I Want Everything That Isn't Mine - By Liza van Niekerk

Written By: Liza van Niekerk

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

We are pleased to feature Liza van Niekerk's poignant poem "I Want Everything That Isn't Mine" as part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This powerful entry falls under the Poetry category, inviting readers on a reflective journey through themes of self-identity and the relentless pursuit of unattainable ideals. Liza's work resonates deeply with anyone who has ever grappled with the desire for transformation and the struggle for self-acceptance.

About the Work

Liza van Niekerk's "I Want Everything That Isn't Mine" delves into the complex emotions surrounding self-perception and societal expectations. The poem's mood is introspective and yearning, as it artfully weaves imagery of mirrors, angles, and battles with poignant literary style. Through evocative language, Liza explores the conflict between external pressures and internal acceptance, framing a narrative that is both personal and universally relatable.

I want everything that isn't mine

Original Submission by Liza van Niekerk

i want everything that isn’t mine

i want everything that isn’t mine,

a smaller waist,

a sharper spine,

bones that don’t apologize

for crossing every line.

i want a mirror

that lies better,

that edits me

like a cruel director,

cutting every flaw

and calling it clever.

i want to be everything

they adore,

a collection of angles

that open every door,

not this soft rebellion

they choose to ignore.

i study myself

like a problem to fix,

pinch, measure,

rewrite, remix,

turning flesh into numbers,

into patterns and tricks.

i want hunger

to feel like control,

not a quiet war

that eats me whole,

not a fragile illusion

disguised as a goal.

i want silence

where the noise lives,

where every glance

doesn’t take, just gives,

where i’m not reduced

to what my body is.

________________

i want to be wanted

without conditions,

without shrinking,

without permissions,

not traded in pieces

for passing admissions.

but instead

i become inventory,

a body reduced

to a cautionary story,

every flaw magnified

instead of glory.

this thigh — too heavy,

this stomach — too loud,

this reflection stands

like a hostile crowd,

never enough

to make me proud.

and still,

i chase it,

every standard

i’ll never fit,

breaking myself

just to counterfeit.

because they taught me

perfection’s a chase,

a moving target

i’m meant to replace,

while losing myself

just to keep up the pace.

so i do,

i carve myself thin,

through quiet battles

i never win,

wearing my damage

like second skin.

because no matter

what i lose,

what i starve,

what i bruise,

i’m still the body

i learn to abuse.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious platform celebrating diverse voices from around the world. It provides poets and writers an opportunity to express their creativity and share their unique perspectives with a global audience. This competition stands as a testament to the power of words and the enduring impact of literature.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Liza van Niekerk for sharing "I Want Everything That Isn't Mine" with us in this year's competition. Your words have added a rich layer to the tapestry of voices in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Your exploration of identity and self-reflection is both moving and thought-provoking.

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.