Riddle Me - By Carina Wessels

Written By: Carina Wessels

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Carina Wessels presents "Riddle Me," a poignant piece in the Poetry category of Hashtag Kalakar's Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This poem offers a profound exploration of identity and self-reflection, weaving a narrative that resonates with introspection and emotional depth. The piece invites readers into the personal world of the poet, where themes of familial expectations and personal struggles take center stage.

About the Work

"Riddle Me" by Carina Wessels captivates with its evocative imagery and raw emotionality. The poem delves into the complexities of self-perception and familial relationships, delivering a narrative filled with introspection and vulnerability. Wessels masterfully uses metaphor and vivid imagery to convey a sense of longing and emotional struggle, creating a powerful connection with the reader.

Riddle Me

Original Submission by Carina Wessels

Riddle Me

Carina Wessels

My head is heavy

and my hands are small.

I have yet to reclaim my breath

from this unending fall.

I am the graveyard of my father’s dreams.

Not the desired end to my mother’s means.

And I have resigned to my death, it seems,

since well before my early teens.

I am uneasy, always,

and overwhelmed, most of the time.

I think that love is an evil

to which I am sickeningly inclined.

My nightmares are daydreams,

rather than shadows in the dark.

And my journal holds apologies

for any vulnerable remark.

My bed has seen more of me,

than any lover.

And my mirror has seen more of me,

than any friend.

Eventually, I will be found by my mother,

as she gapes at the bloody remnants

of my end.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, hosted by Hashtag Kalakar, is a prestigious event celebrating the diverse voices of writers from around the world. It provides a platform for participants to showcase their literary talents and share their unique perspectives through poetry and creative writing, fostering a global community of creative expression.

Thank you, Carina Wessels, for sharing your thought-provoking poem "Riddle Me" with us. Your participation in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 adds depth and diversity to the event. We appreciate your contribution and look forward to seeing more from you 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.