The Child That Would Not Perish - By Prutha Rajpati

Written By: Prutha Rajpati

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Prutha Rajpati presents a profound piece titled "The Child That Would Not Perish" in the Poetry category of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This evocative poem draws readers into a narrative of survival and strength, resonating with universal themes of resilience and grace. Prutha, representing Mauritius, weaves a tale that beautifully captures the essence of overcoming adversity through the power of words.

About the Work

"The Child That Would Not Perish" is a deeply moving narrative poem that explores themes of loss, identity, and redemption. Through vivid imagery and poignant language, Prutha Rajpati crafts a compelling story of a child abandoned but preserved by grace. The poem's reflective tone and rich symbolism evoke a sense of hope and healing, inviting readers to witness the transformative power of perseverance and faith.

Poetry

Original Submission by Prutha Rajpati

Poetry and Creative writing Competition 2026

Candidate Name ; Prutha Rajpati

Age ; 26

Contact number ; +23059109800

Country ; Mauritius

The Child That Would NotPerish Ere first mine eyes beheld the morn,

my tale was written deep in sorrow.

I was told

that on the eve of mine own birth,

my mother yielded up her final breath,

stricken by the hand

of him who should have cherished her.

Thus came I forth,

whilst one soul ascended unto Heaven,

and another was left

to wrestle with the earth.

The heavens wept.

The rain descended.

The full moon kept her silent watch.

And beside the common dust,

where none looked for life,

there lay an infant

forgotten of the world.

Three days passed,

ere men found

that little spark

which refused extinction.

Death stretched forth his hand, yet Life, by God's own mercy, claimed me still.

Thereafter was I placed

within a house of orphaned children, where loneliness did know

the names of every soul.

Yet there I found

one faithful companion,

whose friendship was unto me as bread unto the hungry.

In the fullness of time,

there came a man

who called me son.

He sought not

the shame of mine beginning, but embraced

the hope of mine becoming. Verily,

I believed

mine heart had found its home. Yet not every roof

becometh a sanctuary.

For though my father loved me with steadfast affection, my mother received me not, nor did my sister

count me among her own. Thus grew I

as a stranger

beneath mine own roof. At school,

my tongue betrayed me. Words lingered upon my lips, yet seldom found their way. Children made sport

of mine infirmity,

and mockery

became my daily garment. I walked amidst many,

yet was companion unto none. Then did Poetry

seek after me.

She found me

where silence dwelt.

She gave speech

unto the heart

when the tongue could utter none. Every verse became

a lantern against the darkness. Every poem,

a prayer.

Every page,

a quiet resurrection.

And there stood my father- not he

whose violence marked my birth, but he

whose love redeemed it.

He became

the strength of my weary soul. When sickness laid hold upon me, it laid hold upon him likewise. In one house of healing

did we both abide.

Mine was the surgeon's blade. His was the burden

of the endless dialysis.

Twice did suffering

bind our paths together, yet never once

did his love depart from me. But sorrow

had not spoken

its final word.

Mine own mother declared she had rather

a son than me.

Those words

pierced deeper

than any physician's knife. My sister increased

my grief

whilst my father lay weakened. Then did I forsake

the joys of my youth.

I danced no more.

I wrote no more.

I dreamed no more.

For dance had been

the desire of mine heart, and I had longed

to make it mine calling. Yet illness

stole the wings

wherewith I had hoped to fly. Therefore departed I

from that house,

and dwelt alone.

The days were grievous, for pestilence

covered the nations.

Then came

the darkest hour.

Death took

my beloved father.

And with him,

it seemed,

departed the last place wherein I was wholly loved. Fear thereafter

visited me oft.

Panic became

my unwelcome companion,

returning again

and yet again.

Until, in the year

of our Lord Two Thousand and Twenty-Three, I beheld mine own reflection

and spake thus:

"Enough."

Enough

of surrender.

Enough

of hiding.

Enough

of believing

that sorrow

should have dominion over me.

Then took I again

the pen

which I had long forsaken.

Line by line,

tear by tear,

the wound became a witness. On the twelfth day

of November,

in the year

Two Thousand and Twenty-Three, my book

was finished.

Yet still

did fear whisper,

"Who

shall hear

the voice

of one so small?"

Then the Lord

sent unto me

good folk,

who believed

ere I believed

in mine own self.

They strengthened

mine hands.

They lifted

mine spirit.

And on the twelfth day

of June,

in the year

Two Thousand and Twenty-Six, I stood before the world, bearing in mine hands

The Night of Poetry.

Then understood I

that I had never been

the child

whom death desired.

Nay-

I was the child

whom Grace preserved. For though

my cradle knew abandonment, though mine heart

knew grief,

though mine soul

walked long

through the valley of shadows, still did Hope

outlive Despair.

And the poet,

whom sorrow

strove to silence,

found at last

a voice

that shall endure

long after

the tears

have ceased to fall.

I hope you appreciate the poetry and make it a realistic way. Thank you for carrying these words with you.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a distinguished platform celebrating the art of written expression. It invites participants from around the world to share their unique voices, exploring diverse themes through poetry, short stories, and creative writing. This competition aims to inspire creativity and foster a global community of writers and poets.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Prutha Rajpati for sharing "The Child That Would Not Perish" with us. Your contribution to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 is truly valued. May your words continue to inspire and resonate with readers worldwide, as you exemplify the enduring spirit of hope and resilience.

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.