The Cartographer of Lake Victoria - By Joe Lyimo

Written By: Joe Lyimo

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the profound piece "The Cartographer of Lake Victoria," Joe Lyimo artfully navigates themes of identity and self-definition. Entered in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, this poetic work stands as a testament to the power of words in capturing the essence of personal and geographical landscapes. Through vivid imagery and poignant reflections, Lyimo invites readers to reconsider the narratives imposed upon them and to reclaim their own stories.

About the Work

Joe Lyimo's "The Cartographer of Lake Victoria" is an evocative exploration of boundaries, both physical and metaphorical. The poem captures the vastness of Lake Victoria, juxtaposing it with the intimate journey of self-discovery. Lyimo’s use of imagery and metaphor challenges conventional notions of identity, urging the reader to question imposed definitions and to embrace personal autonomy. The mood is contemplative, encouraging introspection and a deeper understanding of one's place in the world.

The Cartographer of Lake Victoria

Original Submission by Joe Lyimo

There is a lake back home

so wide the fishermen call it an ocean,

and no one corrects them.

Because some things are too big

for the names we were handed.

I was born on its shore,

a small country of one,

and the mapmakers came early

pencils sharp,

certain,

drawing borders across a coastline

that was still deciding its own shape.

They said: here is the edge of you.

They said: this is the harbor, this is dry land,

do not confuse the two.

But have you ever watched water

at the exact hour it becomes the sky?

Tell me where one ends.

Go on.

Point to the line.

I dare you to find it.

They named me at sunrise

before I had a voice to disagree,

folded a whole horizon

into a single syllable

and called it finished.

But a map is not the land.

A map is just

someone's fear of getting lost.

So I became a cartographer

of my own coastline.

I walked the whole shore in the dark.

I measured myself in low tide and high.

I learned that a border

is only a rumor

until you agree to believe it.

And one morning

you know the one

I took the pencil from their hand.

I did not tear the map.

I redrew it.

I wrote a new name

where the old one used to sit,

and the lake did not object.

The lake, who has outlived every empire

that ever tried to survey it,

simply held my reflection

and said nothing,

which is the loudest way water has

of saying: yes. I know you. I always did.

So if someone hands you

the edges of yourself

drawn in a language you never spoke

let me ask you something.

Whose hand was holding the pencil?

And what would happen

if you took it back?

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious platform celebrating diverse voices from around the world. It offers writers a unique opportunity to showcase their creativity and engage with a global audience. This competition highlights the transformative power of poetry and creative writing, fostering a community of artists committed to exploring and expanding the boundaries of literary expression.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Joe Lyimo for sharing "The Cartographer of Lake Victoria" with us. This work enriches the tapestry of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 and resonates deeply with those who seek to redefine their own boundaries. We look forward to witnessing more of Joe's literary journey and contributions to the world of poetry.

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.