Just Another Girl On A Bus - By Tharushi Pathirana

Written By: Tharushi Pathirana

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, Tharushi Pathirana presents "Just Another Girl On A Bus," a powerful poem that delves into the unsettling experiences of vulnerability and apprehension faced by women in public spaces. Written under the name Just Another Girl On A Bus, this poignant piece of poetry captures the reader's attention with its raw emotion and evocative imagery, making it a notable contribution to the competition.

About the Work

"Just Another Girl On A Bus" addresses the pervasive theme of feeling unsafe in public spaces. Tharushi Pathirana's poem uses a narrative style to explore the internal conflict and societal pressures faced by women. The imagery of a crowded bus serves as a metaphor for the broader issues of gender and safety. The poem's candid tone and emotive language highlight the internal struggle between fear and doubt, making it both impactful and thought-provoking.

Just Another Girl On A Bus

Original Submission by Tharushi Pathirana

Just Another Girl On A Bus

I push your hand away,

It doesn’t move

I not sure if I should ask for help-

I don’t know if you mean harm

I can’t assume;

No one would believe it,

“It’s the way they look

Don’t judge them by appearance”

“You can’t feel unsafe with everyone,

They aren’t all bad!”

But what if they are,

What if this one; with the hand

Is just like the ones before?

The ones on the buses,

Crowding behind small girls,

Where others turn away

Because they are men;

And men have needs,

They can’t resist

So we exist, to deliver.

* Tharushi Pathirana

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious platform celebrating the art of writing from around the world. This competition embraces a diverse range of voices and styles, showcasing the creativity and depth of talented writers. It provides an opportunity for poets and writers to share their work with a global audience, fostering a community of literary enthusiasts.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Tharushi Pathirana for sharing "Just Another Girl On A Bus" in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This poem's thought-provoking exploration of personal and societal themes is a valuable addition to the competition. We appreciate Tharushi's contribution and look forward to more insightful works 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.