The Winter Grass - By Siyolise Nkumanda

Written By: Siyolise Nkumanda

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Siyolise Nkumanda, writing under the name HighVeld Junnnnnne, presents a compelling piece titled "The Winter Grass" in the Poetry category. This work is part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, a prestigious platform celebrating diverse literary voices. Siyolise's poem intricately captures the stark beauty of Gauteng's winter landscape, offering readers a vivid exploration of nature's resilience and harshness.

About the Work

"The Winter Grass" evokes the harsh, unforgiving winter of Gauteng, using striking imagery and a somber tone. The poem's vivid descriptions of brittle grass, unyielding skies, and biting winds create a powerful sense of place and mood. Through its detailed portrayal of the natural world, it reflects on themes of endurance and the indifferent passage of time.

HighVeld Junnnnnne

Original Submission by Siyolise Nkumanda

The winter grass

The winter grass in Gauteng does not die with grace.

It turns a sharp, brittle yellow under the morning frost,

cracking beneath the boots of people rushing through the streets.

The sky above Midrand is a cruel,

unblinking blue,

completely empty of rain,

refusing to wash the dust from the world.

The wind comes howling across the veld from the south,

rattling the loose window frames of my study corner,

carrying the smell of smoke, dry earth, and dead leaves.

It is a biting cold that seeps straight into the bone,

numbing the fingers until they can barely type the keys.

The earth here understands what it means to starve.

locks itself away in the dark soil,

barren and cold,

completely indifferent to the sun trying to warm the concrete.

It matches the exact climate of my chest— kusasakile,

but everything is frozen.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a renowned event that brings together writers from around the world. It celebrates creativity and expression across various genres, providing a platform for both emerging and established voices to share their work with a global audience.

Thank you, Siyolise Nkumanda, for sharing your evocative poem "The Winter Grass" with us. Your vivid depiction of Gauteng's winter landscape adds a unique voice to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. We appreciate your participation and look forward to more of your insightful 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.