The Invisible Silent Killer - By Moketla Jacob Mamabolo

Written By: Moketla Jacob Mamabolo

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Moketla Jacob Mamabolo offers a poignant reflection on the COVID-19 pandemic in his poem, "The Invisible Silent Killer." As a participant in the esteemed Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, Moketla explores the pervasive and transformative impact of the virus on humanity. His work falls under the Poetry category, vividly capturing the global turmoil and fear experienced during the pandemic. This powerful piece invites readers to contemplate the challenges and resilience of people worldwide during a time of unprecedented crisis.

About the Work

"The Invisible Silent Killer" is a compelling exploration of the COVID-19 pandemic's relentless grip on the world. Through striking imagery and a somber tone, Moketla Jacob Mamabolo masterfully conveys the virus's indiscriminate nature, affecting all walks of life. The poem's vivid descriptions and rhythmic repetition underscore the universal fear and vulnerability experienced by individuals globally. It serves as a poignant reminder of the pandemic's catastrophic impact and humanity's enduring spirit.

The invisible silent killer

Original Submission by Moketla Jacob Mamabolo

The invisible silent killer

From the hidden corners of Wuhan

So they claimed:

Originating from nobody knows where

Was it spit by the bats to us?

Was it a magic spell cast on us by some unknown animal?

Steadily like a silent bomb around the world it toured

Sweeping through the thick and thin of humanity with untold precision.

The merciless killer!

Coronavirus someone named it

Never seen and never touched

But felt like a double-edged sword

Cutting down people’s lives like an amazon tree-cutter

Like wooden logs left, right and centre people fell

Left right and centre down the graves they went.

Covid 19 scientists named it

The merciless killer!

A silent killer

Attacking the young and old alike

Attacking the rich and the poor alike

Husbands and wives alike

Sons and daughters alike

Attacking countries relentlessly without atom bombs

Forcing all countries under lockdown

The merciless killer!

Travelling on a free flight in the air

Country to country it landed

Flooring the economies left, right and centre

No punch the silent killer threw

Devastation everywhere it left

Through the throat the silent killer went

Bloodless, painful death it left.

The merciless killer!

Cover your mouths the world cried,

Stop travelling the world called

Stop schooling, governments called

Work from home companies ordered

Keep indoors the governments ordered

Wherever you are stay put Doctors advised

Take heed of the calls or face sudden death they advised.

The merciless killer!

Airplanes were down

Taxis, buses and trains were down and stayed put

One could only hear the sound of the Police boots

The boots thumping the ground in search for dissenters

Up and down not to fight

Up and down to keep you indoors

Because of the fear of the silent killer.

The merciless killer!

Covid 19 they called the silent killer.

Snaking its way into people’s lives and flooring them without mercy

Hospital beds full to capacity

Fearful and fearless doctors on call

Nurses and patients praying for miraculous treatment

Scientists and researchers looking under the microscope

Hoping for a miracle cure.

The merciless killer!

Many graves were opened and closed because of you.

Many a life was cut short because of you.

Many children were orphaned because of you

Leave us alone you silent killer!

Go back from where you came

You merciless killer never return!

Thanks Covid 19 that you are gone!

The merciless killer!

By Moketla J Mamabolo (Oct 2026)

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, hosted by Hashtag Kalakar, celebrates the diversity and creativity of writers worldwide. This prestigious platform invites participants to share their unique voices and stories through poetry and creative writing. By engaging with themes that resonate on a global scale, the competition fosters a community of artists who contribute to the ever-evolving landscape of contemporary literature.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Moketla Jacob Mamabolo for his evocative poem, "The Invisible Silent Killer." His participation in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 enriches the dialogue surrounding the pandemic's profound impact. We are grateful for the opportunity to share his work and look forward to witnessing the continued influence of his literary contributions.

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.