THE STORY OF MY LIFE - By PRINCE LEHLOGONOLO TLEANE

Written By: PRINCE LEHLOGONOLO TLEANE

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, PRINCE LEHLOGONOLO TLEANE presents "THE STORY OF MY LIFE," a poignant piece in the poetry category. This work encapsulates the essence of personal struggle, transformation, and the quest for inner peace. Through vivid imagery and profound introspection, Tleane invites readers into a reflective journey of self-discovery and acceptance, offering a glimpse into the universal themes of resilience and renewal.

About the Work

"THE STORY OF MY LIFE" is a narrative woven with introspection and revelation. It conveys a journey from relentless struggle to serene acceptance, using evocative imagery and strong metaphors. The poem's tone shifts from tension to tranquility, highlighting the profound transformation of the protagonist. Tleane's work offers a message of embracing one's vulnerabilities and finding peace within, underscoring the transition from conflict to harmony.

THE STORY OF MY LIFE

Original Submission by PRINCE LEHLOGONOLO TLEANE

THE STORY OF MY LIFE

I fought the world-

with fists,

with thought,

with every fragment of strength within me.

I felt muscles strain,

palms harden,

the will sharpen-

like a miner digging,

certain that beneath the weight of earth something valuable waits.

I dug.

I struck.

I fought.

All for one prize-

respect.

Then came the seventh day.

The sun burned without mercy.

Before me stood a great tree-

its shadow deep,

its ground untouched,

as if guarded by unseen hands.

My lungs grew heavy.

My hands fell weak.

I could not move.

So I collapsed beneath it-

arms open,

body surrendered-

and slept.

Cold crept over me.

Evening had come.

I tried to move,

but my body refused.

Then-

I was no longer there.

I was falling.

Endlessly.

Into a darkness with no bottom.

I reached for roots as I descended, but my strength was gone. My hands slipped.

My grip weakened.

Fear held me.

I tried to scream-

but no sound came.

My lungs were silent.

My voice… gone.

At the last root,

my fingers failed.

I let go.

And for the first time-

I accepted the fall.

Then-

light.

Even with my eyes closed, I saw it.

Hands-

stronger than fear,

gentler than breath-

lifted me.

Held me.

Everything went still-

ti…ti…ti…

I opened my eyes.

I was alive.

Lying on a clean bed,

my body renewed,

my strength restored.

A man stood before me- wrapped in light-

watching.

Then-

he was gone.

I sat up slowly.

And I understood.

The world I had been fighting… was my own flesh.

I stood.

Walked forward.

Before me-

a path split in two.

I paused.

Then turned right.

Along the journey,

I found places of rest-

people who fed me,

welcomed me,

asked me to stay.

But something within me whispered- this is not home.

Then I saw it.

A city.

Bright.

Alive.

Filled with people-yet no violence. Only peace.

I stepped closer.

They spoke-

my language.

The one I was born into.

I smiled.

I tried to speak-

but my tongue failed me.

The words would not return.

I realised then-

I had been changed.

I surrendered.

Let go of what I was.

And was born again.

But peace did not erase memory.

Under a tree once more,

the past returned-

faces,

pain,

broken hearts-

too many to carry.

My mind trembled.

My body moved without command.

My voice cried out:

“Where are my loved ones?” Silence answered.

Fear entered me-

“Am I losing my mind?”

I fought again-

not the world,

but myself.

Then-

help came.

Quiet.

Gentle.

Divine.

An elder.

A presence.

A voice of assurance:

“You are doing just fine.

Your burdens are forgiven.”

And in that moment-

light entered me.

Not outside-

within.

I began to see.

The causes of pain.

The roots of conflict.

The patterns of suffering among people.

And I understood-

my purpose was not to fight,

but to heal.

Since then,

I have carried light

into the darkness of others-

speaking,

listening,

restoring.

The Word became my food,

my strength,

my clarity.

And now I know-

this life is not a battlefield

to be conquered,

but a garden

to be cultivated.

And in my hands-

the seed.

AMEN

PRINCE

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar celebrates the power of words and creativity. This prestigious event showcases diverse talents from around the globe, fostering a community of writers and poets who explore the depths of human experience through their work. Participants share their unique voices, contributing to a vibrant tapestry of literary expression.

Thank you, PRINCE LEHLOGONOLO TLEANE, for sharing "THE STORY OF MY LIFE" in this year's competition. Your contribution adds a profound depth to the collection of works presented, reminding us of the transformative power of poetry. We appreciate your participation in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 and look forward to seeing more of your inspiring work.

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.