The Beaut on Dialysis - By Tenille Petersen

Written By: Tenille Petersen

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the poignant and insightful poem "The Beaut on Dialysis," Tenille Petersen takes readers on a journey of self-discovery and acceptance. As part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, this work explores themes of identity and resilience. Through her evocative writing, Petersen delves into the complexities of living with a condition that challenges societal norms of beauty and normalcy, offering a deeply personal perspective that resonates universally.

About the Work

Tenille Petersen's poem is a profound exploration of self-worth and the pursuit of genuine love amidst personal challenges. The work is marked by introspective reflections and vivid imagery, capturing the essence of internal struggles versus external perceptions. With an honest and lyrical style, Petersen invites readers to reflect on the superficial judgments of society and the deeper truths that lie beneath the surface.

The Beaut on Dialysis

Original Submission by Tenille Petersen

Having dealt with an insecure part of being a woman with my condition and finding genuine love…

For many years of my life, I found myself in a position

Questioning what I can do to better myself in various aspects of life and

Just who I was at large.

Keeping at the back of my mind,

That I was no normal human being and

"That" obviously coming at a level of self-acceptance.

All you see externally might excite you in ways you may fail to express.

Behind whatever you see,

Lies something far greater than just the tip of an ice-berg looking all polished.

All this beauty has walked ridiculous miles and

Catching up would only be an attempt waiting patiently to fail.

So many self-posing questions,

Trying to fathom ways that would make sense to something

Displayed in a rather false wrapper.

So many choose to allow the external part of life to

Have a seat at a table where blindness to the inner soul

Is not even seen or spoken about.

The meeting of the opposite sex gives off a thrilling feeling,

Especially when the mind is exposed.

Getting to know you at first is exciting.

Weeks spent communicating and

As time goes by,

Sharing the story behind what makes me, Me.

In total awe or shock if you may...

The exciting chats we had now start fading and

Your name in my contacts become less visible.

To your disappointment,

Due to your own expectations being ridiculously high.

You somehow figure that all those smiles and

External beauty is accompanied by a weight very foreign to many.

A weight very few can bare.

Communicating with you in the beginning,

I knew would only last a while.

I cannot blame you

Because lack of knowledge plays a role and In most cases,

Allows you to lose precious things you could have made a little effort to learn more about.

This journey has taught me that as human beings,

We tend to create this perfect life,

A perfect partner in our minds when there are really no such things.

I believe everyone has a story to tell.

For this reason, I chose to keep to myself and

Not give of myself in any way that is not pleasing to the heart.

It took me many years to accept that I am just a different kind of woman to love.

I have a different story,

A different mind,

Heart and my level of discernment

Is what protects me from unwelcomed energies.

Having so many faded conversations allowed me to build a wall

And instead, redirected all that attention on myself.

Every experience grows you and prepares you for the next level.

There is always something to learn.

The one major lesson I have taken away is that, despite your situation...

Never allow insecurity to override your desires.

Yes, it has been one adventurous journey and

The hope that lies within me,

Is still so alive in believing that a genuine love is still to be found; with all that I am.

So much love I have inside me and all I hope for,

Is to share it with someone who makes me feel like

The contents in my bag is just a way of life.

As I wait and put in the work in my own personal being,

I intentionally prepare a spot very warm, colorful and a place safe enough to call home.

Burying insecurities that once blurred my vision

Because of something I thought I had no control over.

Everything starts in the mind

And it is my mind that creates all the beauty you have

the privilege of admiring from a distance.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar celebrates diverse voices in literature, providing a platform for poets and writers worldwide to share their unique stories. This esteemed competition aims to foster a global community of creatives, encouraging the exchange of ideas and the celebration of artistic expression across borders.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Tenille Petersen for sharing "The Beaut on Dialysis" with us as part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her courageous and introspective poetry offers a compelling look at self-acceptance and the search for love, leaving a lasting impact on readers worldwide.

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.