I go, but never wholly step - By Danielle Laura Rose

Written By: Danielle Laura Rose

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Danielle Laura Rose invites readers into a world of introspection with her poem "I go, but never wholly step." As a participant in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, her work stands as a testament to the power of poetry to explore the nuances of identity and internal struggle. Through her profound use of language, Rose delves into the delicate balance between safety and surrender, crafting a narrative that resonates with anyone who has ever felt caught between two worlds.

About the Work

In "I go, but never wholly step," Danielle Laura Rose masterfully captures the essence of internal conflict and the pull between opposing forces. Her use of vivid imagery and rhythmic language creates a haunting atmosphere that lingers in the reader's mind. The poem's exploration of themes such as identity, choice, and belonging is both subtle and powerful, inviting readers to reflect on their own journeys and the spaces they inhabit between certainty and uncertainty.

I go, but never wholly step

Original Submission by Danielle Laura Rose

I go, but never wholly step.

I yield, but never quite descend.

For something in the darkened flow

would have me wander past my end.

And so I linger, strange to some,

a figure half removed from sight;

the gentle folk will say I’ve slipped,

grown faintly wrong in mind and light.

Yet not so lost as those who drift

with eyes that know no tethering,

they see me pause, they see me peak,

they think that I am playing safe.

But oh, how near I come some nights,

when I feel the glamour stir my skin,

and something waits with open arms

to draw me softly, wholly in.

The earth grows tight beneath my feet,

the river darkens where I stand,

between them both, I feel it pull,

the claim of tide, the clutch of land.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious platform that celebrates diverse voices in the literary world. It offers writers from around the globe the opportunity to showcase their creativity and engage with an international audience. With a focus on fostering new talent, the competition highlights the transformative power of words and the enduring impact of storytelling in all its forms.

Thank you, Danielle Laura Rose, for sharing your evocative poem "I go, but never wholly step" with us as part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Your work enriches our appreciation for the complexities of the human spirit, and we are grateful for your contribution to this vibrant literary community.

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.