Raffah massacre - By Somayya Hansrod

Written By: Somayya Hansrod

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In "Raffah massacre," Somayya Hansrod presents a deeply introspective piece in the poetry category of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This evocative poem invites readers to ponder the profound struggle of finding words to express overwhelming emotions. Somayya's work, submitted under the writing name "Raffah massacre," explores themes of powerlessness and the inadequacy of language in capturing deep personal and collective pain.

About the Work

The poem "Raffah massacre" delves into the theme of the ineffable nature of pain and the challenge of articulating such profound emotions. Through a reflective and questioning narrative, Somayya Hansrod captures the internal turmoil of a writer grappling with inadequacy. The imagery vividly portrays a disconnect between the observer and the observed, highlighting the chasm between distant empathy and lived experience.

Raffah massacre

Original Submission by Somayya Hansrod

Let me write

Where are the words?

Why are my thoughts not forming words?

Why can't I write

Why is it so difficult?

Where are the words?

Blank

Nothing

Let me search a little longer

Try a little harder

The words will come

They always do

Praise to the one, that enables me

Why are they not coming

It never takes this long

What is the matter?

What is happening?

My words are not surfacing

I am just an observer

From a million miles away

My words are not coming

I am just a viewer ,scrolling

From another continent

Many miles and oceans apart

I cannot write ,

I cannot put into words what my eyes are seeing

What my eyes can scroll away from

What my eyes can escape for a moment from , with a ad a promo

I cannot write, my words are not filling my mind

My mind is blank

numb

From a million miles aways

As a viewer

A follower

Let me force myself to write

Let me force my thoughts to become words

What word can truly describe pain?

Can a single word or a few strung together ever suffice?

Ever suffice for what a father felt carrying his beheaded child?

His pride and joy

The apple of his eye

His hopes and dreams

His namesake, his lineage, his progeny

Can a word ,a sentence with the most adjectives ever describe

The pain that stabbed at his heart,

the shock that met his eyes,

the despair that raised his hands,

the hands that showed the world,

A beheaded child

The world that turned a blind eye to a beheaded child

The world that turned a blind eye to a beheaded child.

How dare I think that I can write?

How dare I think that my words will capture his pain?

While in my bed

Under a roof

Warm and snug

Never!

It will never

Don't even try

My words will never suffice

Let me not write!

Somayya Hansrod

27th May 2024

22.16

Roshnee

South Africa

(Raffah massacre)

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, hosted by Hashtag Kalakar, offers a platform for writers and poets worldwide to share their voices and creativity. This esteemed event seeks to celebrate diverse literary talents, providing a space where powerful narratives and unique perspectives can be shared and appreciated on a global stage.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Somayya Hansrod for sharing "Raffah massacre" with us in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Your poignant exploration of the human struggle to express deep-seated emotions resonates profoundly. We appreciate your participation and look forward to more compelling submissions in the future.

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.