The Knight's Dawn - By Donna Levin

Written By: Donna Levin

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Donna Levin presents an evocative piece titled "The Knight's Dawn" in the Poetry category of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This competition showcases a myriad of voices from around the globe, offering a platform for creative expression. Levin's poem delves into the themes of nature, war, and introspection, inviting readers to reflect deeply on life's pivotal moments and the inner turmoil that accompanies conflict.

About the Work

"The Knight's Dawn" by Donna Levin is a contemplative exploration of the interplay between nature and the human experience. With vivid imagery and a poignant narrative, the poem captures a knight's final reflections on life, war, and the essence of evil. Through the gentle depiction of dawn and the profound symbolism of a fallen warrior, Levin crafts a narrative that resonates with introspection and the search for inner peace amidst chaos.

The Knight's dawn

Original Submission by Donna Levin

The Knight’s Dawn

He’d felt it.

The moment it happened oh he knew.

He knew and he saw but for some reason nothing could persuade him to fall to his knees.

Instead, he simply watched.

Watched as the light dripped into the trees and splashed the leaves in dots of light green against their dark counterparts.

He watched as the morning dew fell off each stem of each rose.

And he felt.

He felt the slight breeze as it rustled through the flowers waking them up from their nestled sleep. He felt the rough tree bark under his fingertips all its dips and edges,

the course almost cobbled wood that had stood longer than he could ever dream.

And he thought.

Thought of all the grievances that had got him here.

Everything that had led to this fateful moment where only now he had been able to see,

to know what life is.

The arrow that had pierced him would cover the green grass and mix with the morning dew.

A frown formed upon his worn face,

he didn’t want to disturb this peace.

Then again, he hadn’t wanted to join the war.

No man did really.

Fighting a war for a king you didn’t believe in

for a country you’ve never seen can do that to a man.

Leave them with a heavy heart and doubt in their minds

of who the true leader was and what evil truly meant.

He thought he knew evil.

He thought it was what lived in the shadows at night,

thought it was the men who hid under their cloaks,

those with hate in their eyes.

But he’d killed,

taken lives,

just as the other side had.

Their war had brought a shadow across the land,

had brought tears to mothers and daughters.

Their faces glistening just like the dew.

His blood would dampen the grass,

but he was unable to move,

unable to speak, pray or even whisper.

No one wants to die.

The stability of the bark was all he had left as he fell to the ground

heavy breaths that disturbed the breeze.

At least he could see the sky.

Marvel at its splendor as the clouds swirled a rich blue

the ground becoming redder as the moments went by.

And then all that was left was red.

The breeze now resumed its original motion,

and the bark untouched as a hand fell to the ground.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a celebration of literary artistry, drawing participants from diverse backgrounds. This prestigious event provides a platform for poets and writers to share their unique voices and perspectives. The competition is renowned for its inclusivity and commitment to elevating the art of creative writing.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Donna Levin for her moving contribution, "The Knight's Dawn," to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her reflective piece offers a profound glimpse into the human condition and the haunting realities of war. Thank you, Donna, for sharing your voice and enriching the competition with your artful storytelling.

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.