I Became a Thief for Buying Ponmo - By Dorathy Oluku

Written By: Dorathy Oluku

Category: Short story

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Dive into the witty narrative world of Dorathy Oluku with her short story "I Became a Thief for Buying Ponmo." As part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, this piece showcases the unpredictable dynamics of a bustling market. With humor and insight, Dorathy paints a vivid picture of a seemingly ordinary day turned extraordinary for her spirited protagonist.

About the Work

Dorathy Oluku's story captures the essence of market life through a humorous lens. The protagonist's quest for the perfect ponmo highlights the cultural significance of food in everyday interactions. The narrative is rich with vivid imagery and a conversational tone that draws readers into the lively marketplace. Themes of misunderstanding and societal expectations are cleverly woven into this engaging tale.

I became a thief for buying Ponmo

Original Submission by Dorathy Oluku

I Became a Thief for Buying Ponmo

Oluku Nkem Dorathy

Nickname: Alërãh

You saw that right .ponmo

Not to be rude, there are people that just won't progress from where they are. Because explain to me why I would give you ponmo I stole.

So the story begins,

It was a bright afternoon and I was already pissy and I was hungry

So I went to the market and bought some of my ingredients that I wanted to use So I thought to myself " i perish, I perish, I need to buy plenty ponmo",

So I walked into the market and I was looking for where to get a sexy ponmo and it was as if that day was against me because ponmo, e no dey.

So I kept on walking, opening my hungry eyes to search for ponmo, and lo and behold, I found, my insides skipped for joy.

So I walked up to this woman and you know the usuals, asking and telling what we want, Sha Sha, norms.

I told her I wanted #100 ponmo for #1000 she then told me to pick from one side and I did, and I was surprised all the ponmo looked too sexy to be #100 but I kept picking and I gave it to her.

People, I gave it to her oo, I gave her ooo

Immediately the woman saw the ponmo, Omo all hell broke loose. She just eyed me and called me a thief.

She flinged the ponmo and called me broke, I first looked at her jaga jaga shop and I look at the jaga jaga woman.

This woman was still throwing tantrums ooo, Omo it's not my fault that your ponmo was scattered and I saw a sexy ponmo na

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Mama no gree hear ooo, na so she start to dey pack the ponmo ooo, na there my own madness start, I told her to unpack it, that I don't need it, she started doing as if I was toasting her on top ponmo wey no sexy.

She forced the ponmo on me ooo, me sef fling am, mama shock, I looked at her over bleached face and told her that if I wanted to steal your ponmo, I wouldn't still be here.

This is why some market women can't progress and they will wonder who is hindering their progress.

Or guys, should I still have collected the ponmo after being called a thief?

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About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar celebrates diverse voices and creative expression. Writers from all over the world participate, sharing unique stories and poems that capture the human experience. This competition is a platform for both emerging and established writers to showcase their talent and creativity.

Thank you, Dorathy Oluku, for sharing your delightful short story, "I Became a Thief for Buying Ponmo," with us. Your contribution to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 adds a vibrant and humorous perspective to the collection. We appreciate your storytelling prowess and look forward to more from you in the future.

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.