Hope is the Dust - By Ayabonga Bayibile

Written By: Ayabonga Bayibile

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, Ayabonga Bayibile presents a poignant work, "Hope is the Dust." This entry in the poetry category captures the essence of resilience and survival amidst adversity. Through vivid imagery, Bayibile delves into themes of hope and the enduring quest for a brighter future, drawing inspiration from the challenges faced by migrants and the environment.

About the Work

"Hope is the Dust" evokes a landscape marked by struggle and perseverance. The poem's tone is somber yet uplifting, employing rich imagery to depict the harsh realities of overgrazed lands and the relentless search for solace. Through a narrative of migration and survival, Bayibile highlights the indomitable human spirit and the enduring light of hope that guides through darkness.

Hope is the dust

Original Submission by Ayabonga Bayibile

*Hope is the Dust*

In overgrazed lands, cattle still roam

Dams dry, drought grips, and hope goes home

Thirsty birds sing melodies in flight

Fleeing a scavenger hunt, without a fight

Ashes remain, cries echo through the air

Hunger strikes again, without a care

As sunset nears, a glimmer of hope appears

For a better tomorrow, through all the tears

Battlefields crowded, vultures claim their space Land to land, ashes to ashes, a migrant's race

To unknown shores, they journey, worn and grey Seeking refuge, a new dawn, a brighter day

Their footsteps mark the dusty ground

A trail of dreams, a journey without a sound

Their hearts still hold, a glimmer of light

Guiding them on, through the dark of night

Their stories told, in whispers and in pain

Of a homeland lost, of memories in vain

Their tears fall slow, like summer's gentle rain

As they mourn the loss, of a life in vain

But still they rise, with every dawn's embrace

And find the strength, to face the unknown place Their resilience, a beacon in the night

A shining star, that guides them to the light, Hope is the Dust.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious platform celebrating literary creativity worldwide. It brings together poets and writers to share their unique voices and perspectives, fostering a global community of storytellers and thinkers.

Thank you, Ayabonga Bayibile, for sharing your moving poem "Hope is the Dust" in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Your work contributes a powerful narrative of resilience and hope, reflecting the essence of human strength and determination.

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.