THE OATH - By Reuben Mwangi

Written By: Reuben Mwangi

Category: Free Verse Poem

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Reuben Mwangi's evocative free verse poem "THE OATH" graces the stage of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. As a participant, Mwangi delves into the intricate dynamics of secrecy and the human condition. Through the lens of a priest, the poem explores themes of love, confession, and moral ambiguity, inviting readers to reflect on the complexities of silence and spoken truths. This introspective piece is a testament to the rich tapestry of emotions that characterize the competition's diverse entries.

About the Work

"THE OATH" by Reuben Mwangi offers a contemplative examination of the interplay between love and secrecy. The poem's tone is both solemn and insightful, capturing the essence of confessional moments stripped of embellishment. Mwangi's use of vivid imagery and reflective language challenges readers to ponder the duality of good and evil, and the role of silence in moral dilemmas. It is a powerful exploration of humanity's imperfections, cloaked in the guise of religious solemnity.

THE OATH

Original Submission by Reuben Mwangi

THE OATH

The priest, sworn

not to silence,

but to secrecy-

and learned immediately

they are not the same thing.

He did not speak.

He absorbed.

That was the trick.

Confessions came

stripped of poetry,

raw as teeth,

spoken by people who loved

and still chose damage.

One voice said,

“I loved her-

that’s the part everyone believes.”

Then, quieter,

“I hurt her

so she wouldn’t leave.”

Love, he realised,

is often the excuse

evil uses

to borrow God’s language.

The words did not shake.

They were certain.

Certainty felt like heresy

wearing confidence.

Anger rose in him-

not at the speaker,

but at the design of it all:

at a mercy that listened

and did nothing,

at a God who demanded witness

but offered no interference.

Life showed its hand then:

not chaos,

but repetition.

Hope pretending this time

will be different.

Despair knowing

it will not.

Good and evil

shared the same sentence,

the same breath,

the same prayer-

and heaven did not interrupt.

He stood there,

loving humanity

the way one loves a wound-

carefully,

and with growing resentment

toward the hand that made it bleed.

At night he wondered

which self had made the oath:

the one who preached belief,

or the one who learned, daily,

how belief survives

by not looking too closely.

By morning

he returned to the quiet room,

arranged his face into calm,

The sinner left lighter. The priest remained.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, hosted by Hashtag Kalakar, celebrates the vibrant world of literary expression. With entries from around the globe, the competition showcases a myriad of voices and styles. Participants engage with diverse themes, offering fresh perspectives and thought-provoking narratives. This prestigious event serves as a platform for both emerging and established writers to share their creative endeavors with a global audience.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Reuben Mwangi for sharing "THE OATH" with us in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. His exploration of the intricacies of human emotion and secrecy offers profound insight into the human experience. We look forward to seeing more of Mwangi's compelling work in the future.

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.