Home - By Cheryl Oosthuizen

Written By: Cheryl Oosthuizen

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Cheryl Oosthuizen presents her evocative poem "Home" as a part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. In this entry, representing the poetry category, Cheryl explores the profound and personal theme of what home truly means beyond physical confines. Her work invites readers to reflect on the essence of belonging and the warmth found in genuine human connection.

About the Work

Through vivid imagery and heartfelt expression, "Home" captures the nuanced emotions of discovering a sense of belonging in another person. Cheryl Oosthuizen's poetic style is both lyrical and introspective, resonating with themes of love, acceptance, and inner peace. The poem's mood is comforting and calm, encapsulating the idea that home is not just a place, but a feeling shared between souls.

Home

Original Submission by Cheryl Oosthuizen

Home

By Cheryl Oosthuizen

I never understood the warmth of a single word,

Thought it was just sentiment adorned in rhyme.

A phrase one writes for a card,

But then you came, and I felt it defined.

Home isn’t a location with four walls and a door,

It's the space where my spirit breathes easy,

Where I'm simply me, in the moment we share,

No pretences, no masks, just the way we weave freely.

Home is laughter at midnight that sidesteps the clock,

Where hours slip away like sand through my hands,

It's the calm in your presence, a soft, steady rock,

A silent understanding that seamless expands.

Home is the comfort of thought without needing to speak,

Where the chatter in my head finally finds its retreat,

I wandered for ages, in search of this peace,

In facades and in faces, in quests bittersweet.

And then you sat down, like a blessing from fate,

With the universe shifting, a heartbeat, a pause,

Suddenly here, in a moment so great,

I realized with you, I had finally found my cause.

No longing for leaving, just wanting to stay,

In a cocoon of your spirit, where love softly clings,

I never knew home could be this way,

A bond that resonates, like the song of the strings

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious platform celebrating the diversity and creativity of writers worldwide. It showcases innovative works across various categories, providing a stage for both emerging and established voices to share their stories and insights with a global audience.

We extend our sincere gratitude to Cheryl Oosthuizen for sharing "Home" with us in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her exploration of love and belonging touches the heart, reminding us of the universal quest for a place to call 'home.' Cheryl's contribution enriches the tapestry of voices celebrated in this competition.

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.