Dwelms (Drugs) - By Nicole Rodrigues Bothma

Written By: Nicole Rodrigues Bothma

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Discover the evocative poem "Dwelms" by Nicole Rodrigues Bothma, a poignant entry in the Poetry category of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Through her work, Bothma explores the challenging theme of addiction, deftly capturing the raw emotions and inner turmoil that accompany this struggle.

About the Work

"Dwelms" delves into the despair and heartbreak of addiction, capturing a haunting narrative through vivid imagery and emotional depth. The poem's rhythm and repetition underscore the relentless cycle faced by those battling dependency, and its stark honesty leaves a lasting impression.

Dwelms (Drugs)

Original Submission by Nicole Rodrigues Bothma

Nicole Rodrigues Bothma

Entry 4

Dwelms…

Begging. Pleading. Crying.

I’m tired of watching him dying,

She’s crying again

Calling my name

Only myself to blame

Sighing, heaving, wailing

I’m tired of watching him failing

Sadness. Anger. Pain.

That’s why I’m doing it again

Fist clenched

Forehead drenched

Suffocating from his stench

Close my fists

Thinking of all the highs I’ve missed

I’m really not “better than this”

His skin wrought and weathered

Trust broken and severed

He just threw away those 90 days he said he treasured

Fire running through my veins

Letting go of all that pain

What a waste of 90 days

Head tilted back

Body becoming slack

Drooling like a maniac

Head against the wall

Finally, I’m in free fall

Big H, making me forget it all

Heart breakin’

Hands shakin’

I’ll never be able to save him

Her heart breaking

Her voice shaking

“This is a mistake I can’t keep watching you making”

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious platform celebrating the power of the written word. It gathers talented writers and poets worldwide, offering them a stage to express their creativity and share unique stories and experiences.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Nicole Rodrigues Bothma for sharing her powerful poem "Dwelms" in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her vivid portrayal of addiction's challenges resonates deeply, and we appreciate her contribution to this meaningful discourse.

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.