What Makes Us Fight at Home; Unites Us Outside - By PRINCE LEHLOGONOLO TLEANE

Written By: PRINCE LEHLOGONOLO TLEANE

Category: POETRY

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the evocative poem "What Makes Us Fight at Home; Unites Us Outside," PRINCE LEHLOGONOLO TLEANE delves into the contrasting themes of division and unity. As a participant in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, PRINCE explores how our differences at home can transform into unifying forces when we find ourselves in unfamiliar territories. This entry into the poetry category offers a profound reflection on human nature and community dynamics.

About the Work

PRINCE LEHLOGONOLO TLEANE's work captures the essence of human relationships, highlighting the paradox of division and unity. The poem employs vivid imagery and reflective tone to convey how domestic conflicts give way to solidarity when faced with the unfamiliar. This introspective piece encourages readers to consider the deep-seated connections that bind us, despite apparent differences.

WHAT MAKES US FIGHT AT HOME; UNITES US OUTSIDE

Original Submission by PRINCE LEHLOGONOLO TLEANE

What Makes Us Fight at Home; Unites Us Outside

It is natural

for people to differ-

especially among their own,

within the same streets,

the same soil,

the same names we call home.

From those differences

grow distances-

we stop greeting,

stop seeing,

begin to measure ourselves

against each other,

quietly envying,

quietly competing.

This is the common wound

that lives in us all:

a silent contest

played out

in this small, wild world.

We compete

as if clarity comes

from proving

one mind stronger

than another.

So we pass each other-

unfamiliar,

unmoved,

unspoken.

Yet place us

in a distant land-

America,

or anywhere far from home-

and suddenly,

among strangers,

we recognise ourselves

in each other.

We soften.

We reach.

We embrace.

And perhaps-

this is our simplest truth:

that what divides us at home

is the very thing

that binds us

when we are away.

PRINCE

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, hosted by Hashtag Kalakar, serves as a prestigious platform for writers worldwide to showcase their talents. This competition celebrates diverse literary voices and encourages creativity in poetry and prose, offering participants an opportunity to share their unique perspectives with a global audience.

We extend our gratitude to PRINCE LEHLOGONOLO TLEANE for his insightful entry, "What Makes Us Fight at Home; Unites Us Outside," in this year's competition. We appreciate the depth and thoughtfulness of your work and look forward to seeing more of your literary contributions in future editions.

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.