When Light Falls - By Sihle Ludonga

Written By: Sihle Ludonga

Category: Personal Essay

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Sihle Ludonga presents a deeply introspective piece titled "When Light Falls" in the Personal Essay category of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Hailing from an undisclosed country, Sihle's essay delves into themes of self-discovery and the metaphorical interplay of light and darkness within oneself. This competition by Hashtag Kalakar provides a platform for voices like Sihle's to explore and express their inner worlds through creative writing.

About the Work

"When Light Falls" is a compelling narrative that explores the duality of light and darkness in personal spaces and relationships. Through vivid imagery and introspective musings, Sihle Ludonga navigates the complexities of inner turmoil and the influence of external perceptions. The essay's reflective tone invites readers to consider the transformative power of vulnerability and connection in discovering one's own light amidst darkness.

When Light Falls

Original Submission by Sihle Ludonga

Name: Sihle Ludonga

Title: When Light Falls

When Light Falls

Nothing ever arrives in isolation. The lack of light comes with a lack of purity. My utopia becomes a breeding ground for darkness in all forms. I can’t tell where I’m comfortable. Usually, this concrete box feels like reality loosening its grip on me, but when light falls into darkness, an oasis falls into a void. All I try to hide about myself manifests into titans, all skyscraper-sized and as corrupted as the sins that they embody. They constantly engulf my safe space. Thoughts bounce off the walls, soaring like a plane with no pilot before crashing back down to my consciousness - only louder than when they left.

It's all broken by a beam. And a chime.

The titans shrink down as the ray tears through this chasm. Hiding in the corners, shouts reduce to whispers. Their whispers ring loud to me still. I stare blankly at the screen; her words don’t catch my attention the same way her sonsie build does. There is a titan in particular that thrives with such thoughts bouncing around, looming over my shoulder right now. He adds fire to a flame I wish I could put out. A titan that loves the darkness more than any other. He has to stay hidden. Revealing that he lives in these walls with me changes how I’m viewed. A scoff from the holier-than-thou crowd or even a head nod from the social outcasts. He loves bearing over my shoulder because it gives him a perfect view of his work. Getting to see me crumble from the top down. If only I could keep the lights on.

The sun is beaming. Absence becomes abundance. Light is followed by opportunity. I can be better. Certain aromas seep in from underneath my door. Like the sniffer dog I am, I track down the scent to Mama’s cinnamon pancakes. I can only remember them appearing for company, never for family. Despite this knowledge, I still step out. Sagging pyjama pants, a topless torso, a light pink bonnet to protect my tangled mane. In the kitchen, as expected, there is my source of life, with her upper lip flexed and eyes narrowed as if her disapproval for my presentation could be made any more evident. I begin shovelling in pancakes, but my gluttonous trance is broken by an overwhelming amount of something pure. In that moment, I am blinded by my antithesis, a piercing ray of light in female form. Her effortless beauty contrasts with my lack of effort. My mother’s distaste becomes my own as I realise the impression I’m making. I’m a visual overload in front of perfection. She just looks so much better when she’s not trapped behind my screen.

After a mental reset in my haven, I return. Now that I’ve cleared my mind, I finally notice her light in its truest form. Her light ebony skin reminds me of the mixture of hues in a sunset. It radiates a glow similar to that evening sun as well. Her features delicately chiselled by a Renaissance artist. After getting past her blinding beauty, it becomes clear that the face holds way more behind it. Conversation feels natural, her laughs unforced. Inside jokes and nicknames like a married couple, yet we have been here for merely hours. Nothing is out of bounds to her; anything and everything is up for debate. She even chokes on her words when a topic gets too exciting, but doesn’t seem fazed by it. Just for a sliver of time, it feels like she sees light in me. Light I barely see in myself.

Slowly, the sun’s beam recedes. I feel like I’m in control under her glow. We enter my room. I keep the lights on. Conversation begins to pry at some elements in our souls. Her tone lowers as words glide off her tongue. Her hands graze me at random. I feel invited. But something internally is ringing alarm bells. My guard is up. My skin flinches at her touch. She stares deeply into my eyes. They tell a truth. Her willingness is petrifying, not because I don’t want her, but because unlocking myself to her gives space for my absence to try overpower her shine. She moves closer, her baby hairs against my face. And then she reaches past me, her arm cornering me. Her eyes still locked on mine, my grip on the situation fading every time she blinks. She leaps into my darkness.

She looks at me, but I don’t see her anymore. Her presence is tangible, but visually she’s lost to me. I can feel a difference in her stare. It reminds me of the titans’ gaze. Her eyes look like the same void out of which my vices were born. The distance between us is practically non-existent, her breath warming my cheeks. Her hand begins tracing my chest but I don’t flinch. All that is hidden is surrounding me, being confronted by someone else. A familiar aura creeps over my shoulder but it’s suppressed. Just observing, waiting. Finally, her wave hits my shore. All of me melts into her. Her lips are soft against mine. My body submits as she turns the key into my chest of self. I’m exposed but I don’t feel violated. The titans tower over me. Amused by my actions for once. I have no time to think; nothing is bouncing around. My utopia fills with a different absence, the absence of self-loathing. She shatters the wall between my darkness and my light, unveiling one man.

The physical transaction comes with new change. I’m alright in the darkness. Her head rests on my chest. I weave my hands through her braids as I weave together my newfound sense of self. I plant my lips on her forehead. Kissing it makes the darkness feel brighter. The titans tred lighter. Their control also slipping with each forehead kiss. Her smile is my antidote. Her touch, my hope.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, hosted by Hashtag Kalakar, celebrates diverse voices from around the world, offering a platform for writers to share their unique perspectives through poetry, essays, and creative writing. This prestigious competition encourages participants to push the boundaries of their creativity, contributing to a rich tapestry of global literary expression.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Sihle Ludonga for sharing "When Light Falls" with us in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Your eloquent exploration of light and darkness enriches the collection of voices featured in this year's event. We look forward to witnessing more of your insightful contributions to the literary world.

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.