Deflect - By S Faith Sibanda

Written By: S Faith Sibanda

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

S Faith Sibanda presents "Deflect," a thought-provoking piece of poetry that delves into the complexities of trust and self-preservation. As part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, this poem offers a reflective exploration of personal growth and emotional resilience. Through its vivid imagery and heartfelt expression, "Deflect" captivates readers with its introspective examination of relationships and the often precarious balancing act between openness and self-protection.

About the Work

In "Deflect," S Faith Sibanda masterfully explores themes of vulnerability and self-defense through a series of evocative metaphors and imagery. The poem captures the evolution from naive openness to a more guarded approach to relationships. It delves into the emotional scars left by betrayal and the cautious strategies employed to shield oneself from further pain. This piece resonates with the universal journey of learning to navigate the complexities of human connections.

Deflect

Original Submission by S Faith Sibanda

Deflect

I used to jump in easily

With my whole heart and soul

Be it a relationship

Or a friendship

Every card always on the table

A constant gamble with my heart.

Then the deck got smaller

As the stakes grew larger

With every betrayal

With every attack

With every insult

And every abandonment

I finally understood the game

And the gambling stopped.

Now, I play it safe

When there is less at stake,

There is less to lose

So, I play chess.

With guards around the queen

Never leaving an opening

To even graze my heart

Every secret

Every emotion

Every outburst

Every insecurity

Locked up tight

Never to be known

That is until the game evolved

When an Uno reverse left me speechless

A silent understanding between friends

Where everyone has met the joker

And is left with a deck of Babbage

Very few know

They all say Uno

Keeping a charade of having one card

When in reality, they have them all

So now I play 30 seconds

Trying to guess every issue

To try find a solution

To everyone’s problems but my own.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious platform celebrating literary creativity across the globe. This competition provides writers with an opportunity to showcase their unique voices and share their artistic expressions with a wider audience. Participants engage with diverse themes and styles, contributing to a rich tapestry of contemporary literature.

Thank you, S Faith Sibanda, for sharing "Deflect" with us. Your participation in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 enriches the poetic landscape, offering readers a glimpse into the nuanced dance between emotional openness and self-protection. We appreciate your contribution and look forward to more of your insightful work.

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.