The Gaza Genocide - By Somayya Hansrod

Written By: Somayya Hansrod

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In her poignant poem "The Gaza Genocide," Somayya Hansrod offers a deeply personal reflection within the category of poetry. As a participant in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, Hansrod articulates the profound burdens of grief and guilt that can accompany witnessing tragedy. Her work speaks to the universal themes of loss and the enduring impact of such experiences.

About the Work

"The Gaza Genocide" by Somayya Hansrod is a powerful exploration of grief and the unrelenting shadows of tragic events. Through vivid imagery and emotionally charged language, the poem captures the intensity of witnessing horror and the inescapable guilt that follows. Hansrod's work highlights the profound impact of loss, particularly the pain of a mother whose child has been taken away.

The Gaza genocide

Original Submission by Somayya Hansrod

Let me write

Let me write the burdens of my heart

Let me pen them down

Pen each word which engulfs my thoughts

Let me write

For the written word amplifies my voice

It says more than I can scream, more than my eyes can tear

Let me pen

Let me pen my words

Words of grief, sadness, heartache, guilt Overwhelming guilt

Guilt stabs at my heart with each horrific video,

it smothers me as I hear the heartwrenching screams of a mother ,

A mother no more ,as the essence of her motherhood was killed

No!!!!

Don't dare rob her of her title too

Don't dare snatch away the fact that her womb held a soul

A soul that brought her joy, contentment and

pride

No!!!

Don't you dare rob her of her title too

For her womb enveloped a being

A being which she prayed earnestly for

A being which she envisioned in future years with hopes and aspirations

A being which earned her the most honored of titles, MOTHER

Watch it

Watch it a million times over

Don't dare scroll away

Watch it until the images are forever ingrained in your minds eye

Watch it until the screams shadow your every wakeful moment

No!!!

Watch it until the cries overtake your sleep

Leaving you drenched

Drenched in the blood of sweat

Watch it!!!

Until your mind records every harrowing milli second

Watch it

Watch it till the unfamiliar words become your mother tongue

Till the words shake your core

Cause your body to convulse ,

your teeth to chatter,

your limbs to move with a involuntary, uncontrollable force

A force that u have never met,

that you know not,

A force that leaves you searching for relief within your minds turmoil

Scrambling for some kind of ease

Breathless from your bodies power

And finally as it's grasp loosens

Complete and utter exhaustion remains

A fatigued mind.

A shattered body

Minutes of relief??

A few seconds of respite??

No!!!!

Not for two hundred and seventeen days

With no end in sight.

Somayya Hansrod

Roshnee

Vereeniging

Gauteng

South Africa

Gaza genocide

10 May 2024

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar showcases a diverse array of voices from around the world. Celebrating creativity and expression, the competition offers a platform for writers and poets to share their unique perspectives and insights through the art of written word.

We extend our gratitude to Somayya Hansrod for her moving contribution, "The Gaza Genocide," to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her work offers a powerful reminder of the enduring impact of loss and the strength found in giving voice to such profound emotions.

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.