Grief, My Old Friend... - By Esaivani Moodley

Written By: Esaivani Moodley

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the poignant poem "Grief, My Old Friend..." Esaivani Moodley offers a deeply personal reflection on loss and resilience. Submitted to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, this piece invites readers into an intimate dialogue with grief itself. Through evocative imagery and a tender narrative, Moodley explores themes of memory and healing, making this poem a heartfelt tribute to her late brother.

About the Work

Esaivani Moodley's "Grief, My Old Friend..." captures the complex conversation between the narrator and their personified grief. Through vivid imagery and a reflective tone, the poem explores the enduring nature of grief and the courage required to embrace it. With empathetic verse, Moodley invites readers to witness the transformation of pain into strength, crafting a narrative that is both introspective and universally relatable.

Grief, My old friend...

Original Submission by Esaivani Moodley

Grief, My old friend…

I sat there in the drawing room

Watching you look back at me

Still, Unemotional, Untouched.

You were wearing your favourite blue dress

Your hair as I recall was different

At least not like how you wear it now.

Your dark brown eyes invited me in for a conversation

I was hesitant at first, but curiosity got the best of me

After all these years, what did you have to say?

And then your lips grew apart and that

Soft yet tenacious voice began to sing

I’ve returned, I know it’s not me you were expecting

But I’ve returned.

You have kept me away for far too long

I’ve returned so you can conquer the fears wandering the corridors of your mind

I’ve returned so you can stop feeling guilty when moments of happiness

Come knocking at your door.

I’ve returned so you can become majestic once more

And soar valiantly into the night sky.

You need to sit with me and dissect this pain

You need to learn to swim again into the depths of your emotions

But how? I responded,

When the same hurt keeps visiting

How do I free myself from the purple hues of anxiety?

You must cry those sacred tears,

Scream over the mountain tops

And brave the mighty storm

You need to believe in your strength to go on

So, for now,

Let me sit with you,

Let me sit with you, in the darkroom

I’ll hold your hand while

You work through your pain.

Said,

Grief,

My old friend.

Written By Esaivani Moodley

In loving memory of my brother Sershin Govender ( 04 May 1992 – 11 Jan 2023)

Submission Date: 19 Oct 2026

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious platform celebrating literary creativity. Welcoming voices from around the world, it provides a space for poets and writers to share their unique stories and perspectives. This competition fosters a vibrant community of wordsmiths, encouraging the exploration of diverse themes and styles.

Thank you, Esaivani Moodley, for sharing "Grief, My Old Friend..." with us. Your poignant exploration of grief and healing in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 resonates deeply, offering solace and strength to many. We appreciate your heartfelt contribution and wish you continued success in your poetic journey.

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.