Crashing Waves - By Tenille Petersen

Written By: Tenille Petersen

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the realm of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, Tenille Petersen brings forth a captivating piece titled "Crashing Waves." Writing under the name "Crashing Waves," Petersen's submission in the Poetry category delves into the themes of change and self-discovery. Through evocative imagery and introspective musings, this work invites readers to contemplate the turbulent yet transformative nature of life's journey.

About the Work

"Crashing Waves" by Tenille Petersen is a meditative exploration of life's unpredictable nature. The poem offers vivid imagery, likening life's challenges to the relentless tides of the sea. It reflects on the societal pressures to conform and the personal quest for inner peace and authenticity. With a thoughtful tone, Petersen encourages readers to navigate their path and embrace the lessons found within each wave of change.

Crashing Waves

Original Submission by Tenille Petersen

Sometimes in the waves of change we find our true direction.

A smooth sea never made a skillful sailor.

In our minds we somehow automatically associate the color blue with water,

Which is not all together accurate.

The kind of blue we unpack is not what we always experience.

Many a times we find that our blues start fading and

Our waters become a color very foreign to what we're immune to.

A chaotic, restless life has become something so normal.

Normal to the point where even a man-made manual is attached,

Dictating how to deal with chaos;

As if it were something so easy to navigate your way around.

Restless norms are taught and a chaotic maze is built for us to submit to and find our way out; even if it takes all our lives to accomplish.

The illusion of time...

Strategizing on a way out of the chaotic maze that was silently prepared for you.

How do we surface from something we know nothing about?

Somebody else's manual.

Somebody else's script for your life.

Are you even aware?

Or are you comfortable being a member of the herd,

Forming a mass production and leaving you no choice but to bow down and conform.

Paranoia, heavy energies and a tongue with speedbumps...

Too much to bare. Stop and think for a while.

How does your water flow?

We all have a current. How does yours flow?

Are you sitting back waiting on someone else's tide to take you in and

Lose yourself among the waves?

Among waves that will never even dream of trying to make an effort learning your name.

All you are is just a number.

Another fish in survival mode; watching your own back in a marine that holds no guarantees for when your last breath will be.

The continuous movement of crashing waves should be a clear indication that the demand for change will always reach the shore.

Among those beautiful wild tides,

At the end of each crashing wave will always lie these shiny sea shells.

Can you imagine how far they've travelled to finally find a resting place at the shore?

Chances are you've had a long, deep swim yourself.

Have you found a resting place within yourself or

Are you still surfing waves of uncertainty of reaching ANY shore at all.

Every sea shell in its perfect position.

Higher order emanates from the formless realm of consciousness.

Do you keep looking back?

Wanting to collect grains of sand in its impossible form?

Dig my dear friend.

Dig within.

Some waves will swallow you and others will spit you out.

Either way... whichever wave you are served,

Grab your board and surf your wave.

Find your motion while surfing.

Find your truth.

Make sense of it.

Accept it.

Make internal peace with it and do not conform to the things that don't add up.

Being well aware that waves are continuous and so are distractions.

There will always be something keeping you entertained.

What are you watching?

Who are you listening to?

The restless norms that are taught,

Sectioning each nugget of information into a programming system.

The truth carries a weight that no lie can counterfeit.

What a liberation to realize that the "voice in my head" is not who I am.

Who am I then?

I am the one who identifies that.

Let it go.

Change the channel.

Turn it off.

Unsubscribe.

Unfriend.

Unfollow.

Mute.

Block.

Walk away and breathe.

Blue tides of crashing waves taught me the most heartbreaking lesson:

Things come and things go.

Beautiful, mysterious, wild and free is what I was called to be.

May each crashing wave reveal to you just how forces can flee.

Ride your wave and be.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious event celebrating the art of written expression. It invites participants from around the world to showcase their creativity and storytelling skills across various categories. This competition serves as a platform for emerging voices and seasoned writers alike to share their unique perspectives through the power of words.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Tenille Petersen for sharing "Crashing Waves" with us in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Your insightful reflections on change and self-discovery resonate deeply, reminding us of the beauty and complexity of life's journey. We appreciate your contribution and wish you continued inspiration in your poetic pursuits.

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.