Rape Tape - By Thobani Mtshali
Written By: Thobani Mtshali
Category: Poetry
Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026
Thobani Mtshali presents a compelling piece titled "Rape Tape" in the Poetry category for the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This work delves into the profound and harrowing experiences of those who have suffered violations, presenting a narrative that is both raw and evocative. With its roots in real-life stories, the poem is a powerful testament to the strength and resilience of victims.
About the Work
"Rape Tape" by Thobani Mtshali tackles the intense themes of love, betrayal, and violation. The poem's narrative style intricately weaves a tale of trust shattered by violence, encapsulating the emotional turmoil and isolation experienced by the protagonist. Vivid imagery and a haunting atmosphere underscore the poem's message, inviting readers to reflect on the profound impact of such life-altering events.
Rape Tape
Original Submission by Thobani Mtshali
Rape. Tape.
“Rape. Tape.” (29 September 2018) (7:51pm)
😧😭😧😥😧😭😥😧
[This is a fiction poem based on true stories that victims of rape tell every time when talking about their horrible experience. It's in a female version.]
😞 😢 >>>>>>>>Rape Tape<<<<<<<< 😢 😞
It was all because of love.
I remember. I remember everything,
Every word he said, every movement he did,
Every touch of that day like it was yesterday
Or a second ago.
I remember myself loving him.
I remember myself caring for him.
I do recall myself being fooled by him,
Being looted & controlled by my feelings for him.
I remember it like it was yesterday.
He came to my life with his sweet little lies,
Causing me to blush to the thought of him.
I remember, I loved him too deeply in the way
That I myself no longer existed to the heart of I.
I thought I had found the one.
I thought I had found my soul keeper,
I thought I had found my soul snatcher,
My Darling, my love, my forever, my everything.
I prayed, prayed, prayed several times everyday,
Praying that I never lose him because of someone else.
I prayed for the Angels to shield our relationship,
For in me it was a complete high. I felt like in heaven,
I mean Paradise where nobody mattered.
First time when he asked for sex, I denied,
And by his sweetness he said he understood,
He said he wasn't planning for that anyways,
He said he didn't even know what got to his mind,
And by those words I knew I had found the one,
The one who don't force me to do, but understand
What I do and why I do it without questioning me.
Weeks passed, days passed and he asked for it again,
“I thought you said you understand…” I said.
He said, “I'm tired of understanding. Why everytime
Do I have to be the one who always understands you.!?”
And those words touched my midpoint. It all came back
To me, I thought he was right for I had always been the one
With excuses in our relationship and nevertheless did he.
I decided to do it, do it without my friend's knowledge,
For my friends were a different kind, they would've ceased me.
I remember I called him to check if I could come over,
Luckily, he was home alone. No parents. No rules.
No one, just the two of us. In my handbag I had this
Old journalist's tape, pads, cosmetics but no condom.
I entered his house, so big you'd call it a mansion.
So quiet you'd hear every motion.
With the smell of water from the ocean,
I swear if I knew I'd feed him love potion.
He poured me juice and offered me muffins, I said No.
He understood. I saw it in him.
I took just a gulp instead of sips of the juice.
After that I felt dizzy but ignored that fact.
I requested for a refill, he refilled.
We sat on a sofa and watched a movie.
But at that time it seemed like the movie
Ended up watching us, watching us kissing,
Until he said, “Boo, let me show you my room.”
We went to his room, God it was dope.
Still in my bag I didn't turn off the tape.
I had it so to record my moments with him.
For my heart was so addicted to him.
We looked at each other, this time he was the
One leading me, kissing me, controlling me.
I allowed him, for I felt love at the moment.
I felt love by every movement.
We paused for a moment, he asked
Me if I was ready, I agreed, he touched me I
Agreed, even though my body was shaking
At this strange feeling. I was still a virgin.
I was still pure, still my Mom's genuine gold.
Still daddy's girl but still his girlfriend.
He romanced me but still my mind was all over.
I just wished the whole thing could just be over.
I just felt like saying, “Game over.”
He continued... He continued until I said STOP.
He continued, I said STOP. He entered his penis
In my vagina, blood in my thighs, I said STOP again…
This time with tears watering his pillows, he didn't listen.
I shouted, “STOP” with my eyes blur visioned because of
The tears in their millions, but he kept on doing it.
He kept on pushing & pulling, putting it.
I knew he wasn't gonna stop. I tried to push him
But he forced himself on me, he overpowered me.
I just lied there until I felt like enjoying the feeling
Then he stopped.
I went home feeling dirty, first thing I did was to
Shower with my clothes on. I stayed in the shower
For hours shaking, crying, thinking & regretting.
Days passed he didn't call.
Days passed he never messaged.
At that time I was still feeling dirty
But guilty for not giving him what he expected.
I was not myself anymore.
I couldn't even pray.
I couldn't even play.
I couldn't even spray
Spray myself for I felt dirty.
I remember that day.
My tape was the only evidence.
It has recorded all this horribleness.
It has recorded all this evilness.
It has recorded all this filthiness.
It reminded me of that moment.
I felt the world on my shoulder.
I felt the Lord leaving me.
I felt myself not existing.
Until now I never said this to anyone.
Even now I still feel dirty,
With no one to feel me pity.
The tape is the only reminder,
But who'll help me.
Who can believe me.
I never said a word about him.
I never said anything about him,
Even my friends never knew him.
Rape Tape is the only reminder about him.
I curse the day we met.
I curse the promises he made.
I curse him...
The only thing that I hold on to is my tape.
Rape Tape, it plays to remind me the pain.
About the Competition
The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, hosted by Hashtag Kalakar, is a prestigious platform celebrating the art of words. Bringing together writers from around the globe, the competition showcases diverse voices and stories that resonate with universal themes. It aims to inspire creativity and offer a space for poignant narratives and poetic expressions.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Thobani Mtshali for sharing the evocative poem "Rape Tape" with us in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Your bravery in addressing such a vital topic is commendable, and your words have deeply moved us. Thank you for contributing to this meaningful dialogue through your powerful storytelling.
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.
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