Kismet - By Thando

Written By: Thando

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In a deeply introspective piece titled "Kismet," Thando, writing as Kismet, delves into the profound concept of fate and divine intervention. As a participant in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar, Thando presents a poetic narrative that intertwines destinies and explores the inevitable connections between souls. The poem reflects on relationships that transcend time and space, resonating with the competition's theme of exploring human connections and the mysteries of life's journey.

About the Work

Thando's "Kismet" is a poetic exploration of the timeless connections that bind souls together. With a reflective tone, the poem navigates themes of fate, love, and the acceptance of life's inherent unpredictability. The imagery portrays relationships as eternal forces, unburdened by temporal constraints, with a focus on the comforting familiarity and enduring memories that define such bonds. The work invites readers to ponder the divine orchestration of life events and the serenity found in embracing one's destiny.

Kismet

Original Submission by Thando

Kismet

The Turkish call it kismet

A divine intervention and series of events predetermined by fate

Meant to be

Nothing could have been said or done to separate the souls meant to guide each other in this life.

For some, it is more than a phase.

It is more than a season.

For some, they are stories that will meet each other in every timeline and in every universe.

Kismet is what we are for each other

Now we just have to figure out how that works…

In English we say “they were meant to be”

In Poetry we say:

His thoughts ended at the tip of her tongue

And her confidence began at the root of his self-assurance.

At some point they grew tired of trying to understand and began to accept the pull back whenever it was ready.

They were not strangers to goodbyes in their lives.

Doors shut

Never to be opened again

Hinges rusted and forgotten

Locked due to decades of neglect.

People and places that served their purposes and midwifed versions of ourselves we would soon learn to love.

But for them it was different

For them, the memories they held of each other lingered close by.

Taking just the faintest breeze to blow away the browning leaves of arguments born in bellowing storms.

What say you about the pain only his laugh can soothe?

Why not cut the cord and wrap it around your…?

How do you explain choking on words you’ve always known?

But welcoming breathlessness that comes from having just a bit too much meat in your mouth.

Who do you think of when you reminisce about your greatest love?

When will we learn that we’re making really big and serious decisions for people living on a floating rock…?

I, for one, am learning to be kind to myself.

And to others, really.

Because we’re all doing this for the first time,

And we’re all figuring it out as we go.

We’re trying our best.

Kismet comes from the Arabic root qasama,

Which means “he divided”.

At its core, Kismet speaks to Allah’s will.

And who are we to defy that will…?

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar celebrates the art of storytelling through poetry and creative writing. It serves as a platform for writers worldwide to express their creativity and share their unique perspectives. This competition fosters a diverse literary community, encouraging participants to explore themes that resonate on a universal level while showcasing their individual voices.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Thando for sharing "Kismet" with us in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This evocative piece invites us to reflect on the intricate dance of fate and human connection. Thank you, Thando, for your contribution to this celebration of literary art and exploration of life's profound mysteries.

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.