The garden sweep - By Manuri De Silva

Written By: Manuri De Silva

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, Manuri De Silva offers a poignant submission titled "The garden sweep." This entry, categorized under poetry, captures the essence of resilience and hope amidst life's quiet challenges. Through her evocative lines, De Silva invites readers into a world where nature and human emotion intertwine, reflecting a profound sense of introspection and connection.

About the Work

"The garden sweep" explores themes of solitude, resilience, and hope. The poem paints a vivid picture of an old man's relationship with his surroundings, highlighting his enduring spirit despite physical weariness. De Silva's use of imagery brings the garden to life, while the gentle cadence of her words evokes a sense of calm and introspection. The poem's underlying message of perseverance and the subtle joy found in small victories is both touching and inspiring.

The garden sweep

Original Submission by Manuri De Silva

The garden sweep

He sits alone on the cold stone floor

Watching the garden he had swept once more.

Gently and softly he moved through it all

Picking one by one the leaves that did fall.

Sweat rolled down his bony cheeks,

Shooting pain ran down to his feet,

His back it ached already so weak,

He held back the tears he could not weep.

There was no anger behind those eyes

Only a ghost of a pleading crossed his mind.

He rolled back his sleeves and bent his knees

He kept his head as strong as need be.

Finally, he sat down, a small sense of triumph

Innocent joy, a sweet smile did not call out.

And he watched the garden he had swept once more

As one by one the leaves did fall.

He looked up at the sky, at the trees above

At the wind that rustled the leaves aloud,

But he did not hate the trees around

For they were his friends soft and sound.

Every day they watched his life passing by

That no one saw and caught no one’s eye,

They watched him work with care and kind

No one did care for his heart or mind.

Soft did they weep for their leaves that fell

For they loved the old man that they knew so well,

But they could not stop the leaves that touched

So they blew a little more to wipe his brow.

As he stood to sweep his little world once more

Gently did he move around his friends so strong.

A tiny sigh escaped is lips

Though he did not let the grief cloud like a mist.

Only in his heart one tiny and bright hope

Maybe the leaves will not fall so deftly tomorrow.

Manuri De Silva

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a premier event that celebrates the richness of poetic expression and creative writing. It serves as a vibrant platform for writers around the world to showcase their talent and share their unique voices with a global audience.

We extend our sincere gratitude to Manuri De Silva for her heartfelt contribution, "The garden sweep," to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her work offers a touching reflection on resilience and hope, enriching the broader tapestry of poetic expression celebrated in this global event.

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.