Evidence - By Sophia Houlihan

Written By: Sophia Houlihan

Category: poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, Sophia Houlihan, writing under the name "evidence," presents her profound and introspective poem, "Evidence." As a participant in the poetry category, Sophia delves into themes of self-doubt and identity, capturing the reader's attention with her evocative use of language. This competition is a platform where writers from around the world share their stories, and Sophia's contribution stands out for its emotional depth and honesty.

About the Work

"Evidence" explores the internal struggle of self-perception and the haunting quest for understanding one's vulnerabilities. The poem navigates through emotions of doubt and introspection, revealing the narrator's journey towards self-acceptance. With intense imagery and a poignant tone, Sophia Houlihan crafts a narrative that resonates deeply, inviting readers to reflect on their own experiences and perceptions of self-worth.

evidence

Original Submission by Sophia Houlihan

Evidence

I don't think people understand.

It isn't that I think

he ruined me.

It's that I keep wondering

what it was about me

that made him think

he could.

People say,

"It could have happened to anyone."

But it didn't.

It happened to me.

And somehow

that feels like evidence.

Like there was something

written across my skin

that I couldn't read,

but he could.

Some sign that said,

"This one won't fight hard enough."

"This one already thinks

she deserves less."

Maybe I looked too small.

Too quiet.

Too eager

to be liked.

Maybe I laughed too much.

Maybe I froze too quickly.

Maybe...

maybe there has always been

something about me

that invites breaking.

I know what everyone says.

I know the speeches.

I could recite them myself.

"It wasn't your fault."

But those words

have never managed

to drown out the quieter voice.

The one that asks,

Why you?

Over.

And over.

And over again.

I stopped wearing

certain clothes.

Not because they remind me.

Because they accuse me.

I stopped looking people

in the eye.

Because I am convinced

that if they stare

for long enough,

they'll see it.

Not what happened.

What it says about me.

I walk into rooms

already apologising.

Already trying

to make myself smaller.

Already trying

to prove

that I'm not as difficult

or complicated

or damaged

as I'm afraid I am.

Loving me

must feel

like buying something

with a crack running through it.

You tell yourself

it's barely noticeable.

Until one day

the whole thing

splits open in your hands.

I keep waiting

for the people I love

to realise

that they could have found

someone...

cleaner.

Someone whose touch

doesn't come

with flashbacks.

Someone who doesn't

go quiet

for reasons

she can't explain.

Someone who isn't

constantly measuring

how much of herself

is too much.

So I become

whoever they need.

Easy.

Funny.

Low maintenance.

Because if I can make myself

small enough,

useful enough,

forgettable enough,

maybe they won't notice

the parts of me

I spend every day

trying to scrub away.

And that's the worst joke

my mind ever played on me.

Not that I believe

what he did defines me.

But that somewhere,

deep beneath reason,

I still believe

he chose me

because he saw

what I spend every waking day

trying to hide—

that there was something

wrong with me first.

So every morning

I stand in front of the mirror,

looking for proof.

Looking for the flaw.

The crack.

The thing that made me

the obvious choice.

I never find it.

And somehow...

that doesn't stop me

from believing

it's there.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar celebrates the diverse voices of writers worldwide. This esteemed competition provides a platform for poets and authors to showcase their creativity and storytelling prowess. While it brings together a community of literary enthusiasts, it also fosters a spirit of artistic expression and innovation, contributing to the global literary landscape.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Sophia Houlihan for her powerful poem, "Evidence." Her participation in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 adds a vital voice to the conversation about identity and self-perception. We appreciate her courage and artistry in sharing such a personal and compelling piece with 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.