The Child I Left Behind - By Mukundi Ramapulana

Written By: Mukundi Ramapulana

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Mukundi Ramapulana offers a poignant exploration of lost innocence in the poem "The Child I Left Behind," a distinguished entry in the Poetry category of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This introspective piece delves into the complex emotions surrounding the transition from childhood to adulthood, reflecting on the burdens and realizations that come with growing up. Through evocative imagery and profound introspection, Mukundi invites readers on a journey of reflection and self-rediscovery.

About the Work

"The Child I Left Behind" captures the essence of yearning for a simpler past while acknowledging the harsh realities of adult life. Mukundi Ramapulana crafts a narrative filled with wistful longing and tender reflection, exploring themes of innocence, responsibility, and the quiet resilience required to navigate life's challenges. The poem's evocative language and imagery paint a vivid picture of a young soul learning to cope with the weight of unspoken expectations and unfulfilled dreams.

The child I left behind

Original Submission by Mukundi Ramapulana

The Child I Left Behind

I wonder what happened to the child I was

before the world taught me to be careful.

Did she wait for me

at the place where innocence ended,

with her little hands full of questions

I was too tired to answer?

I grew up quietly.

No grand announcement,

no sudden transformation,

just one disappointment after another

until happiness became something

I learned to approach with caution.

I became fluent in silence

before I understood the language of my own heart.

I learned that adults could be wrong,

that promises could expire,

that sometimes the people meant to protect you were fighting battles of their own.

And somewhere in all that growing,

I stopped asking to be held.

I became the child who understood,

who forgave,

who swallowed questions

because the answers might hurt someone else.

Nobody noticed the funeral.

Nobody noticed when the little girl

who believed everything would be alright

quietly disappeared beneath the weight

of becoming alright for everyone else.

Sometimes I miss her.

Her ridiculous dreams.

Her fearless laughter.

The way she believed tomorrow

was a place where everything could be repaired. I want to find her.

I want to tell her

that she was never responsible

for making a difficult world gentle.

That she was allowed to be a child,

even when life forgot to treat her like one.

And if she asks me whether we survived, I will tell her yes.

But I will also tell her

that survival cost us things

we are still learning how to name.

Then I will take her hand

and lead her home.

Not to the house we came from,

but to the life we should have been given:

one where she can finally rest

without earning the right to.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar celebrates the rich tapestry of human experience through the written word. This prestigious competition invites writers from around the world to share their unique voices and stories, fostering a global community of literary expression and creativity. It provides a platform for both emerging and established writers to showcase their craft and connect with audiences worldwide.

Thank you, Mukundi Ramapulana, for sharing your evocative poem "The Child I Left Behind" with us as part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Your thoughtful examination of childhood and the journey to adulthood is both moving and profound. We appreciate your contribution to this year's competition and look forward to seeing more of your insightful work 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.