Get a Free Writer's Page at Writers, Poets, Playwrights
--
(Advertisement)
(Begin Magazine)
--
Switch between waxpoetryart.com publications:
Wax Poetry and Art
| Weekly Poems
| Haiku Imperium
SWAV Poetry
| Under 25 Poetry
| Young Poets World
Kirk Ramdath presents Visual Art
| Photographers from Earth
The Short Play's the Thing
| Flash Fiction Takeover
Read and Submit to the Poetry and Art News
Get a Free Writer's Page at Writers, Poets, Playwrights
--
CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS
Visit waxpoetryart.com to explore poetry
(including haiku
and spoken word),
visual art,
photography,
play,
and fiction
submission opportunities.
Experience the thrills of the Weekly Poems Contest.
--
September 15th, 2026
Kenya Poetry Contest #1 – First Place
by Msiu
How do you listen through the constant noise Amid the coworker's throat clearing, A paycheck splitting seven ways, A dream you stopped saying out loud, A sore you keep checking in the mirror, Autopay ads and WhatsApp group chats buzzing? How do you keep giving with a wounded hand? How do you brace yourself To sail– that selfless act of self-infliction– Or when selfishly pressed to perfection? How are you devout to the extra tax? The surge, the urge to do it again– When one must sacrifice just to suffice Thumb pressing the same old bruise Has me at this muse.
About the Poet
Msiu resides in Nairobi, Kenya.
Read the poet's biography and Wax Poetry and Art publications
on Msiu's Artist Page.
This poem is also featured in Poetry World #16, published in the Wax Poetry and Art Library.
Keywords: resilience, determination
Previously published in Kenya Poetry Magazine:
This is the first poem published.
Kenya Poetry Magazine is part of the Wax Poetry and Art Network.
- Visit the main Wax Poetry and Art Submissions Page to see all opportunities.
- Visit the Wax Poetry and Art Library.
- This website and all contents ©Florencia Bay Books and specified artists.
- AI training on this website is not permitted.
(End Magazine)
--
(Advertisements)