Need - By Carol A Wells

Written By: Carol A Wells

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, Carol A Wells presents her poignant poem titled "Need." As a participant in the poetry category, Carol explores themes of identity, fear, and spiritual awakening. Her work reflects on the internal struggles faced when one's identity is uncertain and how these battles can lead to self-doubt and destructive behaviors. The poem ultimately guides readers towards hope and redemption through faith, making it a compelling addition to the competition’s diverse collection of literary works.

About the Work

"Need" is a thought-provoking poem that delves into the tumultuous emotions stemming from an undefined identity. Carol A Wells captures the essence of insecurity and the resulting spiral into fear and addiction. Her vivid imagery and rhythmic verses highlight the destructive cycle of seeking solace in material or superficial pursuits. The poem conveys a powerful message of redemption and the transformative power of faith, offering readers a pathway to inner peace and spiritual fulfillment.

Need

Original Submission by Carol A Wells

iamtootsiewells27@gmail.com

Need

By Carol Ann Wells

When your identity is undefined and unsure,

you’ve no direction, no confidence, so insecure.

You’re left adrift, your life a raging, storm-tossed ocean,

eroding and twisting your thoughts and your emotions.

Lacking meaning or purpose, a reason, or a plan,

you’re left desperately floundering in search of dry land.

Until eventually, within your deepest core,

your fear becomes a putrid, foul, and festering sore

You fear change, fear the different, the strange, the unknown,

feel worthless, unlovable, incapable, alone.

All of this turmoil may cause an outpouring of hate,

the need to bully, browbeat, trod over, and berate.

Try to make yourself more by treating others as less,

viewing them with contempt and with prejudice.

You may seek worth, seek purpose, or an identity

through a false, grandiose, self-proclaimed supremacy;

your fear spewing outward, causing others affliction,

or

it may cause self-hatred, self-destruction, addiction.

You’re continually compelled to do what’s not right.

You are caught up in urges that you can’t seem to fight,

for things that give you a sweet, captivating delight

until you’re bound by an overwhelming appetite.

Seeking solace and comfort, you gulp from pleasure’s cup

to escape the pain, the fear you’ll never measure up.

You may need to gain fame, power, money, possessions

until seeking more of all four is an obsession.

And the father of lies will get inside of your head

He will convince you that you’ve needs that need to be fed

He will whisper,”You’re too weak. You cannot resist.

You’re worthless, you’re nothing, with no reason to exist.”

He will keep working on you with uncanny finesse

‘til you are trapped, chained, enslaved to the lusts of the flesh.

Is it cigarettes, porn, or illicit sex you crave

Or to drugs, alcohol, or to food you are enslaved?

Not just a habit, a disabling addiction

overpowers your will, overrides your convictions.

An overwhelming compulsion, you’re forced to concede.

You’re desperate to satisfy the unending need;

the gargantuan, way out-of-control need to feed.

Feed! Feed the need! Feed the need! Feed the need!

You’re bound in chains and enslaved, and you’re spiraling down,

You’re desperate for a way to break free to be found.

You will fail if you attempt to do it on your own.

You must accept and admit you can’t do it alone.

And before the fear and the need take a fatal toll,

lay your burden down at the cross and give God control.

Christ laid down his life, and made a way for you to be

a righteous child of God throughout all eternity.

So, if you choose to repent, follow Christ, and believe,

from death and God’s wrath you gain an eternal reprieve,

And, along with that, God will lovingly provide you

with the power of the Holy Spirit inside you.

So, when the fear and the need, and the father of lies

try to wound you and break you, and make you compromise,

You’ll defeat them with what you now know is true,

that you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.

And, with God as your father, you’re a child of the king.

You’re loved, and you’re blessed, and you can face down anything.

Don the armor of God every morning when you wake.

Seek his direction in all of the choices you make.

The word of God is sharper than any two-edged sword,

and you can defeat Satan with the words of the Lord.

Don’t be anxious, with thanksgiving, prayer and petition

make your requests to God and gain the acquisition

of the peace of God, the incomprehensible kind.

And that peace, in Christ Jesus, will guard your heart and mind.

With God’s guidance and strength, you can finally be freed

from the chains that have bound you to your fear and your need.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious event that celebrates the voices of writers and poets from around the world. It provides a platform for creative expression, allowing participants to share their unique perspectives and stories. The competition features a wide range of categories, including poetry, short stories, and essays, fostering a vibrant community of literary talent.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Carol A Wells for her contribution to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 with her moving poem "Need." Her exploration of identity and faith resonates deeply, offering a message of hope and transformation. We appreciate her participation and look forward to seeing how her work continues to inspire others.

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.