Wings of Shakti! - By Sonali Sethi

Written By: Sonali Sethi

Category: poem

Competition: Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Sonali Sethi, writing under the evocative name "Wingsof Shakti!", presents a powerful poem titled "Wings of Shakti!" as part of the Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This poignant piece stands as a tribute to women who refuse to dim their light, capturing the essence of resilience and self-empowerment. As a participant in this prestigious competition, Sonali's work resonates with themes of strength and identity, inviting readers to reflect on the indomitable spirit of women.

About the Work

"Wings of Shakti!" is a profound exploration of the societal expectations placed on women and their defiance against such constraints. The poem's tone is assertive, using vivid imagery to portray women as powerful forces of nature who refuse to be diminished. With its lyrical style, the poem celebrates women's autonomy and resilience, encouraging them to embrace their identities and reject limitations imposed by others.

Wingsof Shakti!

Original Submission by Sonali Sethi

Wings of Shakti!

(A tribute to women who refuse to dim)

They will call you too much,

too sharp, too fierce, too full of knowing.

They will ask you to step back,

to fold yourself into something more manageable,

to carve away the parts of you

that take up too much air.

You have been told, again and again,

that a woman should be small enough to hold,

soft enough to soothe,

silent enough to be mistaken for absence.

But you,

you are the absence that refuses to stay empty.

You are the echo that does not fade.

You are the door left open

when the world demanded it be shut.

They have tried to name you difficult,

as if the wind apologizes for its howl,

as if the ocean asks permission before it rises.

They do not know what to do with a woman

who is her own compass,

her own fire,

her own home.

And when they leave,

because they will,

because they always do,

let them go.

You were never meant to be held by hands

that tremble at the weight of your name.

About the Competition

The Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a platform celebrating diverse voices in the arts. It invites creative talents from around the globe to express their unique perspectives through poetry and prose. This competition aims to foster creativity, providing a stage for both emerging and established writers to showcase their work and connect with a broader audience.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Sonali Sethi for her inspiring contribution, "Wings of Shakti!" Her participation in the Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 enriches the literary landscape with a powerful message of empowerment and resilience. We appreciate Sonali's unique voice and look forward to seeing more of her impactful work 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.