You Pledge That Family Is Your Everything - By Payton

Written By: Payton

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the poignant poem "You Pledge That Family Is Your Everything," Payton, writing under the name Sister, delves into the complexities of familial relationships. As part of the Poetry category in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, Payton's piece captures the emotional turbulence and intricate dynamics between siblings. The poem explores themes of trust, love, and the barriers that often arise within family ties.

About the Work

Payton's work is a heartfelt exploration of the emotional barriers that can form within families, particularly between siblings. The poem's vivid imagery and introspective tone highlight a journey of self-preservation and longing for connection. Through evocative language, Payton portrays the struggle of maintaining familial bonds amidst fear and distance, ultimately expressing a deep yearning for sibling unity.

Sister

Original Submission by Payton

You pledge that family is your everything

Yet the minute you are mad you wish me dead.

You pray for trust and love

Yet in fear of you, I have run, again and again.

They say I'm a good sister

I do not feel like a sister, though

I have a brother but sister is a word foreign to me,

Drawn from the depths of the earth and inscribed in a language I cannot translate.

Written in the stars that I could not see.

And shown in worldly ruins that I could not read

For you see,

Since I was a child I have put up barrier after barrier, wall after wall to keep myself safe.

Since I was a child I have tiptoed around you until it became a habit not a choice

Since I was a child I have distanced my self from you for my own well-being.

And now we are no longer the same.

We can no longer share a room nor a conversation

We can no longer express our emotions much less our love

And yet I still yearn for a sibling.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious platform for writers worldwide to showcase their talents. This competition celebrates diverse voices and unique literary expressions, providing participants with an opportunity to share their creative works with a global audience.

We extend our gratitude to Payton for sharing "You Pledge That Family Is Your Everything" with us. This powerful piece is a valuable contribution to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, offering insight into the complexities of family relationships.

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.