Omgekeerde liefde - By Marno van Wyk

Written By: marno van wyk

Category: Afrikaans Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In "Omgekeerde liefde," Marno van Wyk offers a poignant reflection on love and self-awareness in the Afrikaans Poetry category of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. The poem delves into the complexities of human emotion, exploring themes of self-love, altruism, and the intricate dance between giving and receiving affection. Marno's submission offers a unique perspective in this esteemed competition that celebrates the diverse voices of writers across the world.

About the Work

Marno van Wyk's "Omgekeerde liefde" is a contemplative piece that weaves together themes of self-reflection and love. The poem's introspective tone invites readers to ponder the balance between selflessness and self-worth. Through vivid imagery and thoughtful phrasing, Marno captures the essence of love's paradoxical nature, challenging the reader to consider the depths of their own emotional connections and the often unspoken nuances of human relationships.

Omgekeerde liefde

Original Submission by marno van wyk

Omgekeerde liefde

1. Ek blammeer myself vir die wie ek help

2. Die stomgestaande "terug doen" kelp

3. is wat ek dit noem

4. Ek deel my hart uit in beroep van hulp

5. maar hul hoor my woorde soos uit n skulp

6. en ek is okay daarmee

7. Ek doen nie wat gedoen moet gedoen word nie

8. Ek doen wat ek wil want ek wil, maar wie

9. is die persoon wat ek nie wil neerlaat

10. Nie n persoon, nie n ding

11. dit is die volharde liefde van God se sing

12. Maar ek is skuldig

13. Ek verwys my liefde teenoor ander

14. as skaam en my gedagtes meander

15. ek soek dit nie

16. Nie een sal weet dat ek lief is vir hul

17. want my persoon is iemand wat gril

18. in hul eie sag geaardheid

19. Daar is net een ding wat ek wil bevestig

20. Nee, my liefde vir my self is nie gestig

21. solank ek ander mense gelukkig hou

22. Botter smeer salend slegs aan een kant

23. Liefde moet ek spaar aan my een hand

24. Ek hou dit vir die mense rondom my

25. Ek is lief vir myself of

26. ek is lief vir die wat in hul eie self-liefde lof

27. Hulle het dit meer nodig

28. Vas bevestig in hul eie selfsigtigheid

29. Is n skaamte wat hul in die einde sal byt

30. en ek gee om

31. Die omgekeerde liefde is aan die palm

32. van my arm gekerf

33. want ek verdien nie liefde terug geërf

34. "Hulle is lief vir jou", wie?

35. Please, don't help me help you help me

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, presented by Hashtag Kalakar, is a prestigious event that brings together talented writers from around the globe. With categories spanning poetry, short stories, and creative essays, the competition showcases the richness and diversity of contemporary literature. Participants submit their works to be celebrated on an international platform, fostering a vibrant community of creative expression and literary excellence.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Marno van Wyk for sharing "Omgekeerde liefde" with the world. This evocative poem, featured in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, adds a unique and introspective voice to our collective understanding of love and human connection. Marno's contribution enriches the tapestry of this competition, and we are grateful for the insight and emotion conveyed through their words.

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.