Left Unsaid - By Cheryl Oosthuizen

Written By: Cheryl Oosthuizen

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Cheryl Oosthuizen presents "Left Unsaid," a captivating entry in the Poetry category of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 hosted by Hashtag Kalakar. This evocative piece explores themes of silence, unspoken words, and the weight of unsaid emotions. Oosthuizen's poetic voice resonates with those moments where words fail, yet emotions linger in the twilight's embrace.

About the Work

"Left Unsaid" weaves a tapestry of imagery and emotion, delving into the depths of unvoiced yearnings and the poignant silence that follows. The poem's mood is reflective and introspective, with each line painting a picture of longing and the heavy weight of unspoken truths. It captures the raw essence of moments lost in time, where courage falters and leaves a lingering echo.

Left Unsaid

Original Submission by Cheryl Oosthuizen

Left Unsaid

By Cheryl Oosthuizen

In the quiet twilight's tender embrace,

Where shadows twirl and shadows interlace,

A cosmos of thoughts lays naked, bare,

A realm of yearnings whispered in prayer.

Your gaze, a canvas alive with hue,

Painted in wonders, both old and new,

Yet hesitation draped in heavy night,

Concealed the truths that longed to take flight.

I felt the warmth that lingered near,

A fire igniting, passionate and clear,

Yet silence gripped my heart with cold chains,

As words unuttered drifted through my veins.

The moments dwindling, like grains of sand,

Beneath time's burden, they shift, they strand,

And here I linger, solitary, profound,

Mourning the echoes of words never found.

If courage had cast its radiant glow,

To voice the words that danced in shadow,

But now it’s lost, a spectre of dread,

A yearning that forever remains unsaid.

In dreams, I roam through paths unseen,

Each withheld word, a silent sheen,

And as the dusk wraps the world in dread,

Only echoes of the words left unsaid.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar celebrates diverse literary talents from around the world. This prestigious event invites writers to showcase their creativity and engage with thought-provoking themes. It serves as a platform for emerging and established voices alike, fostering a vibrant community of literary enthusiasts.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Cheryl Oosthuizen for sharing "Left Unsaid" with us as part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her poignant exploration of unspoken emotions offers a profound reflection on the power of words. We look forward to witnessing her continued poetic journey.

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.