Crossroads - By Makhanda

Written By: Makhanda

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Makhanda presents "Crossroads," a compelling entry in the Poetry category for the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This evocative piece takes us on an introspective journey through themes of redemption and self-discovery. Makhanda’s work reflects a poignant exploration of the human condition, inviting readers to traverse the complex landscapes of personal change and reflection. The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition continues to be a prestigious platform for artists to express their unique voices and narratives.

About the Work

"Crossroads" delves into the tumultuous path of finding oneself amidst the ruins of past actions and choices. The poem's vivid imagery and raw emotion paint a picture of inner conflict and the pursuit of redemption. Makhanda's use of metaphor and symbolism creates a powerful narrative about confronting one's demons and emerging with hope and renewed faith. The work resonates with those who have ever faced a turning point in their lives, offering a message of resilience and transformation.

Crossroads

Original Submission by Makhanda

Crossroads

Crossing roads sown with ossified hopes on faithless coasts. Burying hatches in the coffin where my carcass boasts.

As if going into death.

Do good to hold your breath,

Because once the waves of blood sweep us back out, You’ll struggle to find your nephesh.

I fear to slumber lest my past pounces upon me

As a Prowling Lion

It seeks the cage of ribs I once trapped it in

So it could cave my heart in.

Rest by the fire that doesn’t consume.

Lest I burn as Brimstone down to ash.

When my eyes close it signals my hands to grip my sword tighter, lest I find fear in my path.

I was once a wild man, consumed in his wrath

Tearing down life and wisdom, raising my name and manipulating the past.

It didn’t last.

I’d fool soldiers to give their lives just so I could desecrate their graves.

Those who put their hopes in me would find their dreams enslaved. Today I wonder how my eardrums could’ve resonated with such pain.

I was a bystander.

A soulless Revenant, broken from his covenant.

A champion of Hell, burning in the fire in which he was once dependent.

The grave keeper, Nightmaster sending lost souls down to their disaster.

An Architect of Void and Ruin, getting dark energy to expand faster.

An ashen shepherd hoarding stolen sheep.

An Iron Sceptre, by which Faith was beat.

The Executioner of the innocent.

The Usurper who was imminent.

I was the Hollow saint who’d scourge and plunder the stars of hope which I once believed in.

I was a human.

Coup d'état

Non, Sire, ce n’est pas une révolte, c'est une révolution.

Snap

I hear the branches break among the forests in which I escaped. It occurred in a flash.

An excruciatingly long flash.

As the concept of time in my quickened mind began to dilate. I’d evaluate the weight of my situation

I had come face to face with the enemy within the gates of my manor. His face resembled every strand of reality I had come to hate.

It resembled the chains that used to be bound upon my wrists and ankles.

That I wrestled with denying that my fate,

Was to be used and abused by those around me in their wake Their lies, all the slander

The violence, the propaganda

Float like a butterfly so you aren't detected then sting them with your real face.

Makhanda

It represented every crushing defeat, every manipulation, all the failures, everything I could ever despise in my days.

Makhanda…

That face resembled the man I saw mirrored in the river. Yet I realized far too late.

It was Makhanda.

I found myself at a crossroads.

Edom. Hated. Isaac. Loved.

My heart, broken in twain by two alternating blood flows. Yet even in the rush of the river, I knew I’d sown my fate.

Hoping to be hid in the day of the Lord’s anger, but consequences await.

Knew not to do not or to do so.

My life served no purpose, it was an embarrassment to the values I once wished to sow.

Yet in brokenness, a light reached out clasping upon my fragmented sins.

It spoke of righteousness that He’d grow from the wickedness within. He spoke of second chances, Hope, Faith, Love , advances Crossing that road by the tip of my finger

I’m reaching for more than a pardon.

Fallen more than 6 times, somehow still rise on the seventh Rehearse your death every morning, so in the night.

Only when you constantly live as though already a corpse… will you be able to find freedom.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a distinguished event that celebrates the art of writing across the globe. It offers a platform for poets and writers to showcase their creativity and engage with an international community of literary enthusiasts. This competition is a testament to the power of words and the diverse voices that contribute to the rich tapestry of global literature.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Makhanda for sharing "Crossroads" with us as part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Your contribution enriches the dialogue of self-discovery and redemption, reminding us of the profound impact poetry can have. We look forward to seeing more of your thought-provoking work in the future.

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.