Light Lad: The Last Knight - By Makhanda

Written By: Makhanda

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Makhanda brings forth a profound exploration of faith and identity in his poem "Light Lad: The Last Knight," a poignant submission to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This piece falls within the Poetry category and delves deep into themes of self-discovery, spiritual conflicts, and the introspective journey of a soul navigating through darkness toward enlightenment. Through vivid imagery and a reflective narrative, Makhanda captures the eternal struggle between light and shadow, hope and despair.

About the Work

"Light Lad: The Last Knight" is a reflective narrative that intertwines themes of faith, existential contemplation, and the pursuit of true purpose. Makhanda's use of striking imagery and a rhythmic, contemplative style invites readers to ponder the complexities of personal and spiritual battles. The mood oscillates between introspection and revelation, ultimately delivering a message of hope and redemption. The poem's evocative language and metaphoric references offer a profound exploration of inner conflict and the quest for divine truth.

Light Lad:The Last knight

Original Submission by Makhanda

Light Lad:The Last knight

As I stand here among stumbling mountains of stone.

Valleys and hills set alight and buried in my own bones.

Sword in hand, half a shield yet the enemy doesn't relent.

I repent and turn to the latter days to see the cause of this lament.

I was a small boy in a big kingdom.

Scraping knees on Rocky pathways, chasing rainbows that existed beyond my treason, my reason. Eyes turgid with hope; I'd plant myself in the stars, chasing after them while tripping over the people in my path.

I never understood every action is buried by its consequences.

Six feet under, I thought the only way out was down; I relied on faithless senses.

I thought I'd be free if I kept calling and chasing the stars.

Until they began their descent, next thing the sky faded to black. The land riddled with the fire brought on me.

When my gaze hit the ground, the truth of this world was found.

I was on a battlefield with creatures missing hearts all around.

May seem dramatic, but it's what connects us all. Vibrations of the wool which we were sown rumble throughout the Earth.

When we rise and when we fall.

I knew not enemy from friend though both our backs were against the wall.

I wondered where the sky had bent, because above there cracks leaking a tempest.

Fountains of the deep flowing as we rushed, and we leaped over carcasses and lobotomies of who we once we're.

Stranded, among the seven deadly seas of our sins, I still wonder where the stars may have landed.

I see not where we float but there's direction, take whatever advantage, may disadvantage our own minds, but positivity is the bandage.

Drawn across the wound that Traverse our flesh and bones, breaking apart our Earth, dark trails of burnt skin on the sandy roads.

Light Lad:The Last knight

We're a dark continent, oblivious to the voice that reaches deep within, it keeps us moving telling us that there's still a chance to win.

Huh?

Looking back, I remember the days I'd drift off into the stars.

Now I've spent 3 days in the stomach of the angler, and I realize I was always in the dark. 3 nights I had to ponder and wonder of all I've seen.

Came to realize the light in the sky was simply another esca in the seas.

Huh?

How can I hope for the Sun when I've never seen above the seas.

Oh Lord.

I've seen the contradiction in my afflictions, the superstition I once framed as my mother's age may have been able to prevent this incision of conviction.

She'd ask me "Mamela ndoda, why do you always chase after those glowing lights, Makhanda don't you know it's either you sort through your Nineveh or you'll never see that Tarshish"

I was foolish, now I'm stuck in the dark and what am I to do.

Lord.

What people art thou?

I'm Jonah, cast within the stomachs of hell, stubborn, defiant yet still thinking I deserve to be freed from my self imposed cell.

I'm a Gideon on the journey to learn what is true faith, still testing the untestable against my questionable logic I debate.

I am Barak unwilling to go lest he goes before me, yet at times when I'm sent forward I forget his presence may be invisible, blind, but I try to see.

I am Jacob and Israel.

Abram and Abraham.

Wrestling with purpose in faith that my pain shall honour the great "I AM."

I am Makhanda, a boy born of a woman, a boy who died in the angler,

Light Lad:The Last knight

I believe he spat me out cuz he didn't like the taste of the blood that covered my soul, rather not linger.

Empty and forgotten,my carcass finally breaking the surface of the seas, though I float among the trees, and the mountains of this Earth I believe.

Yet even in my absence of life, I still feel a warmth.

It calls beyond the cage of my ribs, where my heart once would exhaust itself, hoping one day it could rejoice. For the first time in my life, I'm chasing after a real star.

Its trails of dust have long scattered all over the world from Bethlehem.

No more shall I abide in the lights where I'd once rejoice for there was no heaven among that hosts. Today I fish anglers out the sea in hopes I find more who've finally chosen the right choice. My story is 3 in one, yet each piece is more puzzling when joining to the last.

Oh Lord. Today I've finally come to understand my past

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, hosted by Hashtag Kalakar, celebrates the richness of creative expression across the globe. This prestigious event invites poets and writers to share their unique voices and stories, fostering a vibrant community of literary talents. Participants from diverse backgrounds explore various themes through poetry, short stories, and essays, contributing to a tapestry of global narratives that inspire and connect.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Makhanda for contributing "Light Lad: The Last Knight" to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. His eloquent portrayal of a journey toward self-discovery and faith enriches the poetic landscape of the competition. We look forward to witnessing more of his creative endeavors and are grateful for his participation.

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.