Afraid of the Dark - By Marizel Muller

Written By: Marizel Muller

Category: Essay

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the compelling essay "Afraid of the Dark," Marizel Muller delves into the theme of fear and the daunting journey of self-discovery. As part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, Muller's work offers a poignant reflection on how darkness - both literal and metaphorical - shapes our experiences and aspirations. Through her narrative, she invites readers to consider courage as a vital force in navigating the uncertainties of life.

About the Work

Muller's essay is a thoughtful exploration of fear and the courage required to confront the unknown. She eloquently conveys the emotional weight of darkness and uncertainty, drawing on vivid imagery and introspective insights. Her reflections on personal growth and the transformative power of supportive relationships resonate profoundly, offering a message of hope and resilience.

Afraid of the Dark

Original Submission by Marizel Muller

Afraid of the dark

From a young age, I was terrified of darkness since there were all kinds of creatures under the bed waiting to attack me with my feet on the floor. Nightmares would keep me up at night. It seems that I was convinced that I would eventually get over them, but it just isn’t the case. You do not outgrow darkness, the monster under the bed or the nightmares that keep you up at night. All they do is grow with you…

Fearing the dark does not necessarily mean the lack of light, but rather the darkness in your future. You don't know what you want from life and who you want to be in ten years from now. Observing how everyone knows what they want to do and who they want to be in life, when you are sitting there and seeing only a complete darkness. Hearing people in class telling how they found their career and what kind of future they are going to have, while I feel frozen and watch how they move at 100km/h.

The nightmares seemed very real, and there was nothing that could prove otherwise, not even checking under my bed for the monsters. When they came back much later in life, there were no monsters with glowing eyes and sharp teeth anymore. There were questions, fear, doubt, insecurity and disappointment. Every nightmare was a possible future.

What I have learned from the path of uncertainty is that courage does not mean having all the answers. Courage means stepping forward, even on those darkest days. One step forward is not failure if it does not work out, because it is courage. Step forward means moving towards your goals and every step forward gives you hope that your dreams will come true.

We were taught how to survive even before we knew the definition of a dream. The nightmares took our dreams away and planted the fear of being a failure in our subconsciousness.

Until you meet the right people, you won't be sure which way to go. It is nice to have someone who believes in you and supports you, and then it seems as if a light shows you the way. Until you meet the right people, you can't be sure which way to go because until you have someone who believes in you and supports you, the way isn't clear, and then it seems as if a light shows you the way. The monsters vanish once you understand that those are your fears, not facts. The right people remove your nightmares and help you realize your dreams that you were too scared of failing.

It is not possible for the darkness to disappear entirely since there will always be something you won't be sure about. There are some nights when I wake up thinking that I will never achieve my dreams, and there are some nights when I'm not sure that I'm moving in the right direction. But there is hope because I'm not standing still. I might spend only five minutes each day to make my dream come true, but at least it's some progress.

Perhaps, my ambition is too high, and I can see even in the dark, and thus it doesn't scare me anymore. Sometimes I ask my parents to turn on the light since let's be honest, I'll always be scared of the dark, and so when the time comes, I know I'll be the first one to ask my parents to turn on the light even with the match.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious platform celebrating literary creativity and talent. This competition invites writers worldwide to share their unique voices and stories, fostering a vibrant community of poets and writers. It is a celebration of the written word, encouraging exploration and expression across diverse themes and styles.

Thank you, Marizel Muller, for sharing your insightful essay "Afraid of the Dark" with us. Your participation in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 adds depth and richness to the ongoing conversation about fear and courage. We appreciate your contribution and look forward to seeing more of your thought-provoking 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.