I Was Never The Problem - By Qaanita Surtie

Written By: Qaanita Surtie

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, Qaanita Surtie's poem "I Was Never The Problem" stands as a poignant reflection on the trials of school life and the journey to self-acceptance. This evocative piece, submitted under the poetry category, captures the emotional turmoil and eventual empowerment of a young girl navigating the complexities of friendship and identity. Surtie's work invites readers to reflect on their own experiences and the universal quest for belonging.

About the Work

Qaanita Surtie's "I Was Never The Problem" delves into the heart-wrenching realities of isolation and misunderstanding in a school environment. Through vivid imagery and heartfelt expression, the poem conveys a narrative of transformation and healing. The piece skillfully juxtaposes moments of despair with those of newfound joy and acceptance, ultimately delivering a powerful message about resilience and the importance of genuine connections.

I was never the problem

Original Submission by Qaanita Surtie

I Was Never The Problem

They said school would be the best years of my life,

A place of laughter,

of learning,

of light.

But my final year of primary school

Felt like a storm that never stopped raining.

It only took one child

To decide they didn't like me.

One whisper became another,

One cruel look became a hundred,

And suddenly I was the girl

Who always sat alone.

I had "friends"-

Or at least that's what they called themselves.

But friends don't watch you eat in silence.

Friends don't leave empty seats beside you.

Friends don't make you wonder

What terrible thing you did

When all you ever offered was kindness.

Every afternoon,

I walked through my front door

And fell into my mother's arms.

Tears asked the questions

My voice was too tired to speak.

"What did I do wrong?"

"Why don't they like me?"

"Why am I never enough?"

My mother held me close,

Even though she couldn't hold away the pain.

I know now

That every tear I cried

Was another crack in her heart.

Then life turned the page.

High school opened its doors,

And with it came people

Who saw me for who I truly was.

People who laughed with me,

Not at me.

People who saved me a seat

Without me having to ask.

Do I complain about school?

Of course I do.

You'll hear me grumble about homework,

Tests,

and early mornings.

But never because I am alone.

Now my laughter reaches home

Before my footsteps do.

My mother listens as I fill the house

With stories of lessons,

jokes,

and friends.

I see the relief in her smile,

The quiet joy in her eyes.

She no longer has to wonder

If her daughter survived another lonely day.

Instead,

she watches me bloom

Into the girl I was always meant to be.

Looking back,

I finally understand.

Their cruelty was never a mirror

Reflecting my worth.

It was a shadow

Cast by their own jealousy.

I was never too loud.

Never too quiet.

Never too strange.

Never too much.

I was never the problem.

Sometimes the hardest chapters

Teach us the truest lessons:

Not everyone will choose your heart,

But the right people always will.

And now,

I no longer measure my worth

By who leaves me out.

I measure it

By the friends who save me a place,

The laughter that fills my days,

The love waiting for me at home,

And the girl who finally knows-

She was more than enough all along.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar brings together voices from around the world to share their artistic expressions. This prestigious platform celebrates diverse narratives and themes, offering writers an opportunity to showcase their work to an international audience. Participants explore a wide range of human experiences through poetry, short stories, and creative essays.

We extend our gratitude to Qaanita Surtie for sharing her evocative poem "I Was Never The Problem" in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her words remind us of the transformative power of self-discovery and the strength found in true friendship. We look forward to following her continued journey in the world of poetry and creative writing.

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.