The Tale of Marshall and Gale - By William Engelbrecht

Written By: William Engelbrecht

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

William Engelbrecht presents "The Tale of Marshall and Gale," a poetic entry in the Poetry category of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This evocative piece weaves a narrative of longing, love, and liberation, exploring the depths of the human spirit and its quest for connection. Engelbrecht's work is a testament to the enduring power of poetry to convey complex emotions and timeless themes.

About the Work

"The Tale of Marshall and Gale" is a poignant exploration of love and freedom. Engelbrecht employs vivid imagery and a lyrical style to recount the story of Marshall, a man yearning for a love untainted by betrayal, and Gale, a bird embodying the promise of liberation. The poem's rich narrative and emotional depth invite readers to reflect on the scars of the past and the hope for redemption.

The Tale of Marshall and Gale

Original Submission by William Engelbrecht

The Tale of Marshall and Gale

Let me tell you of the tale,

Of Marshall, and Gale.

Marshall waited his whole life, For love that wouldn't, hold a knife. Drag the blade across his back Tear out his heart, a broken pact. So Marshall set sale, out to sea, Guided by a hypnotizing, ocean breeze. He caught many fish,

None that he would ever wish. To eat or digest,

To lay his soul to rest.

All we're toxic,

To his battered stomach.

They'd drag him down,

Or force his old crown.

Then one night, what hit is boat, Was no fish, but a bird stuck afloat. He lifted the bird, from waters deep, And in that moment, love would seep. This bird had eyes, of crimson glare, That told of pain, in a single stare.

Its wings bore water, from the below,

Its voice could sway, to and fro.

He thought the bird, how to fly,

Every remark, a touch sly.

The bird grew curious,

Of this man mysterious.

"How do you know, so much of flight?

I look for your wings, but they remain out of sight?" The man replied the questioning,

As if he were expecting.

"My wings? They're maimed.

Their behaviour was untamed.

My people forbid to soar,

They despise the wings, that they bore. So when they saw me, flying high,

Detest and loathing, fill their eyes.

They pulled me down, my freedom stripped, They titled me 'dangerous', with crown equipped. My heart that once, belonged to the sky, Now lay on trampled, left to die.

So I fled with my boat, and hoisted sale, In search of strong winds, they call Gale." The bird looked again,

This time within.

What she saw was not knowledge,

Of how the winged may flourish. But the scars made naive, On a mind born free.

She teared as he spoke,

His word mixed with joke. To make fun of what’s lost, From the line that he crossed. He encouraged her to sore, To never land for no law.

To find the man she missed, To free him from pains fist. She took off with a promise, That she would not remiss. To remember the tragic tale, Of lover Marshall and flying Gale.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar celebrates creativity and artistic expression on a worldwide stage. This distinguished event invites poets and writers to showcase their unique voices and storytelling prowess, fostering a global community of literary enthusiasts and creators.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to William Engelbrecht for sharing "The Tale of Marshall and Gale" with us. His participation in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 enriches the literary tapestry of the event. We wish him continued success in his poetic endeavors.

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.