Dwam - Night Carousal - By Daniël Stapelberg

Written By: Daniël Stapelberg

Category: Short Story

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Daniël Stapelberg presents "Dwam - Night Carousal," a mystical short story that invites readers on a transcendent journey of faith and discovery. As a participant in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, Stapelberg explores themes of music and mystical allure. The narrative unfolds with a lyrical quality, drawing readers into a world where the supernatural brushes against the everyday.

About the Work

"Dwam - Night Carousal" evokes a sense of ethereal beauty and mystery through its compelling imagery and rhythmic prose. The story immerses readers in a world where music becomes a guide, leading the protagonist through a transformative experience. With references to nature, spirituality, and the unknown, Stapelberg crafts a narrative that is both enchanting and thought-provoking, leaving readers to ponder the line between reality and imagination.

Dwam - Night Carousal

Original Submission by Daniël Stapelberg

Dwam - Night Carousal

“Mother! The grasses tell of a flute. A soothing melody, tuned to our sabbath.”

“Beloved, thine ears deceive thee. Thou hear but the wind, no flute of mortal men.”

“But mother! Dost thou not hear? The sounds ever near, mystical as our Saviour.”

“My daughter, say thou hast not been lost?”

“An awful thought, mother thinks! May I not be lost in the presence of our King?”

“My child deceived, do not believe all thou hear. Thou mayst be led astray to what thou fear.”

“Not so, mother, my mind is made. Go will I, with him to the moon, to be rid of mortal shade.”

“Truly, thou art lost, my lamb. Soon, thou shalt be devoured, and perceive, belated, what tune is true.”

“Unwelcome am I, mother, so I bid thee farewell, and I flee to be, forever, with him.”

Deep the chill ran without the hut, and full was the moon beyond the withering tree. “So magnificent thou art, thy fleeting life, a visage of what once was.” Yonder, rigid tentacles reached and skeletal arms grasped at the long-grass, protruding in appetence of nourishment. If I were but inches shorter, I would surely be consumed by the starved earth and wet the withering trees. Shrieks asudden, nigh audible, looking not back, I surrendered to the grass, and as if by the grace of our Lord, the melody began.

Follow I did, and the road unveiled was true. Under the moon, he could not lead me astray, as I followed his tune. Out of the grasses I came, my home, now far away. Behind, amidst the grasses, they spoke. Disciples who heard his call. All little, as I, threading our way through grasses asway, to stand at his base.

A silence of psalm, no other to be heard. Only his flute, a most joyous rhythm, which sent us crawling in dirt and forced from the grass, no longer as children, but lambs of faith. Bleats of joy sung to our saviour, the one who delivered us from the clutches of mother and father.

And we would twirl and jump, dance and run, to the tune of the master’s flute, the hobbling, horned, black one.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar offers a prestigious platform for writers to showcase their creativity and unique voices. This international event celebrates the art of storytelling in its many forms, inviting participants to share their work with a global audience. The competition encourages diverse literary expressions, fostering a vibrant community of writers and poets.

Thank you, Daniël Stapelberg, for sharing "Dwam - Night Carousal" with us as part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Your story captivates with its blend of mystical themes and lyrical storytelling. We appreciate your contribution and look forward to seeing more of your creative explorations.

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.