Why weren't you here? - By Harrish Panicker

Written By: Harrish Panicker

Category: Poetry/Short story

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Harrish Panicker presents a poignant exploration of love and perception in his work "Why weren't you here?" submitted to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This entry, situated within the poetry category, delves into the complexities of emotional introspection, offering readers a unique perspective on the interplay between reality and imagination. With a narrative that challenges our understanding of relationships, Panicker's work stands as a testament to the power of poetic expression.

About the Work

"Why weren't you here?" captivates with its vivid imagery and introspective narrative. The poem traverses through themes of love, perception, and emotional struggle, encapsulating the reader in a world where reality blurs with imagination. The tone is both haunting and reflective, inviting readers to ponder the depths of human connection and the shadows cast by unmet expectations. Panicker's literary style is distinctive, offering a raw and unfiltered glimpse into the narrator's psyche.

Why weren't you here?

Original Submission by Harrish Panicker

Why weren’t you there?

Perpetual motion machines, you’ve heard of them, they don’t exist do they? They do here.

For the winds we’ve forsaken, the storm will come to collect them.

I once told a story of a very little man to an even tinier woman. I fell in love with her and she became even larger in scale than the man. He slapped me, punched me, poked, stabbed me, raped me, fucking raped me but his little inconsequential cock broke in half in my favor. I hated that man, but I loved her. I loved her such deeply, that deeply became as such. She grew larger. Even larger than before.

The man broke his cock, and I found the strength to ask for a favor. My dear. My dear, oh dear. My love for you need not be returned but I ask you a favor? The woman I loved, became not just a woman no longer! She bent down and I could feel her flavour. My eyes closed. I let myself fall prey to her, my knees standing against the air, kneeling on the ground beneath her. “You tiny man, what’s such favor?”

I couldn’t ask her but the words gained fervor. Fuck that tiny MAN! Please, my beauty. I begged with assent, from my gape. “Oh dear, oh my, but all I see is you, how could you ask that of me?” No, my love. He’s broke his cock. I can feel the tiny waves, they drip and glaze some of my ankle. “There’s a tiny man? He’s fucked your ankle?” Yes, my dear. He has violated my body.

“But he’s oh, so tiny, I cannot see him.” My love? But, he’s right here? I can feel the sticky essence of vapid certainty, right there! Dripping and dripping, he’s not giving up!

“I cannot see him, tiny man”.

“Maybe it isn’t real?”.

I grabbed my cock, in search of the truth. She mustn’t be wrong but oh! I know I’m not wrong! I saw one such man, these memories are not of my own making, I’m barely stiff, I can’t even get it up for her!

Why? Why? Why, my love? Why can’t you see him?

He’s right there, he keeps fucking my ankle, slowly stringing up to my knee!

“Tiny man, your love does not run that deep. Please. Find some help”

No! No. No. No. No. No. No!

I know! I know it is real!

Please, my love, you must not leave me here.

I watched her walk away.

Her steps taking a constant pace, her body getting smaller.

She grew a little smaller.

She kept growing smaller.

My love?

She stopped walking.

I watched as she stared back.

My dear?

She ran forward.

She kept running.

But her steps grew faster, while she stayed the same.

She kept trying. But I couldn’t see her. No. She was no longer able to come closer.

My dear?

I felt the wetness grow wider.

The tiny man. It was only him that was “else” in this world. I felt him grow harder.

And harder.

And larger.

And larger.

The spot?

It grow wetter.

It grew redder.

I could feel it more.

Oh! No! I could feel it more!

Please.

My dear.

Why weren’t you here?

- H.Panicker

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, hosted by Hashtag Kalakar, is a prestigious platform celebrating diverse literary voices from around the world. This esteemed event encourages writers to share their unique stories and perspectives, fostering creativity and artistic expression across various genres. Participants engage with a global audience, contributing to an ever-evolving tapestry of contemporary literature.

We extend our gratitude to Harrish Panicker for sharing "Why weren't you here?" with us in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This evocative piece invites reflection and introspection, adding depth to the competition's rich collection of literary works. We appreciate the courage and creativity Panicker has displayed through this submission.

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.