Afraid Of You - By Oratile Mokgojoa

Written By: Oratile Mokgojoa

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Oratile Mokgojoa presents a captivating piece of poetry titled "Afraid Of You" as part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This evocative poem delves into the complexities of emotion and the nuances of fear that linger in the unspoken spaces of relationships. Within this competition, poets and writers from around the world showcase their creative brilliance, using language to explore profound themes and personal experiences.

About the Work

"Afraid Of You" explores the intricate dance of emotions, focusing on the silent fears that words cannot always capture. With vivid imagery and a contemplative tone, Mokgojoa crafts a narrative that speaks to the unspoken tensions in personal connections. The poem's mood is introspective, inviting readers to consider the weight of silence and the power it holds over the heart and mind.

Afraid Of You

Original Submission by Oratile Mokgojoa

Afraid Of You

I think I might be afraid

of you,no not your hands, not

your voice, no, but the silent

weight you leave inside my chest.

It sounds crazy, I know. But

hear me out before you judge me

when you breathe,

it feels like knives sighing, feels

like thunder curled into my ears.

The way your gaze lingers, it

presses, an anvil on soft clay,

shapes me into something brittle,

something I was not before.

It's not you, not the skin

or smile, but the space between

your words-vast, echoing like

a canyon where shadows kneel.

And I find myself wary, find

myself holding breath, as if

your stillness might shatter me

with truths I have yet to name.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious platform celebrating literary excellence. It brings together poets and writers from diverse backgrounds, encouraging them to share their unique voices and perspectives. This competition is a testament to the power of words and the impact they have on our world.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Oratile Mokgojoa for sharing "Afraid Of You" with us in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Your compelling exploration of fear and silence adds depth to the rich tapestry of voices in this competition.

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.