Behind The Lens - By Siphosethu Thobela

Written By: Siphosethu Thobela

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Siphosethu Thobela captivates us with "Behind The Lens," a profound piece in the Poetry category of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This competition celebrates diverse voices from around the world, and Thobela's work is no exception with its exploration of identity and societal expectations. "Behind The Lens" invites readers to reflect on the pressures of modern life and the search for authenticity amidst a cacophony of external demands.

About the Work

"Behind The Lens" by Siphosethu Thobela delves into the complex interplay of identity and societal expectations. The poem weaves together a tapestry of imagery and questioning, challenging norms and probing the idea of self amidst external pressures. With a reflective tone, it portrays the struggle for authenticity and individuality in a world rife with contrasting demands and expectations. The work invites readers to ponder their own experiences of navigating societal pressures.

Behind The Lens

Original Submission by Siphosethu Thobela

Behind The Lens

The point is...there’s no point.

I’m not addressing just one thing.

In fact, who gets to decide if I wear a dress?

So what if I like my hair in a colour that isn’t black.

Does learning a foreign language make me less African?

Or if I straighten my coils?

Is there no ‘C’est la vie’ in Ubuntu?

Is the melanin on my skin too light to call me a natural beauty?

How much of ‘enough’ is enough to measure up?

"What's good for the goose is good for the gander," they said.

To Laugh this way. Chin up and smile like this.

Strut don’t walk. Shoulders up, don’t slouch.

Hold a book, but don’t know too much.

Don’t lead the conversation. Leave room for mystery.

Shoot your shot. Where’s your chaperone?

Go to school. Start a business.

Don’t be an artist -Picasso was a genius.

Are you on a diet? You should go on a diet.

Stand on your own. It takes a village.

Lend money. Watch how you spend.

Speak with elders. Play with kids.

You’re still young. Aren’t you a little old?

It’s never too late to start. Is that Father Time with your biological clock?

Don’t be yourself. Not when you look like so-and-so.

Travel the world. Start a family.

Trust no one. No man is an island.

Politely say 'please' and 'thank you.'

Assert yourself. ‘No’ is a complete sentence.

Know your roots. Is that incense?

Learn how to cook, but don’t experiment.

Order takeout but watch the calories.

Do you go to the gym?

You’re perfect just the way you are.

Wear make-up, make it look natural.

Wipe your front camera. Make it look candid.

I post a lot. I’m a showboat.

We never see you online. It’s like you’re a ghost.

I love love, but not right now.

Isn’t it too soon to drop the L-word?

There’s plenty of fish in the sea. Can you even use a fishing rod?

Secure the bag. Stay solo.

Chase memories - YOLO.

Put your phone down. They need to know where I've been.

I’m here if you need me. The subscriber you have dialled is not available at present.

Come let me pray for you. Girl! I have some hot tea to spill.

You look better when you smile. Can’t you take anything seriously?

Meet the family, but don’t commit.

I’ll lose followers if I go off script.

'Do as I say, not as I do.'

Why do they like my stories when they don’t even know me?

They want content not authenticity.

Maybe behind the curated OOTDs there’s more to the pretty picture with red hearts.

Well, I say point me to the chaos. That’s where the point may be.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar offers a platform for writers worldwide to share their unique voices. Fostering creativity across poetry, short stories, essays, and more, the competition celebrates the power of words and the diversity of human expression. Participants are given the opportunity to explore themes that resonate with them, showcasing their talent in a global arena.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Siphosethu Thobela for sharing "Behind The Lens" with us. This evocative poem is a significant contribution to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. We appreciate Thobela's insight and creativity, and we look forward to seeing more of their impactful 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.