Perception vs Perspective - By Asande Kubone

Written By: Asande Kubone

Category: Personal Essay

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the heartfelt personal essay "Perception vs Perspective," Asande Kubone delves into the profound journey of grief and self-discovery. Submitted to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, this piece captures the essence of navigating life after losing a loved one. Through a deeply personal narrative, Asande reflects on the passage of time and the enduring influence of a cherished relationship.

About the Work

Asande Kubone's essay poignantly captures the raw emotions associated with loss and the healing power of writing. The narrative is infused with vivid imagery and a reflective tone, as the author explores the transformative impact of grief on their creative expression. The work is a testament to resilience, illustrating how writing served as a conduit for processing complex emotions and reshaping personal identity.

Perception vs Perspective

Original Submission by Asande Kubone

188,816 hours. 7,784 days later

Here I was thinking that maybe finally plucking up the courage to donate all your clothes would qualify as a bargaining method with God. News flash: it didn’t.

I can’t believe this month officially marks five years since you passed away. My entire life, I had only ever experienced losing a loved one from a distance. I was hoping you’d live long enough to witness all my major milestones before being called to your final resting place. It’s really true what they say, we’re living on borrowed time.

188,816 hours. 7,784 days. That’s what keeps me going now. When I started showing an interest in writing, you were the first person to encourage me to keep going. When I wanted to explore my talent at a higher level, you were the one who sat with me, going through different university prospectuses, searching for an academic qualification that

would allow me to write professionally.

When you passed away, who I’ve loved and what I’ve loved the longest left me that day. For a while, I didn’t have a deep desire to write. I tried not to pick up a pen and paper in hopes that my thoughts and feelings would stay tucked away. If they remained in the dark, maybe it would buy me time to figure out how to navigate life without you. Maybe it would finally give me the space to grieve instead of functioning on autopilot. But you can only function on autopilot for so long.

The day it all came crashing down was the day I intentionally opened my notes app and allowed myself to express how I’d really been feeling. After trying multiple suggestions on how to grieve, I had to go back to basics. For me, that meant writing letters to you, hoping that when I read them out loud, God is blasting them through heaven for you to hear.

Now, when I write, I’m aware of the changes in my voice. There are broken elements to this craft that have carried me this far. Grief has reshaped my sentences. It has softened some edges and sharpened others. I guess the beauty in all of this is that I’ve met several versions of myself along the way, each one shaping who I am and how I use writing to navigate the world.

I hope when you read this, you remember the first day we read the poem I wrote for my Grade 4 yearbook. I’ll always dedicate every piece of writing to you, Ma.

Forever and always.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar celebrates diverse voices in the fields of poetry and creative writing. This prestigious platform invites participants from around the world to share their unique stories and perspectives. It fosters a community of creativity and expression, encouraging writers to explore their craft and connect with a global audience.

Thank you, Asande Kubone, for sharing "Perception vs Perspective" with us as part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Your poignant narrative offers a powerful exploration of grief and personal growth. We are grateful for the opportunity to experience your journey through your eloquent words and heartfelt expression.

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.