Something You Can't Escape - By Nicole Rodrigues Bothma

Written By: Nicole Rodrigues Bothma

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

We are pleased to feature "Something You Can't Escape," a poignant piece by Nicole Rodrigues Bothma in the Poetry category of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This powerful composition delves into the pervasive nature of past traumas and their lingering impact on one's present. It resonates with anyone who has felt the enduring grip of memories that refuse to fade, highlighting the universal struggle of confronting and coexisting with one's past.

About the Work

Nicole Rodrigues Bothma's "Something You Can't Escape" is a deeply introspective work, exploring themes of trauma and memory. The poem's tone is somber, yet it carries an undercurrent of resilience. It paints vivid images of a once-idealized home now overshadowed by past burdens. Through raw and honest language, the poem captures the inescapability of certain life experiences, emphasizing their lasting influence. This work invites readers to reflect on their own histories and the ubiquitous nature of personal scars.

Something you can't escape

Original Submission by Nicole Rodrigues Bothma

Nicole Rodrigues Bothma

Entry 5

Something You Can’t Escape

I used to daydream for hours

Of home that was filled with light

A home overflowing with laughter

One where the atmosphere was never tight

One where footsteps weren’t heavy

Where doors were never slammed

Where a mistake was really just that

Where you weren’t petrified of being damned

One where loudness

Really was just a sound

Not something that made you tremble

Or wish for hallowed ground

One where you looked back fondly

Almost with a sense of yearning

Instead now, you have heart palpitations

And a bucket load of memories worth nothing more than burning

2026 and the world has become so woke

Everyone suddenly has triggers

No idea of what trauma really is

Just a bunch of attention-seeking figures

40 years have passed

And still, one sudden movement could knock this train off track

It doesn’t matter how far you’ve come

The memories will always drag you back

Sometimes you’ll wear it well

Mostly, you’ll conceal it far from sight

But this is your verity, the thing you can’t escape -

As sure as the day is followed by the night

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar celebrates diverse voices in the literary world. It is a platform for writers and poets to share their unique stories and creative expressions. This esteemed competition aims to foster a rich tapestry of global narratives, encouraging participants to explore and articulate their innermost thoughts and experiences through the written word.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Nicole Rodrigues Bothma for her compelling contribution, "Something You Can't Escape," to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her poem offers a profound exploration of memory and trauma. We are grateful for her participation and wish her continued success on her creative journey.

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.