The Quiet Door - By Joe Lyimo

Written By: Joe Lyimo

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In his evocative poem "The Quiet Door," Joe Lyimo, writing from his unique perspective as an immigrant in Austria, participates in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This poignant piece is a tribute to his late grandfather, Samwel Ntukulilwa, capturing the universal themes of life, death, and remembrance with gentle elegance. Through his words, Joe explores the quiet, inevitable journey we all face, reflecting deeply personal emotions and shared human experiences.

About the Work

"The Quiet Door" is a meditative exploration of the transition from life to death, imbued with tranquility and acceptance. Joe Lyimo's literary style evokes vivid imagery and a serene mood, inviting readers to reflect on the natural cycle of life. Through tender memories and gentle metaphors, the poem portrays death as a peaceful passage, offering solace and continuity in the face of loss. The imagery of light, sound, and nature beautifully illustrates the theme of life's transience and the enduring presence of love and memory.

The Quite Door

Original Submission by Joe Lyimo

One day the heart slows

Like a clock forgetting to wind

Breath gets thin

A small bird leaving the chest

The room grows still

Voices sound far away

As if underwater

Hands that once held tight

Now rest heavy on the sheet

Pain fades first

Then worry

Then the long list of things to do

What is left is simple

Just being here

Watching light move across the wall

Memories come soft

Not in order

But like gentle rain

A child’s laugh

A lover’s kiss

The smell of bread baking

A summer day long ago

No fear now,

Only a deep tiredness

Like after a very long walk

The body knows it is time

To lie down and rest

Eyes close slow

The world blurs

Then goes dark

But warm

Like sleep after hard work

And then

Nothing to fear

The story ends

The book closes quiet

Outside the room

Life keeps going

People cry

Then laugh again one day

Flowers grow over the place

Where the body returns to earth.

Death is not cruel

It is only the door

We all walk through

When the journey is done

It takes the pain away

It gives rest

It makes room

For new babies to cry

And start their own walk

That is all

That is enough

I wrote this poem on 03.01.2026, in the memory of my late beloved grandfather, Samwel Ntukulilwa (01.01.1941–31.12.2025). I never got to send him away with family, as I am an immigrant in Austria; hence, I am not allowed to go back to my country until I can get citizenship here. I expressed my feelings the only way I know best to help me get through it all, alone. The journey goes on.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, hosted by Hashtag Kalakar, showcases diverse voices from around the world, celebrating the art of storytelling and poetry. This prestigious event encourages participants to share their unique perspectives and creative expressions, uniting writers and poets in a global conversation. It offers a platform for emerging and established talents to present their work to a wider audience, fostering a community that values creativity and literary excellence.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Joe Lyimo for sharing "The Quiet Door" with us in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. His deeply moving tribute to his grandfather resonates with a universal audience, reminding us of the beauty and inevitability of life’s journey. We look forward to seeing more of Joe's poignant expressions 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.