Midnight Mass at 6pm - By Olwethu Hlatshwayo

Written By: Olwethu Hlatshwayo

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the evocative poem "Midnight Mass at 6pm," Olwethu Hlatshwayo delves into themes of nostalgia and disillusionment. This poignant piece is part of the Poetry category in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Through vivid imagery and emotional depth, Hlatshwayo takes readers on a reflective journey, examining the complexities of memory and identity within familiar rituals.

About the Work

"Midnight Mass at 6pm" captures the sensory experiences of a religious ceremony, weaving a tapestry of childhood recollections with the present moment's disillusionment. The poem's rich imagery evokes the scent of incense and the weight of unspoken truths, creating a powerful contrast between past comfort and current reality. Hlatshwayo's work challenges perceptions and encourages introspection.

Midnight Mass at 6pm

Original Submission by Olwethu Hlatshwayo

Midnight Mass at 6pm

The incense at mass smells familiar

Of childhood pilgrimage

Thick, unwavering heat

And conversations of beating breasts back into the chest

It smells of darkness, unpaid electricity bills

And infuriating charity.

Desperation wafts through the air

And seeps into the carpet

Fills my lungs with nostalgic satisfaction,

Like a drug from far into the past.

So many memories but today

It smells of disillusionment and hypocrisy

Would I still be allowed to smell it if

The Reverend knew I was a dy-

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar celebrates diverse voices from around the world, offering writers a platform to share their unique stories and perspectives. This prestigious event seeks to inspire creativity and foster a global community of writers dedicated to the art of poetry and storytelling.

Thank you, Olwethu Hlatshwayo, for your thought-provoking contribution, "Midnight Mass at 6pm," to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Your work enriches the literary landscape with its depth and resonance, inviting readers to explore the nuances of memory and identity.

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.