A Nursery Rhyme - By Luthando

Written By: Luthando

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Luthando, a creative voice in the realm of poetry, presents "A Nursery Rhyme" as part of the Poetry category in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This evocative piece invites readers into a world where familiar nursery rhymes take on new, profound meanings. Through rich imagery and emotional depth, Luthando explores themes of love, loss, and liberation, offering a fresh perspective on enduring motifs.

About the Work

"A Nursery Rhyme" by Luthando is a poignant exploration of complex emotions and relationships. The poem deftly intertwines themes of love, pain, and self-discovery, using vivid imagery and a hauntingly lyrical style. The juxtaposition of color and emotion serves to illustrate the inner turmoil and eventual emancipation of the narrator. Luthando's work resonates with a universal longing for peace and the courage to reclaim one's narrative.

A Nursery Rhyme

Original Submission by Luthando

A Nursery Rhyme

Roses are red and violets are blue,

An echo of words that never came at ease.

Roses were the colour of my blood,

and violets the colour of my skin.

I guess you saw me as a canvas that you could paint with this stone crimson river.

Left my body with incisions all over,

but you were never trained,

so it's no fault of yours.

Roses were the colour of my life with you,

all the hate I confused for love.

Violets the nights I spent at the ocean,

I always mistook its depth for peace,

a life I knew not of.

Violets were the colour of my feelings,

they were cold and unsure.

See now...my happiness depended on you, like a candle on a match,

and the match on the box.

To light a fire that I only saw in your eyes when you fumed.

Even animals are better acquainted to mercy than I.

My breaths were of survival not just a sigh of living

But I hope your beast has been tamed, for I now lay under a thousand sands.

Don't let a thought of me loam around your conscience,

when the world leaves you astray.

I will never come back,

because to say I wish I had another chance at life,

would mean living life with a replica of your demons.

Like Cleopatra, I stand guard!

No monster

will step foot onto this sacred haven of mine.

I thought I was living my best life with you, but everyday I learned how to survive from the grim reaper.

Whom I loved deeply, but never loved me

I was his beauty,

and he was indeed-

my beast.

Roses may be red and violets may be blue...

but I guess they look better on top of my grave,

where the story finally resets...

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is an esteemed platform celebrating diverse voices and narratives from around the world. This competition encourages writers to express their unique perspectives through poetry and creative writing, fostering a global community of literary enthusiasts. Participants have the opportunity to showcase their work to an international audience, contributing to the vibrant tapestry of contemporary literature.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Luthando for sharing "A Nursery Rhyme" with us in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Your contribution enriches the literary landscape with its depth and emotional resonance. We appreciate your courage in exploring such profound themes, and we look forward to witnessing 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.