Stilte - By Anja Boshoff

Written By: Anja Boshoff

Category: Essay

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, Anja Boshoff presents "Stilte," an essay that delves into the profound silence that envelops human emotions. This competition showcases a diverse range of literary talents from around the world, and Anja's contribution stands out for its introspective nature. The essay explores themes of solitude and inner turmoil, inviting readers to reflect on the complexities of silence and its impact on the human psyche.

About the Work

"Stilte" is a poignant exploration of silence and its dual nature as both a refuge and a threat. Anja Boshoff crafts a narrative filled with vivid imagery and emotional depth, capturing the transformation of silence from a comforting presence to an overwhelming force. The essay's mood shifts from serene to haunting, as it examines how silence can amplify inner thoughts and feelings, ultimately becoming a formidable adversary.

Stilte

Original Submission by Anja Boshoff

Stilte

Meeste mense voel ongemaklik in my teenwoordigheid. Hulle vel kriewel wanneer ek stil-stil langs hulle kom sit, en probeer my verdryf deur sinnelose woorde of geraas. Hulle vrees my, want ek dwing hulle om na hul eie gedagtes te luister. Behalwe vir Nina. Vir haar was ek nie ‘n bedreiging nie, maar eerder ‘n veilige hawe. ‘n Sagte kombers wat haar van die wrede wêreld beskerm het.

Vanaand het die dinamiek tussen ons egter verander. Dis amper middernag terwyl sy alleen op die rand van die hoë gebou staan. Die nagwind fluister deur haar hare en hits haar aan om te spring. Dit was nog altyd net ek en sy. Ek was haar skuilplek, maar vanaand het my eens sagte omhelsing in ‘n verstikkende, dodelike greep verander.

In hierdie donker oomblik verlang sy na haar jonger dae toe haar lewe nog gevul was met die vrolike geraas van haar kinderdae. Sy onthou hoe sy kon lag en speel, hoe sy veilig onder haar warm kombers kon wegkruip totdat die storm buite verby was. Maar daardie beskermende kombers is lankal met geweld van haar afgeruk. Nou staan sy kniediep in ‘n stil see van haar eie trane. My koue vingerpunte voel soos ‘n ysige greep op haar warm vel. My stilte waarin sy altyd gedy het, het nou haar grootste vyand geword.

In haar gees kyk sy terug na die foto’s wat in haar kamer rondlê. Sy besef met ‘n skok dat ‘n foto nooit die waarheid vasvang nie. Nie net het dit nooit haar ware werklikheid gewys nie, maar ‘n foto vang slegs ‘n enkele oomblik vas. Die klein onsigbare bewegings in gesigsuitdrukkings of die flikker van hoop in iemand se oë, dit wat ons as mens werklik mooi maak. ‘n Mens se siel is soos ‘n reënboog, daardie lewendige prag kan nie op ‘n plat prentjie vasgevang word nie. Maar tog is dit al wat die wêreld van haar onthou.

Sy kyk af na die donker straat onder haar. Vir die kleinste, versteekte hoekie van haar gebroke hart wens sy dat iemand haar stille kreet sal hoor, dat ‘n bekende stem deur die stilte sal breek en haar kom red. Sy wil die hê die geraas van die lewe moet my verdryf. Maar die nag bly stil en ek omvou haar.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar celebrates the art of written expression across poetry, essays, and creative writing. It provides a platform for writers worldwide to share their unique voices and perspectives. The competition is a testament to the power of words and the universal themes they convey, fostering a vibrant literary community.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Anja Boshoff for her compelling essay, "Stilte," submitted to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Anja's work invites us to contemplate the profound impact of silence on our lives. We appreciate her contribution and look forward to witnessing more of her evocative writing 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.