Joy - By Frans Angala Amutenya

Written By: Frans Angala Amutenya

Category: poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In a moving contribution to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, Frans Angala Amutenya, writing under the moniker joy, presents his poem "Joy." This work, nestled within the poetry category, is a heartfelt exploration of familial love and the profound beauty of a mother's presence. Hailing from Namibia, Frans brings a unique cultural perspective to his writing, enriching the universal themes with personal depth and warmth.

About the Work

"Joy" by Frans Angala Amutenya is a poetic tribute that captures the essence of maternal love and the deep-seated joy found in familial bonds. Through vivid imagery and emotive language, Frans paints a picture of a mother's timeless beauty and enduring strength. The poem's lyrical quality and heartfelt sincerity invite readers to reflect on their own sources of joy and inspiration, making it a deeply personal yet universally relatable piece.

joy

Original Submission by Frans Angala Amutenya

Title: Joy

Author: Frans A. Amutenya

Country: Namibia

Category: Poetry

Email: fransamutenya499@gmail.com

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Joy

I fell asleep to the sun's heat

burning through the window,

and woke to the moon's light

creeping in through a smile in the curtain.

To find a text in Oshiwambo

that would equate to a four-word sentence

in English: "You are my son."

As lovely as Rumi's rhymes are,

they could never outweigh words from her.

With words, let me paint for you

what Joy looks like.

The last time I saw her,

she was gardened in olive green and black gold;

in her hands, she held the words of kings

and the songs of queens.

I looked to her like the ocean does the sky,

and there she was,

gorgeous in all majesty,

like the sky, unapologetic of its blue.

She has a resonance to her voice

that calms the storm that is my mind

and tames the flame that is my heart.

She has held this power since my birth.

In 39 days, she turns 50.

The years have come and gone,

but age has done her no harm;

she still holds the same beauty

she possessed when my mind was tender

and still growing to comprehend splendor.

All age has gifted her

is a wrinkle in her smile

and freckles around her eyes.

To me, she is the embodiment of the word Joy.

Once I came home with sulken shoulders,

a head glued to the ground,

and colorblind eyes

letting go of tired tears.

My heart was a smothering reed,

my skin a blizzard,

and my hands quaking

like the leaves in the breath of nightfall.

Usually, I can swing my voice like a hammer,

but that day my voice left scars in my throat,

trying to claw its way out.

I bit down on it, unable to speak.

I looked to her

like a boy looks to his mother.

The woman that raised me hugged me and said,

"Be still. I am your mother; I am here.

You do not have to speak."

That woman gave me composure.

Those words sunk deep

and found home in the hollowness of my chest,

igniting that blood-filled organ

and setting everything ablaze.

This woman is my mother and my Joy.

I have seen happiness in her smile,

I have found bliss in her voice,

and I will look to her

every time I forget what Joy looks like.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar celebrates diverse voices from around the world, providing a platform for poets and writers to share their unique perspectives. This prestigious competition highlights the power of words and creativity, fostering a global community of artists who inspire and connect through their work.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Frans Angala Amutenya for sharing his poignant poem "Joy" with us. His participation in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 enriches the tapestry of voices that make this event truly special. Thank you, Frans, for offering us a glimpse into the beauty of your poetic world.

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.