Here I am again - By Khauhelo Mafube

Written By: Khauhelo Mafube

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Khauhelo Mafube presents "Here I am again," a compelling entry in the Poetry category of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This powerful piece delves into themes of love, heartbreak, and personal resilience. Mafube's work stands out for its raw emotional depth and vivid imagery, offering readers a deeply personal narrative. The competition, renowned for showcasing diverse voices from around the world, provides a platform for writers like Mafube to share their unique perspectives.

About the Work

"Here I am again" explores the complex interplay of love and heartbreak through vivid imagery and emotional depth. The poem captures a journey of personal resilience, where the speaker confronts past traumas and finds solace in self-reflection. The evocative language and emotive tone invite readers to reflect on their own experiences with love and loss, and the transformative power of memory.

Here I am again

Original Submission by Khauhelo Mafube

They say the little girl's first love is their father 

but mine was my first heartbreak. 

The simplicity of reality that gunned me down to my knees. 

Now I'm here again 

Trapped in that place I once escaped, 

the one that left me shattered, to caress the ground, 

Mourning dreams I never got to nurture, With only loneliness for comfort, 

Scars for warmth, the scars from the raging wars I fought for your salvation. One I bled myself to,to quench your thirst, Paled myself white to color your world. I'm here now. 

With my soul lost in the memories of your embrace and the thought of what was 

The place where my silence beholds every 

echoes, grounding every sound of my voice Where the gravity huged my knees to the sands of mother earth, 

While every drop of my tears was implanted in the soil of your destiny, watering the vestiges of your footsteps Where I mastered the art of hate, Reminisced the beauty of pain. 

I'm here now, 

Stargazing at the cornerstones, 

while my skin familierieses itself,to your 

last words, 

Your last touch, 

Your last look. 

A place where My scars mirror through the lenses of my eyes, vulnerability read through my silence, 

I'm here now, 

In the storming silence that promised peace, yet caged my lease 

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious platform celebrating the creative expression of writers worldwide. It aims to highlight diverse voices and innovative storytelling across various categories, including poetry and short stories. Participants from around the globe are invited to submit their work, fostering a community of creative individuals dedicated to the art of writing.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Khauhelo Mafube for sharing "Here I am again" with us. Your contribution to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 enriches our understanding of resilience through poetic exploration. Thank you for participating and offering readers an opportunity to engage with your profound narrative.

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.