Gentle Forgiveness - By Dikela Khuse a.k.a romeo

Written By: Dikela Khuse a.k.a romeo

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Dikela Khuse, writing under the name "romeo," presents a soul-stirring poem titled "Gentle Forgiveness" in the Poetry category of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This powerful piece invites readers to embark on a journey of self-compassion and inner healing, exploring themes of personal growth and transformation. As part of this esteemed competition, Khuse's work resonates with those seeking solace and a deeper understanding of forgiveness.

About the Work

"Gentle Forgiveness" captures the essence of self-reflection and acceptance. Through evocative imagery and a contemplative tone, Khuse delves into the nuances of forgiving oneself for past mistakes and misunderstandings. The poem’s gentle rhythm mirrors the process of healing, while its vivid metaphors emphasize the importance of self-compassion. Khuse's work challenges readers to embrace their imperfections with grace and understanding.

Gentle Forgiveness

Original Submission by Dikela Khuse a.k.a romeo

By the way, forgive yourself.

Not loudly.

Not with drums or the facade of an Instagram post.

But the way dawn forgives the night-

by showing up anyway.

They say it gets better with time

But the thing about time is it takes time.

Forgive the version of you

Who didn't know the cost of silence,

The one that grew in a crescendo of violence.

The one who stayed too long in rooms

Where love spoke in lowercase.

One who seeked comfort from others but their cold embrace,

felt like a spit to the face.

By the way, forgive yourself

for the days you mistook endurance for

strength,

for calling exhaustion “discipline,”

for believing you had to earn rest.

Don't stay in that mess

That mess where you still think about how that one person played you like a game of chess.

Poem.

~romeo

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar celebrates diverse voices in literature. This prestigious event offers a platform for poets and writers to showcase their creativity and share powerful narratives. Participants from around the world contribute their unique perspectives, enriching the global literary landscape with their talents and insights.

We extend our gratitude to Dikela Khuse for sharing "Gentle Forgiveness" with us in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Your poignant exploration of forgiveness and self-compassion is a testament to the power of introspective poetry. Thank you for contributing your voice and enriching our platform with your thought-provoking 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.