My mom's diary - By Thando

Written By: Thando

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the evocative poem "My mom's diary," Thando invites readers into a deeply personal exploration of familial connections and self-discovery. Submitted to the prestigious Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, this work delves into the complexities of understanding one's lineage and the echoes of past relationships. Thando's poetic journey is a testament to the enduring impact of personal histories and the search for identity within family narratives.

About the Work

Thando's poem weaves a tapestry of introspection and revelation, examining the delicate threads of maternal relationships. Through vivid imagery and poignant reflections, the poem captures the juxtaposition of regret and understanding, set against the backdrop of a discovered diary. The narrative style fosters a sense of intimacy, allowing readers to journey alongside the poet in uncovering familial truths and reconciling past and present emotions.

My mom's diary

Original Submission by Thando

My mom’s diary

I found my mom’s diary the other day

And because we had never connected I flipped through her pages looking for a plug point.

I found it on page 21-

After the friendship breakups and mean girl drama-

I read about the relationships that only ever had real hope in between the lines of 2am,

because 2am never tells.

The next couple of entries hurt the most

because I read about her regrets…

all of them personal…

most of them about me…

I read about how she left the boy she loved but kept a part of him in the hope that he would choose to come back to her -

he never did,

not the version she knew anyway.

This version was meaner, scarier; she felt caged.

I flipped back and forth between the chapters of great success and crippling self-doubt and found entries that seemed all too similar to my own.

She spoke of a woman who was hard

Too stern

Too strict

There seemed to be pressure there.

She spoke of a woman who chose God-give duty over her.

A woman she just wanted to be enveloped by.

After fresh tears aligned themselves perfectly with the old ones staining the pages it dawned on me that I knew her.

This mystery woman.

I know her.

She is the only woman whose warmth had only ever lit me on fire.

She was my sunrise and my sunset

And she made up the ventricles of my heart.

She was the one I had always compared my mother to…

The woman in the pages that made my mother seem almost relatable, was the woman I called my grandmother.

But how could that be?

And how do I begin to face both of them now that I’ve read my mom’s diary?

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, hosted by Hashtag Kalakar, celebrates the art of storytelling through poetry and creative writing. This esteemed competition provides a platform for writers to share their unique voices and narratives with a global audience. The event highlights the power of words in capturing the human experience, fostering a community of passionate writers and poets.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Thando for participating in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 with "My mom's diary." Your poignant exploration of family and self-discovery enriches the tapestry of voices in this international event. We appreciate your contribution and look forward to witnessing your continued journey in the world of poetry.

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.