A Letter to My Future Self - By Dorathy Oluku

Written By: Dorathy Oluku

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Dorathy Oluku's piece, "A Letter to My Future Self," is a profound entry in the Poetry category of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Through this reflective work, Dorathy, also known by her nickname Alërãh, explores the theme of self-reflection and identity. With an introspective approach, the poem delves into the emotional landscape of conversing with one's future self, capturing the universal struggle and hope of personal growth and understanding.

About the Work

In "A Letter to My Future Self," Dorathy Oluku crafts a poignant dialogue between her present and future selves. The poem's mood fluctuates between vulnerability and empowerment, as it contemplates the complexities of life's journey. Dorathy employs vivid imagery and emotional depth to convey themes of resilience and hope. Her literary style is introspective and conversational, inviting readers to reflect on their own paths and aspirations.

A letter to my future self

Original Submission by Dorathy Oluku

A Letter to My Future Self

Oluku Nkem Dorathy

Nickname: Alërãh

I'm standing in front of a mirror, looking at myself.

Only... it isn't me.

Or perhaps it is.

She looks exactly like me, yet somehow she doesn't. She waves with a smile, giggling, flashing all thirty-two teeth without a care in the world. Then she simply stares, as though she's looking at another version of herself.

Well, she is.

She tilts her head.

"Well... aren't you going to say something?"

My eyes begin to fill with tears.

She gently tells me to wipe them away and speak.

So I do.

Hey.

You're beautiful.

So beautiful I could cry.

Dear me,

It isn't easy here.

Life is unfair. It's messy. It's filled with people who never deserved a heart like ours.

How did you do it?

1

How did you climb over every obstacle, the obvious ones and the invisible ones that almost broke you?

Tell me.

Because this is driving me mad.

Mad enough that I'm standing here talking to my future self. Hey, future me...

Where are my manners?

How is the future?

She just smiles.

Why are you smiling?

Nothing about this feels pleasant.

Dear me,

I hope you've stopped holding on to people who only held on to you until it was no longer convenient.

Done.

Dusted.

Finished.

And then...

Snap.

That's how they left.

We really gave a lot, didn't we?

To my surprise, her eyes begin to water too.

She remembers.

2

She remembers every road we walked, every heartbreak we carried, every night we wondered if we'd ever make it.

I wonder how she survived it all.

Dear me,

I know everything is going to be okay.

No...

Better than okay.

She finally speaks.

"Keep going.

Go after what you want.

Reach for the stars.

No one can stop you."

Then she smiles and repeats my own words back to me.

"Dear me,

The road isn't always easy.

But we are spectacular.

Keep going.

Keep running.

Keep reaching."

I stand there, stunned.

For a moment, I almost believed she couldn't speak.

Maybe this is how God's answers arrive.

Not as thunder.

3

Not as miracles.

But as hope wearing our own face.

Dear me,

Hold the fort.

I'm coming.

...

Though honestly, if I ever saw another version of myself standing in front of me, I'd probably run.

That would be terrifying.

But if I could send a letter to my future self...

It would look something like this.

This is the letter to my future self

4

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious platform celebrating literary talent from around the world. It provides writers, poets, and creators with the opportunity to showcase their work on a global stage, fostering a community of diverse voices and innovative storytelling.

Thank you, Dorathy Oluku, for your insightful contribution to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 with "A Letter to My Future Self." Your work resonates with the complexities of self-discovery and the enduring spirit of hope. We appreciate your participation and look forward to witnessing your continued creative journey.

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.