Kaito in the Sea - By Londeka Mdluli

Written By: Londeka Mdluli

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, Londeka Mdluli graces us with her profound poem, "Kaito in the Sea." This evocative piece, submitted under the poetry category, explores the themes of freedom and resilience. Mdluli's work pays homage to those captured in Dahomey who became sailors, navigating the tumultuous seas of history and identity. Her poem weaves a narrative of struggle and liberation, creating a dialogue between the past and the present.

About the Work

"Kaito in the Sea" by Londeka Mdluli is an evocative exploration of the enduring spirit of those taken from Dahomey and thrust into the unknown as sailors. With vivid imagery and a haunting rhythm, the poem captures the juxtaposition of resistance and surrender, life and death. Mdluli's lines paint a picture of bodies that float, echoing the shanties of the past while yearning for freedom. It's a powerful reminder of the human spirit's capacity to endure and transform.

Kaito in the Sea

Original Submission by Londeka Mdluli

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Kaito in the Sea

for the boys and men captured in Dahomey who became sailors against the wind, for the many Kaitos of the sea

I still see a pair of legs groomed by white shutters,

dancing with the stars over mushroom clouds

beneath a sea full of sailors

who still chant the Wellerman,

awakening every Kai’To in the sea.

The lost hymns, and dead brothers.

But the bodies reeled from ships

do not plunge into the deep.

They float, like synchronized swimmers,

one foot before the other,

swaying as though those beneath

can still hear them.

One step.

Two steps.

And then another.

Like ships thrusting into icebergs,

allowing only the echo

of that shanty to remain.

But this time,

the sea master too surrenders,

and the pair of legs aren't just legs

but instruments to the soul.

So, we play again,

perhaps a different tune to dance to,

whilst the colonial strangers

yield to the tide,

serving as a reminder

of the last struggle for our freedom.

A reminder of the anchor

descending into the deep,

bowing as if to apologise,

yet the dancing dead remain

hung over the currents.

And as the sea gathers to part,

a new sailor wakes to dream

as if the new world

had never drained him,

and those who die in the water

simply wade,

waiting for their feet to touch the land

where the revolution begins.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a renowned platform celebrating diverse voices from around the world. It invites writers and poets to share their unique perspectives and stories. This prestigious competition is an opportunity for participants to express their creativity and engage with a global audience, fostering a vibrant community of literary talent.

We extend our deepest gratitude to Londeka Mdluli for her poignant contribution, "Kaito in the Sea," to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her work resonates with themes of resilience and liberation, offering a powerful narrative that speaks to the human spirit. Thank you, Londeka, for sharing your unique voice and enriching the competition with your artistry.

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.