To Love a Muse - By Vanessa Violet Cedric Gumbu

Written By: Vanessa Violet Cedric Gumbu

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Vanessa Violet Cedric Gumbu graces us with her evocative poem "To Love a Muse," a poignant entry in the poetry category of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Through her verses, Vanessa delves into the profound and often tumultuous relationship between an artist and their muse. This work explores the complex interplay of admiration, frustration, and the relentless pursuit of capturing beauty.

About the Work

"To Love a Muse" is imbued with a sense of yearning and artistic struggle. Vanessa's poem captures the essence of an artist's devotion to their muse, highlighting the tension between the desire to immortalize beauty and the limitations of one's craft. With vivid imagery and emotional depth, the piece reflects on the relentless pursuit of perfection and the elusive nature of true beauty.

To Love a Muse

Original Submission by Vanessa Violet Cedric Gumbu

To Love a Muse

When an artist loves a muse,

They pour their very soul into pieces

That are never meant for another’s eyes,

Because their hands have failed them again,

Failed to capture the beauty of their muse.

They want their muse to understand their beauty,

How their existence has no flaws.

But the hands aren’t listening to the eyes.

Every sketch, every piece, every portrait

Falls short of the beauty of their muse.

This is why being loved by an artist is not a blessing.

An artist will run themselves mad

And won’t be satisfied until they capture their very soul,

Not until they create what their eyes see

Through the filter of their heart.

So, in their gallery, they still stay,

Creating another portrait and sketching another piece.

But lightning never strikes twice,

And they fail again and again.

But still, they won’t stop

Till they create beauty itself.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, hosted by Hashtag Kalakar, celebrates the unique voices of writers from around the world. This esteemed event provides a platform for poets and creative writers to share their work with a global audience, fostering a community of literary enthusiasts and encouraging the exploration of diverse themes and ideas.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Vanessa Violet Cedric Gumbu for her insightful contribution, "To Love a Muse," to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Vanessa's ability to convey the intricate emotions of an artist's connection to their muse is truly commendable. We appreciate her participation and look forward to seeing more of her evocative 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.