Can you hear the cry of a broken heart - By Dorathy Oluku

Written By: Dorathy Oluku

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In her deeply moving poem, "Can you hear the cry of a broken heart," Dorathy Oluku, also known as Alërãh, delves into the profound emotions of pain and resilience. As a participant in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar, Oluku's work echoes the theme of enduring life's hardships while seeking solace and strength. Her poignant words invite readers worldwide to witness the raw and unfiltered cry of the human heart, particularly when faced with life's relentless challenges.

About the Work

Dorathy Oluku's poem explores the depths of sorrow and frustration, capturing the internal battle against life's unfairness. Her evocative language and vivid imagery convey a powerful message of resilience and hope, even amidst overwhelming pain. The reflective tone and contemplative style invite readers to connect with the universal struggle for happiness and peace, reminding them of the strength found in vulnerability and faith.

Can you hear the cry of a broken heart

Original Submission by Dorathy Oluku

Can You Hear the Cry of a Broken Heart?

Oluku Nkem Dorathy

Nickname: Alërãh

Why does life have to be so unfair to me?

I know I have some traits that aren’t so good, but it’s not that bad. I don’t do anything to anyone that must be regretted. I have no reason to hate anyone, so why does it feel like life itself hates the fact that I can be happy? As though my happiness is something forbidden, something life cannot stand to see me hold for too long.

Any little happiness I manage to find, life strips it away like it is theirs to take. Like joy is only something I am allowed to visit, never own. And sometimes I sit and wonder if, in my past life, I must have offended life itself for it to treat me this way. It sounds ridiculous, I know, but pain has a way of making even the wildest thoughts feel reasonable.

Why must life be this unfair, this painful, this sorrowful? Why must I simply accept whatever it decides to throw at me as though I have no say in what breaks me? People always say, that’s how life is, as though those words are enough to explain away heartbreak, disappointment, and the exhaustion of constantly rebuilding yourself from ruins you did not create. As though saying it somehow makes the pain lighter or easier to carry.

But I refuse.

I refuse to just accept life as ugly, sad, and annoying. If you are trying to break me, life, then jokes on you, because I will stand again. Maybe not immediately, maybe not without scars, but I will. I refuse to let pain have the final say over me.

Still, I am tired.

Tired of carrying things I cannot say out loud. Tired of explaining wounds that do not have language. Tired of searching for peace in places and people that

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cannot seem to offer it. Right now, I need my peace, and humans are really not the answer.

So I turn to the only place left to turn.

God, I hope You are seeing. I hope You are seeing the tears of a broken heart. I hope You have not turned Your face from me, and I hope You are hearing me.

Can You hear the cry of a broken heart?

Can You hear the silent ache hidden behind strength, behind composure, behind the version of me people think is doing just fine?

Let it not be that You have shut Your ears because I am disturbing You. Listen, and listen well. See what life has decided to do to Your baby. See this heart trying not to collapse under the weight of things it cannot understand.

I place it all in Your hands, Lord, because if not You, who else?

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About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar celebrates the diversity and richness of voices from around the world. This prestigious event provides a platform for poets and writers to share their unique perspectives and creative expressions. With an emphasis on originality and emotional depth, the competition aims to connect artists and audiences, fostering a global community of literary enthusiasts.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Dorathy Oluku for her submission, "Can you hear the cry of a broken heart," to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her poignant exploration of life's challenges and the quest for inner peace resonates deeply. We appreciate her courage in sharing such a personal and powerful piece with us and the world.

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.