The Garden - By Barbara Geldenhuys

Written By: Barbara Geldenhuys

Category: Sestina Poem

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Barbara Geldenhuys presents "The Garden," a touching sestina poem entered in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This evocative piece delves into the themes of sisterhood and the nurturing bonds that grow as we tend to the garden of life. Through the elegant structure of the sestina, Geldenhuys captures the essence of shared experiences and the enduring connections that bind us. Her work offers a profound reflection on the journey of nurturing relationships amidst the changing seasons of life.

About the Work

"The Garden" weaves a tapestry of imagery that highlights the beauty and challenges of maintaining close relationships. Geldenhuys uses the garden metaphor to explore themes of forgiveness, resilience, and the cyclical nature of life. The poem's mood oscillates between reflection and joy, emphasizing the importance of shared laughter and understanding. Through her skillful use of language, she paints a vivid picture of the emotional landscape cultivated through love and dedication.

The Garden

Original Submission by Barbara Geldenhuys

The Garden

I love sitting in my colourful garden,

Listening to birds with my forever friend.

The truest blessing, she is my sister.

Together we nurtured every flower,

Watching life awaken from the seeds.

This shared dedication sparks our laughter.

Adulthood brings more than joy and laughter,

It takes devotion to sustain a garden.

Sometimes we plant conflict instead of seeds,

Wounding the spirit of a loyal friend.

Yet grace compels our love to blossom and flower,

Forgiveness heals, protecting the bond of a sister.

Grateful for years with my sister,

We share deep tears and sudden laughter.

We choose peace, refusing to pluck a flower,

To cultivate a resilient, emotional garden.

We remain the anchor for a weary friend,

Tending to thoughts that act as life-giving seeds.

Endless potential hides within these seeds

Diverse women I am proud to call a sister.

Age vanishes when kindred spirits find a friend,

And simple moments overflow with laughter.

The mutual care that flourishes within our garden

Enriches the soil around each delicate flower.

Milestones are honoured with a single flower,

Seeking the promise of tomorrow's seeds,

To bring vibrant splendour to a changing garden.

I watch a groom stand beside my sister,

Realising childhood echoes in our laughter,

She steps forward safely with her lifelong friend.

Time passes, easing farewells to a cherished friend,

Blessed with this sanctuary to raise a flower.

We learned the healing medicine of laughter,

And now we teach the youth to scatter seeds,

Guiding them towards a trustworthy sister,

To find their solace in a quiet garden.

A serene garden brings comfort to a treasured friend,

Sowing hidden seeds to greet each radiant flower,

Uplifting a beloved sister with an abundance of laughter.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, hosted by Hashtag Kalakar, is a prestigious platform celebrating the diverse voices in poetry and creative writing from around the world. This competition invites participants to explore their creativity and share their unique perspectives through written expression. It serves as a conduit for artistic dialogue, fostering a global community of writers who inspire and challenge each other.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Barbara Geldenhuys for sharing "The Garden" with us. Her participation in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 enriches the tapestry of stories and emotions that define this event. Through her work, Geldenhuys reminds us of the power of connection and the resilience found in nurturing both gardens and relationships.

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.