Returning Home - By Aimee Botha

Written By: Aimee Botha

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Aimee Botha graces the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 with her evocative poem "Returning Home." This entry in the Poetry category offers a deeply reflective journey into the themes of aging, burdens, and the ultimate solace found in peace. Aimee's work beautifully encapsulates the universal quest for comfort and rest after a life of trials and travels.

About the Work

In "Returning Home," Aimee Botha masterfully weaves a narrative rich with introspection and emotional depth. The poem's tone is both somber and hopeful, capturing the weight of life's burdens and the relief of finding peace. Through vivid imagery and thoughtful verse, Aimee explores the fragility of the human spirit and the restorative power of rest and acceptance.

Returning Home

Original Submission by Aimee Botha

And so the road bends onward once more;

The world falls behind me–what lies before?

Beneath the shade of olives and elms,

An ancient home sits with an open door.

Now old am I, this jar of clay,

My body is worn, and my brow is grey.

Bowed low I am by burdens borne,

Treasures of love and grief, weathered and worn–

Memories from moments years behind,

And fears of a future that lies undefined.

Through long nights and lonely miles,

These hold me tight, my body and mind.

But the ropes of my pack are fraying and thin

And the canvas is tattered, about to give way.

I fear the hour when it will break;

I fear my strength will fail its weight.

For when all that I’ve carried turns to dust,

What shell will remain of me?

I am a reed bruised, a candle waning,

And I long to be at ease.

At last my feet the threshold cross;

The straps snap, the weight spills.

My burden scatters across the floor,

And beneath its fall, I shatter and break.

Who now could fix this broken vessel

And mend what mortal hands cannot?

What breath could bring life to my breast,

And raise my heart so travel-worn?

Softly then, and kneeling low,

Beside my broken form He comes,

He gathers all I could not hold

And to His chest, He pulls me close.

To His fire-lit throne He bears me away:

An armchair beside a warm hearth.

Without, the world moves ever on,

Within, I linger in the gentle light.

In the mist-washed mornings and the quiet eve,

For the first time in a long time, I find my Peace.

Here in the halls of my final abode,

Home in His breast, my strivings cease

And at last,

I Rest.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is an esteemed platform celebrating diverse voices from around the world. This competition invites participants to showcase their unique literary talents, allowing poets and writers to express their creativity and share their stories with a global audience.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Aimee Botha for her poignant contribution, "Returning Home," to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her exploration of life's journey and the search for peace resonates deeply, and we are honored to share her work with our audience.

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.