biracial/mixed/coloured/other - By Zoe-Lin Akkiah

Written By: Zoe-Lin Akkiah

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

We are honored to feature Zoe-Lin Akkiah's poignant poem, "biracial/mixed/coloured/other," submitted under her writing name biracial/mixed/coloured/other, in the Poetry category of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This evocative piece invites readers to explore themes of identity, heritage, and self-discovery, offering a deeply personal reflection on navigating cultural complexities.

About the Work

Zoe-Lin Akkiah's poem delves into the intricacies of racial identity and cultural heritage. Through rich imagery and a compelling narrative voice, the poem explores the tension between personal history and societal expectations. It reflects on the struggle of defining oneself beyond imposed categories, offering a stirring commentary on belonging and language.

biracial/mixed/coloured/other

Original Submission by Zoe-Lin Akkiah

biracial/mixed/coloured/other Zoё-Lin Akkiah

my history defined by boxes of options

to balance out the racial ratio to satisfy an unstable system

and yet i am a lotus

plucked from a village in south india

i do not know where i’m from but i know where I’m going, and that should be enough aboard to natalia, a better life i shall find

to farming cotton and sugar, enslaved for life i blossomed into a cane-cutter

a peace-maker

a freedom-fighter

let my daughters know a better life, let my story light their way forward as for my people, our mother tongue has been lost to time and anglicised still, we greet the day as an old friend and rise to the rhythm of the african sun the greeting of a shongololo my blessing

each step i take echoes among a thousand hills

see, my ancestors know i carry the blood of warriors

“Ngcolosi! Wena wakwaDlabazane, kaNgwane, kaNephu, kaLamula…”

and yet i feel lost. who are my people?

what is my story? and why do i have to tell it in another man’s language?

do not give me a title

and define me by your options and boxes

how dare you erase my history, simply because you do not understand it.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious platform celebrating the diverse voices of writers worldwide. It encourages participants to express their creativity and share their stories in poetry, short stories, and essays, fostering a global dialogue through literature.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Zoe-Lin Akkiah for sharing her powerful poem, "biracial/mixed/coloured/other," with us. Her contribution to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 adds a meaningful perspective to this vibrant literary showcase.

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.