I AM BECOMING - By Samkelisiwe Mngomezulu

Written By: Samkelisiwe Mngomezulu

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Samkelisiwe Mngomezulu presents "I AM BECOMING," a profound poem from her collection "Whispers That Heal," in the Poetry category of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This piece explores the theme of personal evolution, embodying the journey of self-discovery and resilience. Mngomezulu's work resonates with the universal quest for identity and fulfillment, capturing the essence of human growth and transformation.

About the Work

"I AM BECOMING" delves into themes of identity and transformation, portraying the journey of a woman evolving through life's challenges and triumphs. The poem's evocative imagery and reflective tone highlight the resilience inherent in personal growth. Mngomezulu artfully uses metaphors and vivid descriptions to illustrate the continuous journey of becoming, emphasizing the beauty of an unfinished life.

I AM BECOMING (from my Whispers That Heal collection)

Original Submission by Samkelisiwe Mngomezulu

I AM BECOMING

I was not born finished.

No one told the village

that a girl could carry tomorrow

in the small pocket of her ordinary.

I came from a dusty village

that knew the names of our bare feet,

from mornings that began

before the sun had made up its mind,

from a house where survival

was sometimes the only curriculum.

Still, I learned.

I learned that a small beginning

is not an apology.

That a desk can become a doorway.

That a borrowed opportunity

can become a road.

That a woman can enter a room

with no inheritance but only discipline

and leaves carrying new possibilities.

I have worn many names:

Daughter,

Wfe,

Mother,

Worker,

Dreamer,

the one who keeps the minutes

while history forgets

But beneath every name

there has been another name

quietly becoming:

Becoming.

Not louder.

Not shinier.

Not more acceptable.

Just MORE of myself.

I have failed at things I once swore would work.

I have watched plans collapse

without asking for my permission.

I have stood beside versions of me

that did not know what to do next.

And still,

the next version arrived.

Perhaps that is my inheritance:

not a straight road,

but the courage

to keep walking

when the map has gone missing.

So do not ask me

who I am

as if I am a completed sentence.

I am a verb.

I AM THE WOMAN

STILL BECOMING

And if tomorrow

finds me different,

let it.

Because some lives

are not meant

to be finished.

They are meant

to keep becoming.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, hosted by Hashtag Kalakar, celebrates diverse voices in poetry and creative writing. This prestigious event invites participants from around the world to share their unique perspectives and literary talents. It serves as a platform for both emerging and established writers to showcase their work and contribute to a global dialogue through the written word.

We extend our sincere gratitude to Samkelisiwe Mngomezulu for her inspiring contribution, "I AM BECOMING," to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her poetic exploration of self and growth enriches the tapestry of voices celebrated in this event. We look forward to witnessing her continued journey of becoming and creative expression.

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.