Conceptualize - By Sello Lulamile Letsosa

Written By: Sello Lulamile Letsosa

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Presenting "Conceptualize" by Sello Lulamile Letsosa, a thought-provoking poem submitted in the Poetry category of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This piece invites readers into a world where societal norms and personal emotions intertwine, challenging the audience to engage deeply with its themes. The competition, hosted by Hashtag Kalakar, celebrates diverse voices in poetry and creative writing from around the globe.

About the Work

"Conceptualize" is an evocative exploration of societal disparities and personal introspection. Sello Lulamile Letsosa uses vivid imagery and compelling language to dissect themes of inequality, cultural loss, and personal grief. The poem's performance edition style adds an extra layer of intensity, urging the audience to feel rather than merely understand. It is a powerful call to action, encouraging readers to confront uncomfortable truths.

Conceptualize

Original Submission by Sello Lulamile Letsosa

CONCEPTUALIZE

(PERFORMANCE EDITION)

I beg of you to;

Listen to contextualize not conceptualize my shit as deep

I plead you to compartmentalize my lines emotions as bittersweet

Phrases seem so overrated because we overstate them, so we feel less weak

Well I’m here to retrieve back the emotion in them, fight the weakness syndrome, face our fears for real

“Life’s not fair”

I mean I know you know that, but Life Is Not Fair

I’m not educated politically, I love my sleep, I love being cordial to the pale

As I’m vacationing in Cpt, they’re tanning on the beach, meanwhile I’m fussing over my day’s pay cut

Tuesday morning I see white women jogging, walking dogs while we’re earning our incomes Rejected CVs by their husbands, regime paid abundantly they’re rolling in sums…

Of dough, while their closings their doors on the poor, they will open their, we’ll be mowing their lawns, kids are shutting their drapes, cleaner offers us water…

Make barely enough to go home.

Now culture is born.

It breaks my heart seeing black women in malls, with Armani shoes on, walking on wet floors currently being mopped to feed black homes

Implies to me that they’ve forgotten the shoe aches on their backs caused by their moms for walking on wet kitchen floors in their own homes

Now culture is lost.

I beg you to conceptualize not contextualize my shit as deep

I plead you compartmentalize my lines emotion as bitter-sweet

“Life goes on”

Pardon my French, but the bitch is gone just move on

Oh no no no I’m not referring to the man I saw with his baby girl and son having mournful lunch on Mother’s Day

As he smiled at their laughs, his eyes couldn’t hide the gut-wrenching punch of not being able to share this moment with his Love

I imagine him on dates apologetic as he claims, he recognizes every sentence that he spews contains her name…

For he has no life without her, living on has him dismayed, so I don’t fuss over break-ups for my chance at love still prevails

Life goes on is not what he wants to hear

Because life used to be a venture he approached with gleeful cheers

Through make-up smears that made them late for church

To having drinks with friends whilst playing musical chairs

Now every burger from Steers brings upon tears, recalling pissed off reactions from barbeque sauce stains

Without fails on Wednesdays it was her favorite place to be

Not because the food was great, but it was in keeping of a tradition with me

Sello Lulamile Letsosa

Artist name: Stroya

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious platform that showcases the talents of writers worldwide. It offers a space for poets and creative writers to share their unique perspectives and stories, fostering a global community of artistic expression.

We extend our deepest gratitude to Sello Lulamile Letsosa for sharing "Conceptualize" with us. This compelling piece enriches the tapestry of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. We appreciate Sello's contribution and look forward to witnessing their continued impact in the world of poetry.

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.