MORE THAN AN ORDINARY SWING SET - By Goodness Kelechi Nwagwuagwu

Written By: Goodness Kelechi Nwagwuagwu

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Experience the evocative world of "MORE THAN AN ORDINARY SWING SET," a poem by Goodness Kelechi Nwagwuagwu. This compelling entry in the Poetry category of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 invites readers to reflect on the passage of time and the enduring memories that playgrounds can hold. With a tender narrative voice, the poem captures the essence of youthful innocence and the inevitable changes that accompany growing up.

About the Work

In "MORE THAN AN ORDINARY SWING SET," Goodness Kelechi Nwagwuagwu masterfully weaves a tapestry of nostalgia and reflection. The poem's imagery of a playground swing set serves as a poignant backdrop for the unfolding stories of childhood friendships and the transitions into adulthood. Through subtle yet powerful language, it explores themes of memory, change, and the bittersweet nature of growing up, leaving readers with a lasting impression of both joy and melancholy.

MORE THAN AN ORDINARY SWING SET

Original Submission by Goodness Kelechi Nwagwuagwu

MORE THAN AN ORDINARY SWING SET

By Nwagwuagwu Goodness Kelechi

they set me up today at the play ground

the silent breeze pushed me back and forth

as the autumn leaves danced around me,

welcoming me.

sooner or later

the sounds of kids filled the air

as they trampled on each other to be the first to try me

Jake was the first,

swinging back and forth on my wooden seats

as Darla guided him with light pushes.

Sarah was next in line,

her little palms wrapped around the chains that held the

wooden chairs.

she went higher than Jake,

and her little friends were cheering her on.

then they started clearing up,

one after the other as their parents came along,

till i was left alone with the leaves crumbled at my sides.

It’s been a while since I've seen the kids.

Jake comes by from time to time with one girl or the other,

placing them on my new rubber seats,

as he pushed them lightly, whispering coaxing words in their

earsI hear their giggles, I feel sorry for them, knowing that they're

not the only ones.

but one day Jake brought Darla

and like old times, he was the one on the swing

while Darla pushed him lightly.

Sarah comes now and then

she doesn’t go too high anymore

she just sits there,

soaking in a bit of childhood,

knowing she had to grow up too fast.

The kids are different now.

Jake smokes now, and Darla's not coming around anymore,

but I've heard enough voicemails to know that Jake misses her.

sarah's been good,

she finds her happiness in solitude,

knowing people aren’t her thing.

she swings higher than Jake this time

while Jake just gets high

i just stay here,

in the winter, in the summer, and in the fall

I've lived with those kids.

I've been more a friend than a parent,

more of a memory than an ordinary swing set.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious event celebrating literary talent from around the world. This competition provides a platform for writers to showcase their creativity and share their unique voices with a global audience. Participants are invited to submit their original works in various categories, including poetry, short stories, and essays, contributing to a vibrant tapestry of contemporary literature.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Goodness Kelechi Nwagwuagwu for sharing the touching poem "MORE THAN AN ORDINARY SWING SET" with us. Your participation in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 enriches the literary world, and we are grateful for your insightful contribution.

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.