Wrong Meal - By Nat Smith

Written By: Nat Smith

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

We are pleased to feature "Wrong Meal" by Nat Smith, a stirring poem submitted to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This evocative piece delves into the complexities of communication and the emotional undercurrents that accompany unspoken truths. Nat's work, categorized under poetry, captures the nuanced struggles of reconciling spoken words with genuine intentions.

About the Work

"Wrong Meal" expertly weaves a narrative of emotional dissonance, using vivid culinary metaphors to explore themes of authenticity and disillusionment. The poem's mood is reflective and introspective, drawing readers into a world where words carry weight beyond their surface sweetness. Through powerful imagery and a poignant message, Nat Smith paints a scene of inner conflict and resolution.

Wrong Meal

Original Submission by Nat Smith

Wrong meal

I’ve been swallowing your sorrys whole,

Letting them settle, playing the role,

But something inside me won’t stay still—

They don’t sit right, no matter the will.

I used to pretend it all tasted fine,

Sit quiet, nodding, crossing the line,

Smiling through moments I didn’t believe,

Holding my breath so I wouldn’t heave.

You lace your words with sugar and light,

But they turn bitter somewhere mid-bite,

Sweet on the surface, sharp underneath,

A flavor that lingers, stuck in my teeth.

Your voice says one thing, your actions

another,

Like two wrong notes that won’t fit

together,

A mismatch strange, I try to ignore—

But I can’t force it down anymore.

Like peanut butter tangled with pickles’

sting,

A mix that just isn’t the right kind of thing,

You say that you mean well, I know that’s

true,

But meaning alone won’t carry it through.

The recipe’s written in words you’ve said,

But blurred by the tears I quietly shed,

Maybe I’m reading the lines all wrong—

But the taste has been off for far too long.

So I’m setting the plate down, leaving it

there,

No more pretending it’s something to

share,

Cause no matter how gently the message

is dressed,

It still won’t become something I can

digest.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 celebrates the power of words and the creativity of writers worldwide. Hosted by Hashtag Kalakar, it invites participants to share their unique voices through poetry, short stories, and essays. The competition aims to foster a global community of artists and encourage literary expression across cultures and languages.

Thank you, Nat Smith, for sharing "Wrong Meal" with us. Your contribution to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 is a testament to your talent and insight. We appreciate your participation and look forward to seeing more of your creative journey.

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.