Why She Pawned Pandora’s Box - By Merrin George

Written By: Merrin George

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Merrin George, a participant in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, presents a compelling poem titled "Why She Pawned Pandora’s Box." In the poetry category, George explores profound themes of identity, survival, and the burdens of despair. This poignant piece invites readers to reflect on the struggles of the human spirit and the silent battles faced by many.

About the Work

"Why She Pawned Pandora’s Box" is an evocative piece that delves into the darkness of self-perception and the harsh realities of survival. Through vivid imagery and haunting reflections, Merrin George crafts a narrative that resonates with despair and a yearning for hope. The poem's somber mood captures the essence of lost dreams and the struggle for identity amidst adversity.

Why she pawned Pandora’s box

Original Submission by Merrin George

Why she pawned Pandora’s box

by Merrin George

[tw: self-harm, suicide]

She saw herself in her mirror,

Wiped the fog away so it was clearer.

Her cheekbones, her lashes, her lips so cherry,

Anybody else, they would have been merry.

But she loathed who looked back at her,

And everything beneath the exterior.

Raised that blade yet again,

Greeted every scar she knew by name.

She had once dreamt of an infinity beyond,

A life where she finally belonged.

A world she believed would forever carry on,

But then that fateful morning dawned.

Her heart pierced by the cannon's dreadful shout,

Her family and her home, gone without doubt.

And out on the streets she was cast,

Where survival was all that would last.

A little bird, with battered wings and starving,

Not knowing if help would ever be arriving.

Yet the nights grew colder evermore,

And every knock became another closed door.

All one could do was fight to survive,

Somewhere between living and merely alive.

And so her curves, her legs, her lips so cherry,

She pawned to a man to make him merry.

The salt seasoned her face as she cried,

Waiting for the man to leave her side.

Her body one place, her mind another,

With every blink, reality losing color.

The loud silence a hollow disguise,

As her soul stared from behind empty eyes.

What a cruel joy it was to finally eat,

While her dreams lay shattered at her feet.

Upon the cracks in the ceiling above,

Shadows now creatures that offered her love.

A butterfly, a bird, a stranger in the light,

Her only companions through the endless night.

They stoked the flicker of hope she held inside,

A little flame that refused to leave her side.

They whispered she was wanted by a world passing by,

But no one stayed enough to ask her—why?

All the stares, the remarks, the harsh judgment,

All without knowing it may be too late for an amendment.

Clasping her hands, she looked up to the sky,

Echoes of silence from heavens that passed her by.

Death, hadn’t she heard, was to rest in peace?

Though no one to rest her urn on their mantelpiece.

And so her Pandora’s box she pawned,

A blade in return for hope now mourned.

Saw herself in it as she held it up high,

There was but a whisper of a sigh.

Leaving behind all that she never got to say,

One among the countless souls that lost their way.

The mirror carried her reflection long after she faded away,

And whoever dared to look within would see the world that looked away.

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About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious event that brings together writers from around the world to showcase their talents. This competition celebrates the art of poetry and creative writing, providing a platform for diverse voices and stories to be heard and appreciated.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Merrin George for sharing "Why She Pawned Pandora’s Box" with us. Your participation in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 adds richness to the tapestry of voices and stories celebrated in this event. Thank you for your contribution.

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.