Whiskey - By Cheryl Oosthuizen

Written By: Cheryl Oosthuizen

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Cheryl Oosthuizen, writing under her pen name Whiskey, presents a poignant piece titled "Whiskey" in the Poetry category of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This evocative poem explores themes of longing and regret, painting a vivid picture of love and loss. As part of this prestigious competition, Cheryl's work delves into the human psyche, capturing the emotional turmoil that often accompanies unfulfilled desires.

About the Work

"Whiskey" by Cheryl Oosthuizen weaves a narrative of emotional depth, using the imagery of cascading whiskey to symbolize the tumult of unspoken emotions. The poem's somber mood and introspective tone reflect the internal conflict between desire and sobriety. Through vivid imagery and a lyrical style, Cheryl articulates the pain of memories and moments left unvoiced, inviting readers to ponder the complexities of love and loss.

Whiskey

Original Submission by Cheryl Oosthuizen

Whiskey

By Cheryl Oosthuizen

The whiskey cascades down

over jagged stones,

Seething like fire,

My only true desire.

In moments of sobriety,

My mind loses clarity,

I hear your voice,

A choice left unvoiced.

Where the whiskey flows,

Like whispers in my woes,

I glimpse your outline,

Twisting in the fine line.

The bottle's not deep enough

To mute the pain you touch,

And when I scrape the bottom,

Your kiss lingers, soft as autumn.

If only I could set you free,

How could I foresee

That loving you was a crime,

Forever bound in time.

With each burn of whiskey, hell unfolds,

So many words left untold.

I'm sorry I couldn't be

The one you envisioned me.

So, at this bar, I wear my chains,

Watching you waltz through the rains.

In his arms, you shine bright,

While I fade into the night.

To cradle your heart in trembling hands,

You'll shatter like glass in shifting sands,

For what is shattered can't be made whole,

My heart, a prisoner, forever your soul.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar celebrates diverse voices in the literary arts. This competition invites participants from around the world to share their creative expressions across various genres, providing a platform for emerging and established writers to showcase their talent and explore the depths of human experience through words.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Cheryl Oosthuizen for her moving contribution, "Whiskey," to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Cheryl's evocative portrayal of longing and regret resonates deeply, offering a glimpse into the emotional landscape of love. We look forward to seeing more of her inspiring 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.