Fragment and Two Sonnets - By Max du Toit

Written By: Max du Toit

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Max du Toit presents "Fragment and Two Sonnets" as part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This entry in the poetry category showcases a vivid and introspective exploration of themes surrounding nature, solitude, and introspection. Du Toit’s work is a testament to the timeless beauty of sonnets, as he weaves delicate imagery with a reflective tone, inviting readers into a world of serene contemplation and poetic elegance.

About the Work

"Fragment and Two Sonnets" by Max du Toit is a masterful blend of imagery and emotion, capturing the gentle pull of the sea and the solace found in solitude. The poetic structure, rich with metaphoric language, evokes both the tranquility and tumult of nature. The reflective mood and lyrical quality invite readers to ponder the fleeting nature of existence and the enduring beauty of the natural world.

Fragment and Two Sonnets

Original Submission by Max du Toit

Fragment and Two Sonnets

My sweet, my seashell, tinted pink

Across your pearly turns:

You curve around yourself, and sigh

Into my ear with whispered wisps.

Oblivion. . . we slowly sink

Into the sand, the lambent waves,

And wish the world our false goodbye.

* * *

My hermitage, oh, hide me from the world!

How far my cluttered legs have carried me —

Have clung to matted weed — while currents swirled

And sought to sweep me to an unknown sea.

My haven, hold me in your hard embrace:

Let us be safe together — let me bring

Us 'cross the shard-strewn shores — oh, let us face

The blast, and hear the whistling sea-winds sing!

But, ah, what use am I? In solitude

You dwelt, or danced your rushing, tumbling dance

Among your own — were you not glad, unwooed,

And free to tumble in the tides of chance?

So cast me hence; or, if you bid me stay,

I shall, till currents drag my corpse away.

* * *

Turning my wings in swirls of early air,

I saw the sea-waves shining up the shore,

And spied a swiftly shifting speck down there,

Which waters to a sandy bower bore.

Left by the thin grey waves on gritty grains,

I watched the waters brim it, by and by:

Offered, or taken, from the tidal lanes,

A chalice — filled with mirrored shards of sky.

Returning there, in summers since that sight,

(Fleet with the breeze that shares the vaulted blue)

I curve along the cliffs to see that white

Of sand and shells, which stayed there when I flew.

Never again shall I descend: I fear

The beach is bare, its surface bleached and clear.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 hosted by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious platform celebrating the diverse voices of writers worldwide. This annual competition encourages creative expression across various genres, offering participants the opportunity to showcase their talent on a global stage.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Max du Toit for sharing "Fragment and Two Sonnets" with us as part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Your evocative poetry enriches the literary tapestry of this event, and we look forward to seeing more of your inspiring 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.