i CANT GRIEVE YOU. - By Siyolise Nkumanda

Written By: Siyolise Nkumanda

Category: Poetry.

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Siyolise Nkumanda's poignant poem "i CANT GRIEVE YOU." is a compelling entry in the Poetry category of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This evocative piece delves into the depths of personal loss and the complexities of grief, capturing the emotional turmoil of longing for reconciliation with a departed loved one. With a raw and honest approach, Nkumanda explores themes of regret and the struggle to find closure, resonating with anyone who has experienced the pain of losing someone dear.

About the Work

"i CANT GRIEVE YOU." is a deeply expressive poem that captures the internal conflict of unresolved emotions and lingering memories. Siyolise Nkumanda uses vivid imagery and a heartfelt narrative style to convey the haunting presence of grief. The poem's tone is both sorrowful and introspective, as it explores the yearning for forgiveness and connection beyond life's finality. This work invites readers to reflect on their own experiences of loss and the enduring impact of past relationships.

i CANT GRIEVE YOU.

Original Submission by Siyolise Nkumanda

I can't grieve you

I can't grieve you

I find myself guilty guilt is eating me

my friends say I was the best person to raise you at your old age

I think not I nitpick every small detail every fight

every tiff

every bicker

unfortunately now

I can't clear things out

i can't apologize

I can't laugh with you

andikwazi ubu thambisa intliziyo ngawe

sthandwa sam

akumandanga

kusasakile

Buya

ndilungise ubumna nawe

ngoba sibunye

ndisakhumbula

everything

the day

I walked away

The tone of my voice

the words I shouldn't have used

they loop in my head

like a broken record

i am editing the past

but the script is locked and those people

they look at me

they expect me to be whole

they want me to move on

but how?

when my other half is buried under the dirt

ndiyajika ndijike ebusukwini

looking at your side of the bed

looking for your silhouette

undishiye wedwa

it is too quiet

the silence is too loud

it screams your name ndicela uxolo

ndicela ubuye

even for a minute

just to hear you say

it's okay

ngoba sibunye

and I am nothing without my other side

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious platform celebrating the power of the written word. It brings together writers and poets from around the world, providing them with an opportunity to share their unique voices and stories. This competition is renowned for its diverse range of submissions, showcasing a wealth of talent and creativity in the fields of poetry, short stories, essays, and creative writing.

Thank you, Siyolise Nkumanda, for sharing your deeply moving poem "i CANT GRIEVE YOU." with us. Your work adds a profound layer of emotion to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. We appreciate your participation and the courage it takes to explore such poignant themes through your poetry.

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.