Canvas - By Dean Kleinbooi

Written By: Dean Kleinbooi

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Dean Kleinbooi, writing under the name Canvas, offers a poignant poem titled "Canvas" as part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This competition celebrates the intricate beauty of artistic expression, and Kleinbooi's work is a perfect reflection of this theme. Through vivid imagery and emotive language, "Canvas" delves into the complexities of human emotion and artistic creation, inviting readers to explore the layers beneath the surface.

About the Work

"Canvas" is a rich tapestry of emotion woven with the threads of grief, love, and artistic creation. The poem evokes a sense of transformation, using imagery that captures the interplay of color, emotion, and the act of painting. Kleinbooi's use of language creates a vivid tableau that speaks to the heart of human experience, inviting contemplation on how art can both obscure and reveal truth.

Canvas

Original Submission by Dean Kleinbooi

Canvas

by Dean Kleinbooi

Colours fade

Cracked Palette pristine

My Canvas untouched

Grief disguises itself

Painted over

Masquerading as rage

Entombing love under vicious strokes

Brushing psychedelic tones

Chroma — A beautiful counterfeit

The frame transforms

Birthing new worlds

Veiled with shades of love

I paint humanity into stars

A faded hope

To breathe colour

Into love’s craquelure

Bristles lightly coated

Each stroke

Reshapes this picture

A trembling God unto myself

A pastel spectrum of emotions

Coaxing pulse from pigment

Obscuring truth with art

Into something I can bear

A world to see

For those who come after

Death moves

Painted Clair—

By fields of colour

Powdered cheeks

Lacquered Stillness

My masterpiece

Stained into the Canvas

Dyeing this picture white

My Canvas scoured clean—

The promised Gommage.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, hosted by Hashtag Kalakar, is an esteemed platform for writers and poets worldwide to showcase their talents. This event is dedicated to celebrating the power of words and the diversity of voices, bringing together a community of creative minds in a shared passion for literary excellence.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Dean Kleinbooi for sharing "Canvas" with us as part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Your evocative portrayal of emotion through art is a compelling addition to this year's collection. We are grateful for your contribution and look forward to seeing more of your creative endeavors.

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.