A Promise To Self - By Nicholas Sitso Kwashi Amessouwoe

Written By: Nicholas Sitso Kwashi Amessouwoe

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Nicholas Sitso Kwashi Amessouwoe presents "A Promise To Self," an evocative poem featured in the Poetry category of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This competition celebrates diverse voices from around the world, and Nicholas's work explores the themes of self-empowerment and personal identity. In "A Promise To Self," the poet crafts a powerful declaration of self-worth and resilience, inviting readers to reflect on their own inner strength and individuality.

About the Work

"A Promise To Self" by Nicholas Amessouwoe is a compelling exploration of self-identity and empowerment. The poem's tone is resolute and introspective, as it delves into the themes of self-worth, personal boundaries, and inner strength. Through vivid imagery and a commanding voice, Nicholas portrays the journey of honoring one's own essence and the vow to remain true to oneself amidst life's challenges. This work resonates with anyone seeking to affirm their unique place in the world.

A Promise To Self

Original Submission by Nicholas Sitso Kwashi Amessouwoe

A Promise To Self

I, the Sovereign Custodian of my body, spirit, and soul,

Make this eternal covenant with me as law written in the Supreme Charter of my Being.

There is no duplicate of my breath in the history of time,

No second occurrence of the fire that knits my bones together.

I am a singular masterpiece, a cosmic anomaly that will never happen twice.

An unrepeatable design engraved in the sand of infinity.

I am the heirloom seed of my ancestors’ wild dream,

The deep-rooted lineage that horrible hurricanes couldn't strip from the soil.

I bear the scars of a back ridden by history, yet never broken,

And stand as the courageous cultivator of their future’s untamed harvest.

I vow to guard my internal discourse as one guards the inner sanctum of a temple,

Reverent in its chambers, steadfast at its gates, and spoken only in the language of grace.

No profane verdict shall be heard within the walls of my shrine,

No harsh judgment shall be granted audience where truth is meant to dwell.

My mind is a sacred ground, and I will no longer defile it with words that diminish my worth.

I will actively heal my pain before it turns into a raging flood.

I will not mop the floor when I am supposed to close the leaking tap,

Nor will I fan the smoke when I am meant to put out the fire;

I will be kind to myself and give my weary hands consent to stand at ease,

Knowing that true restoration begins only when the bleeding is stopped at the source.

When I fall, I will not give up.

When I rise, my ego will be locked up.

I will set boundaries like pyramids around my peace.

For my self-allegiance is an ancient monument that will never bow.

I will not make strangers the judges of my value.

I will not make yesterday the prison of today.

I am both the promise and the keeper of this covenant,

The co-author of my destiny.

Never again shall I betray the trust I owe myself,

For I am the holy land from which all my dreams arise,

The bedrock upon which my present stands,

And the horizon toward which my future unfolds.

I am the blessed base where all begins,

The roaring crucible where my power is sustained.

I am the final authority over what is permitted to remain,

And anything that threatens my identity will be cast out without apology.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious platform celebrating literary artistry and creativity worldwide. It invites participants to explore and express their unique voices through poetry and creative writing. This annual competition is renowned for its commitment to nurturing talent and offering writers a stage to share their works with a global audience.

We extend our gratitude to Nicholas Sitso Kwashi Amessouwoe for sharing "A Promise To Self" with us. This powerful piece, part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the importance of self-commitment. We look forward to seeing more inspiring work from Nicholas 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.