I Wanted to Be Loved - By Annisia Douglas

Written By: Annisia Douglas

Category: Poetry- Spoken words

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Annisia Douglas presents a soul-stirring piece titled "I Wanted to Be Loved" in the Poetry - Spoken Words category at the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This evocative work delves into the profound longing for love and acceptance, exploring themes of desire, vulnerability, and self-awareness. As part of this prestigious international event by Hashtag Kalakar, Annisia's contribution echoes the universal quest for genuine connection.

About the Work

"I Wanted to Be Loved" captures the essence of yearning and the human desire for unconditional love. Annisia Douglas's poetic expression is rich with emotional depth, using vivid imagery and poignant language to convey the complexities of a heart that seeks validation. The work explores the tension between real love and its illusions, inviting readers to reflect on their own experiences of love and acceptance.

I wanted to be loved

Original Submission by Annisia Douglas

I Wanted to Be Love Flowers on a stem

I Wanted to Be Love

I wanted to be love...

So...

Bad.

The idea of being wanted...

I...

Craved...

It.

I...

Yearned...

For it.

I was completely helpless for it.

My desire to be wanted

grew faster than wildfire in a dry canyon.

My longing

to be wrapped in the embrace of love,

fully immersed in its tender care.

Safe.

At peace.

I wanted,

so bad,

to be loved...

that I turned a blind eye

when it wasn't real.

I allowed it near me.

It held me.

Touched me.

Possessed me.

Owned me.

You see,

I wanted it to love me for me—

flaws and all.

I wanted all of it.

Holding hands.

Forehead kisses.

Long walks.

Hugs.

Lots...

of hugs.

I allowed something

that wasn't real

into my life.

I accepted it

as if it was.

I prayed for it.

For it to be mine.

For it to be kind.

For it to want me

as much as I wanted it.

But the love I found

wasn't the love I wanted.

In fact...

it wasn't even love at all.

It was lust.

A kind of love

that only wanted to

touch...

taste...

It felt every part of my body,

but not once

did it

truly

touch my heart.

I wanted so badly

to be chosen

that I changed who I was for it.

I became someone

who waited

for calls,

texts,

and validation.

I looked love

straight in the face

while it hurt me.

And I accepted it.

All because...

I...

wanted...

to be...

love.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a celebrated event that showcases diverse voices and creative expressions from around the world. It is a platform for writers and poets to share their unique perspectives and craft, fostering a vibrant community of literary talent. Participants contribute to a tapestry of global narratives, highlighting the power of words in connecting people across cultures.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Annisia Douglas for her moving submission, "I Wanted to Be Loved," in this year's Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition. Her work resonates deeply, touching on themes of longing and self-awareness. We are grateful for her contribution and look forward to seeing more of her poignant expressions 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.