Gebed of a Drywende Vrou/Prayer of a Floating Woman - By Carla Bisschoff

Written By: Carla Bisschoff

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In her evocative poem, "Gebed of a Drywende Vrou/Prayer of a Floating Woman," Carla Bisschoff offers a poignant exploration of emotional and spiritual currents. Submitted to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, this work skillfully intertwines themes of faith, struggle, and the quest for guidance. Through vivid imagery and heartfelt introspection, Bisschoff captures the essence of navigating life's unpredictable tides.

About the Work

"Prayer of a Floating Woman" reflects a profound internal struggle and a plea for divine guidance. Through vivid sea imagery, the poem conveys the emotional turbulence of floating between the known and the unknown. The work's introspective tone and spiritual undertones highlight the poet's yearning for clarity and strength amidst life's shifting currents.

Gebed of a drywende vrou/Prayer of a floating woman

Original Submission by Carla Bisschoff

Gebed van ʼn drywende vrou

Prayer of a floating woman.

My Vader wat in die Hemel is

Ek sink nie , ek swem ook nie

Ek dryf op die lyn waar die strome van emosies by mekaar kom soos by Kaap Agulhas .

Die storms en die kalm , die goed en die seer , geslote hoofstukke en nuwe stories alles botsend in die see van my gedagtes.

En net soos ek asem haal , toelaat dat U hand my lei , kom seewier van uit die diepste hoeke van my brein , gryp my aan my enkels , trek my af onder die water, ek raak verstrengel in die angs van die onbekende pad en alles almal wat langs die pad in ander rigtings dryf al probeer ek fokus op die wat langs my swem .

Verwar weerkaatsings op die water dink dis die land waar op ek gaan uitspoel net vir n ander stroom om my weg te spoel na ʼn bestemming wat net U weet.

Vergewe my vir my onvermoë om net oor te gee ,maar ek belowe ek probeer om te vertrou dat U my nes Petrus uit die water sal trek en veilig sal vat na die strand waar ek moet wees met die mense en seën wat myne is , dat êrens tussen alles ek sal begin swem in plaas van rond dryf tussen die strome.

Lêer my hoe om te swem Heer, om los te kom van die seewier wat my wil versuip , dat ek sal vrae vir help van die wat wag om te help swem.

Amen.

My Father in Heaven

I do not sink; I do not swim

I float on the line where the currents of emotions meet like at Cape Agulhas.

The storms and the calm, the good and the bad, closed chapters and new stories all clashing in the sea of my thoughts.

And just as I breathe, allowing Your hand to guide me, seaweed comes from the deepest corners of my brain, grabs me by the ankles, pull me under the water , I become entangled in the fear of the unknown path and all those along the way floating away in different directions , I try to focus on those swimming alongside me.

Confusing mirages on the water, thinking this is the land I am going to wash up on only for another current to wash me away to a destination only You know.

Forgive me for my inability to just surrender, I promise I am trying my best to trust that You will pull me out of the water like Peter,

take me safely to the shore where I need to be with the people and blessings that are mine,

that somewhere in between I will start to swim instead of drifting around in the currents.

Teach me how to swim Lord, to break free from the seaweed that wants to drown me, that I will speak and ask for help from those waiting to help swim.

Amen.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar showcases diverse voices from around the world, inviting participants to share their unique literary expressions. This prestigious platform celebrates creativity and the art of storytelling, allowing writers to explore themes that resonate deeply with audiences.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Carla Bisschoff for sharing "Prayer of a Floating Woman" with us. Her participation in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 enriches the tapestry of voices that make this event a celebration of creativity and introspection.

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.