Waiting... - By Somayya Hansrod
Written By: Somayya Hansrod
Category: Poetry
Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026
In the poignant poem "Waiting..." by Somayya Hansrod, we are invited to delve into the emotional landscape of anticipation and resilience. This moving piece is a part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, showcasing the rich tapestry of human experience. Somayya's poem captures moments of waiting that are universal, evoking the shared humanity found in quiet hospital corridors.
About the Work
"Waiting..." by Somayya Hansrod captures the essence of hope and resilience amid uncertainty. The poem beautifully portrays the myriad emotions encountered in hospital settings, from anxiety to anticipation. Through vivid imagery and a rhythmic cadence, Somayya weaves a narrative of shared human experience, highlighting the strength found in vulnerability and the persistent wait for answers.
Waiting...
Original Submission by Somayya Hansrod
Let me write
Write what my eyes behold
Frail, aged, young, fit
All sorts, different sorts
Elderly, little
A smile,
a frown,
a tear,
a look of utter and complete exhaustion
A friend,
A sister
A daughter,
One to wipe the tears
To push the wheelchair
To offer a shoulder
To have the brown bag ready
Most have a someone
Some have no one
Waiting...
Waiting...
Rocking legs
Nodding heads
A kwik snooze
No! don't sleep
They may call my name
I may not hear
Wake from your slumber
Be alert
It may be a minute
It may be a 100 more
Don't sleep
U may miss your name
And then the wait is longer
Waiting...
Waiting...
Some praying silently
Some aloud
Some chatting
Some making a friend
Some lost in thought
What will today bring?
Bad news?
A new tumor
More chemo?
Hope?
Benign?
Will I leave better than I arrived?
Will I leave carrying a smile?
Will my anxiety accompany me home today?
Or will it be hope?
Will joy come home with me today?
A cooler bag carrying snacks
A blanket
A pillow
A read
Water, lots of it
Nothing, empty hands
An appointment card
A hospital file
Pink, a pretty pink, subtle
Will it's contents be the same?
Will it hold my heart?
Or shatter it?
Exhaustion, fatigue, let this be the last
Don't let my legs drag these walkways again
Hope,
new treatment,
improvement
Let me be brave,
this fight is not over
I will survive!
All sorts
The orange ones too
Free, not cuffed
Chains, long noisy chains
Shackled, legs shackled
Many sorts, different sorts
Seated in the corridors of life
Waiting...
Waiting...
Clinging, longing, anticipating
Let my thoughts now rest
Waiting is relentless
Exhausted
Let me rest
Can't rest
They haven't called my name
Sit up!
Listen!
Listen for your name!
This wait is excruciating
Could this be the killer?
The silent, very painful killer?
Let me stop my thoughts
Look at all the sorts
Listen
Listen for your name
Don't think, listen
Thinking will silence your name
Stop!
Listen!
It's been three hundred and eighty two minutes
Somayya Hansrod
Oncology ward
06.20 -13.42
(Wednesday Joburg Gen 24/4/2024)
About the Competition
The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a platform dedicated to celebrating diverse voices and creative expressions from around the world. This prestigious event brings together poets and writers, offering them a stage to showcase their unique perspectives and narratives.
We extend our gratitude to Somayya Hansrod for sharing "Waiting..." with us in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Your poignant reflection on hope and resilience resonates deeply, reminding us of the strength found in life's uncertainties.
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.
Comments