Prayer of a Floating Woman - By Carla Bisschoff

Written By: carla bisschoff

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Join Carla Bisschoff as she takes us on an introspective journey with her poem, "Prayer of a Floating Woman," submitted to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This work of poetry explores the delicate balance between faith and uncertainty, capturing the essence of emotional currents meeting like the confluence at Cape Agulhas. As part of the competition's rich tapestry of creative expression, Bisschoff's piece stands out for its poignant exploration of seeking divine guidance amidst life's tumultuous waves.

About the Work

"Prayer of a Floating Woman" delves deep into the heart's emotional and spiritual seas. Through vivid imagery of seaweed and ocean tides, Bisschoff crafts a narrative of a soul navigating the complexities of faith. The poem's mood oscillates between calm surrender and the struggle against the unknown, capturing the universal yearning to embrace trust and divine intervention. Her words weave a tapestry of introspection, evoking a sense of shared human experience in the quest for spiritual anchorage.

Prayer of a floating woman

Original Submission by carla bisschoff

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(While it's the same poem, one isn’t a translation of the other; they were written separately and then put together.)

My Vader wat in die Hemel is

Ek sink nie,

Ek swem ook nie

Ek dryf op die lyn waar die strome van emosies

by mekaar kom soos by Kaap Agulhas .

Die storms en die kalm , die goed en die seer ,

geslote hoofstukke en nuwe stories

alles botsend in die see van my gedagtes.

En net soos ek asem haal, toelaat dat U hand my lei ,

kom seewier van uit die diepste hoeke van my brein ,

gryp my aan my enkels ,

trek my af onder die water,

ek raak verstrengel in die angs van die onbekende pad

en alles en almal wat langs die pad in ander rigtings dryf

al probeer ek fokus op die wat langs my swem .

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Ek verwar weerkaatsings op die water

dink dis die land waar op ek gaan uitspoel

net vir ʼn ander stroom om my weg te spoel

na ʼn bestemming wat net U weet.

Vergewe my vir my onvermoë om net oor te gee ,

maar ek belowe ek probeer om te vertrou dat

U my nes Petrus uit die water sal trek en

veilig sal vat na die strand waar ek moet wees

met die mense en seën wat myne is,

dat êrens tussen alles ek sal begin swem

in plaas van rond dryf tussen die strome.

Lêer my hoe om te swem Heer,

om los te kom van die seewier wat my wil versuip,

dat ek sal vrae vir help van die wat wag om my te help swem.

Amen.

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My Father in Heaven

I do not sink; I do not swim

I float on the line where the currents of emotions

meet like at Cape Agulhas.

The storms and the calm, the good and the bad,

closed chapters and new stories all clashing in the sea of ​​my thoughts.

And just as I breathe, allowing Your hand to guide me,

seaweed comes from the deepest corners of my brain,

grabs me by the ankles, pulls me under the water,

I become entangled in the fear of the unknown path and

all those along the way floating past in different directions,

I try to focus on those swimming alongside me.

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Confusing mirages on the water, thinking this is the land

I am going to wash up on, only for another current to wash me away

to a destination only You know.

Forgive me for my inability to just surrender,

I promise I am trying my best to trust that

You will pull me out of the water like Peter,

take me safely to the shore where I need to be

with the people and blessings that are mine,

that somewhere in between I will start to swim instead

of drifting around in the currents.

Teach me how to swim Lord,

to break free from the seaweed that wants to drown me,

that I will speak and ask for help from those waiting to help me swim.

Amen.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, hosted by Hashtag Kalakar, celebrates the art of storytelling and poetic expression across the globe. This prestigious event invites participants to share their unique voices and perspectives, contributing to a vibrant collection of creative works. Participants from various backgrounds come together to explore themes ranging from personal introspection to global narratives, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas and artistic expression.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Carla Bisschoff for her evocative poem, "Prayer of a Floating Woman," a distinguished entry in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Your exploration of faith and emotional resilience invites readers to reflect deeply on their personal journeys. We are grateful for your contribution and look forward to the continued influence of your poetic voice.

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.