The Joke That Burns - By Chumisa Theodora Zantsi

Written By: Chumisa Theodora Zantsi

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Chumisa Theodora Zantsi presents "The Joke That Burns," a compelling piece of poetry submitted for the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This evocative work delves into the intricate dance between chaos and laughter within an urban setting. Zantsi masterfully juxtaposes the facade of sanity with underlying madness, offering readers a glimpse into the complexities of human emotion and societal norms.

About the Work

"The Joke That Burns" explores themes of irony, chaos, and the human condition through vivid imagery and stark contrasts. The poem paints a haunting picture of a cityscape where laughter and pain intertwine. With a poignant tone, Zantsi captures the unsettling yet captivating nature of finding humor amidst despair. The work resonates with a deep understanding of life's absurdities and the masks we wear.

The Joke That Burns

Original Submission by Chumisa Theodora Zantsi

The Joke That Burns

The city sleeps, but I don’t rest,

chaos pounding inside my chest.

I grin at sorrow, I laugh at pain,

because the punchline’s always the same.

The alleys echo with broken cries,

I see the truth behind the lies.

The world pretends it’s sane and neat,

but madness hums beneath its beat.

I paint my smile in crimson hue,

a mask that hides, yet shows what’s true.

Your trembling hands, your desperate eyes,

they feed the joke that never dies.

The sirens wail, the night turns cold,

but laughter’s fire will not grow old.

Each shattered dream, each fractured plea,

becomes the stage that carries me.

The cards are dealt, the rules are gone,

I play the game until the dawn.

And every loss, and every tear,

is just another joke to hear.

Your fear’s a melody, sharp and sweet,

I dance to it in the broken street.

Every scream’s a note, every tear’s a chord,

and laughter’s the only true reward.

Masks and mirrors, faces cracked,

the world’s a stage, the deck is stacked.

Heroes fall, and cowards pray,

but I keep laughing anyway.

The joke is simple, cruel, and clear:

I laugh the loudest when you fear.

For in the end, when hope decays,

the laughter lingers,

and chaos stays.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious event celebrating the diverse talents of writers worldwide. This competition aims to showcase exceptional literary works that push boundaries and explore new perspectives. It provides a platform for poets and writers to share their unique voices and insights with a global audience.

Thank you, Chumisa Theodora Zantsi, for sharing "The Joke That Burns" with us. Your contribution to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 enriches the tapestry of contemporary poetry with its profound exploration of irony and humanity. We appreciate your participation and look forward to witnessing the impact of your evocative words.

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.