, we are invited to pause and appreciate the beauty that emerges when the world sleeps. This competition celebrates the creativity of writers globally, and Liliana's work is a testament to the power of poetry to capture the essence of life's quieter moments.

About the Work

"When The World Sleeps" by Liliana paints a vivid picture of the nighttime world through its rhythmic and soothing verses. The poem captures the delicate balance between silence and sound, creating a calming atmosphere filled with familiar yet often overlooked noises. Liliana's use of imagery and sound immerses the reader in a symphony of sleep, where each noise contributes to a harmonious whole. The poem gently reminds us of the beauty found in tranquility and the allure of nature's quiet orchestra.

When The World Sleeps

Original Submission by Liliana

When The World Sleeps

Liliana Walker

Sometimes when I cannot fall asleep,

I just lay there in my bed,

doing nothing in particular,

a hundred thoughts in my head.

I start to hear my father snore,

and my brother's breathing deeply.

I hear my mother sighing,

and my sister talking sleepily.

I think of random things,

things that don't make sense.

I whisper my thoughts aloud,

and the noise makes me tense.

Until, finally, I'm way too tired,

to make a single noise.

So I just lay there in my bed,

listening to my sister's voice.

It is relaxing, I will admit,

but at night it feels so dense.

The muttering, breathing, sighing and snores,

even the air from the AC vents.

All too soon, those noises stop.

One by one, until they're gone.

It's like they hold their breath,

waiting for another dawn.

After a while you can hear,

this silence has its own world.

Each sound a part of a soothing piece,

a symphony yet to be unfurled.

The door's soft creak,

the blanket's constant ruffle,

the bed's soft squeak,

and a sleepwalker's shuffle.

An owl's loud hoot,

the wind's meanful moaning,

a train whistle's toot,

and a beetle's wing's droning.

Breathing in sync,

the rain's gentle patter,

a trailer chain's clink,

and a trashcan's clatter.

The light's quiet humming,

a book's unsettling thump,

a baby's voice mumbling,

and a car door's clunk.

The air makes its own sound,

from a highway so far,

even then everything's so still,

staying awake is really hard.

The symphony that plays,

the world alive at night.

"Sometimes the best things,

are always out of sight."

I love this music,

it's song so sweet.

I want to listen more,

but I can't play repeat.

Then when the AC turns back on,

I feel sadness, for I miss the song.

I wish very much it would come back,

though the AC's not on for long.

My breathing now part of the rhythm,

of the song that plays at night.

The song I've come to love,

the song that makes a soul take flight.

I close my eyes and listen,

not daring to make a peep,

and then the music stops.

That's when I realize.....

The song put me to sleep.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious platform celebrating the art of writing. It welcomes participants from around the world to share their unique voices and perspectives through poetry and creative writing. This competition provides an opportunity for writers to showcase their talent and connect with a global audience, fostering a community that values and appreciates the written word.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Liliana for sharing her evocative poem, "When The World Sleeps," with us. Her participation in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 enriches the tapestry of voices that make this event truly special. We hope that her words continue to inspire and resonate with readers, inviting them to find beauty in the quiet symphony of the night.

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.