Laying Still - By Frans Angala Amutenya

Written By: Frans Angala Amutenya

Category: poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Frans Angala Amutenya presents "Laying Still," a compelling entry in the poetry category of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This moving piece, hailing from Namibia, delves into the depths of human emotion, exploring themes of loss and mourning. Through vivid imagery and emotive language, Amutenya invites readers into a moment of profound reflection, capturing the nuances of sorrow and the search for solace.

About the Work

"Laying Still" is a haunting exploration of grief and the stark reality of loss. Frans Angala Amutenya crafts a vivid narrative filled with chilling imagery, evoking the coldness of a world overshadowed by death. The poem's melancholic tone and introspective style offer a deep meditation on the pain of losing a young life, challenging the reader to confront the uncomfortable truths of mortality and empathy.

Laying Still

Original Submission by Frans Angala Amutenya

Title: Laying Still

Author: Frans A. Amutenya

Country: Namibia

Category: Poetry

Email: fransamutenya499@gmail.com

________________

Laying Still

Today the morning is colder than usual.

Today the clouds are dark,

as though they mimic the smoke

of a burning world.

They have a grey to them

that looks like the detritus of a world that was.

A chill dances around my neck

and then races down my spine.

I sense something is coming.

My body knows

what my mind chooses to ignore.

Today I went to attend a death case again.

She was only a child —

there she was, barely a woman,

a flower yet to bloom.

I saw her lay there, lifeless, devoid of breath.

Her body was still warm,

as though it refused to accept the chill

that comes from not having a soul.

Her eyes were closed;

maybe she was looking for comfort in the dark,

an attempt to escape into a painless world.

Her mouth foamed,

as though she spit out life.

We found her on the ground,

her beautiful coffee-stained skin dirt-covered,

as though she was trying to sink

into the dust her father came from,

as though she had bargained with the soil

to swallow her whole.

Her tummy, a balloon,

swollen from the poison she took.

I believe it is a strange thing

to want to die.

I hate the fact she thought

the world was better off without her.

As I reached for her body,

I felt the ground grow nervous,

knowing it could keep her no more.

My Adam's apple stiffens,

and I feel this lump in my throat,

as though this little girl

decided to bury herself

right here, in this wordless throat.

Today I held a mother

as she cried for her daughter.

I felt the sting of pain drowned in tears;

I heard a heart skip beat and lose rhythm.

The crowd looked on in curiosity

instead of sympathy.

Can they not hear a mother's pain?

I attend her memorial

more out of moral obligation

than anything else.

Within my atoms, I can't help but feel guilt.

I know I was not he

who darkened her world,

but neither did I brighten it,

so I charge myself with the same crime.

A young lady, gardened in a black dress

with gold roses,

is burdened with sending her off in words.

She speaks of her cousin

like the evening's breath of nightfall,

with an emotion humans have not yet named.

At the end, she utters:

"We will mop up our tears with hugs,

massage our hearts with the weeping,

and bear the mocking of sorrow,

but we are not mad at you, love.

You are the greatest thing we have lost."

She is gone,

and the sun dances in the sky

with no remorse.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, hosted by Hashtag Kalakar, celebrates the rich diversity of voices and stories from around the world. This prestigious event provides a platform for writers to showcase their creative talents, encouraging the exploration of themes that resonate on a global scale. It is a celebration of the art of writing and its power to connect and inspire.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Frans Angala Amutenya for sharing "Laying Still" with us. This poignant piece is a valuable contribution to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, reminding us of the profound impact of poetry in expressing the inexpressible. Thank you, Frans, for your powerful words and for participating in this global celebration of creativity.

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.