By the Waves - By Manuelah Baagala

Written By: Manuelah Baagala

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, Manuelah Baagala presents "By the Waves," a captivating poetry piece that invites readers into a contemplative world by the water's edge. This poem, set against the tranquil yet mysterious backdrop of a lakeside, beautifully explores themes of determination, cultural encounters, and the unexpected turns of fate.

About the Work

"By the Waves" is a poignant exploration of life and human resilience. The poem utilizes rich imagery to paint a serene yet complex picture of a lakeside observation. Through the lens of a narrator, the poem delves into the lives of a determined fisherman and the sudden intrusion of foreign elements. The mood shifts from calm introspection to a sense of foreboding, capturing the intersection of personal and cultural upheaval.

BY THE WAVES

Original Submission by Manuelah Baagala

By the waves

I sit quiet by the waves, my knees held up against my chest, the low woosh of the lake’s water lapping upon itself, a soft sweet lullaby to my ears. Cracking my eyes open to the sun, I see him.

I do not know his name, but I know him. Every morning awake at dawn, he sets out his small wooden boat ready to catch some fish, oh what a determined man!

The next day, I sit quiet by the waves till noon. As I gaze my eyes upon this man, I can sense his frustration. Undefeated as he endures the hot sun’s rays, he does not move his boat. Unaware of my presence, I stare at him and his boat, intriguing as ever. Have he no sense? He’s been here since dawn, not a single fish caught. Oh what a senseless man!

Today as I arrived once again to let the waves lull me to sleep, I did not see the man, my fisherman. Where could he possibly be? As I squint towards the lake, I see a very pale man, wearing too many layers for the heat upon us. A pale man? How is it possible for a man to be so pale? He drags his feet lazy upon the sand-pointing out to the lake, a foul arch upon his back. A voice arrogantly loud, too high, speaking in a tongue not of my people. He does not move as my fisherman does, he does not speak as my fisherman does, oh what an awful man!

I did not go to the lake this day, my papa demanded that I’m to be retrieved from the kabaka’s palace by the pale men for a fortune. Oh what disaster has befallen me! It is not marriage. He will not tell me the fortune, but I heard mama whispering to baaba about a "mirror" what is this thing that steals my life from me? Oh what a disaster indeed!

As the pale man leads me by my bound hands onto this massive boat, as I look around it, all I think of is my fisherman’s boat, so small in comparison, and yet so heavy with grit from my fisherman. Oh what a lovely boat it was. What a lovely man he is.

As my feet are dragged along the floor of the boat, at the end of it is where I see him, my fisherman. Oh how I missed gazing upon my fisherman! But could this be him? How beaten and bruised, his skin tainted with blood. As I curl my face in pain at the sight before me, his eyes land on mine, recognition within them. I see then that my fisherman has truly been defeated, oh what a misery.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious event celebrating literary excellence across genres. This competition brings together voices from around the world, offering a platform for poets and writers to showcase their craft. Participants engage in a vibrant exchange of ideas, contributing to the rich tapestry of global creative expression.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Manuelah Baagala for sharing "By the Waves" with us in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This evocative poem offers a window into the complexities of human experience and cultural intersections, leaving a lasting impression on its readers.

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.