The People We Become to Be Loved - By Mukundi Ramapulana

Written By: Mukundi Ramapulana

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Mukundi Ramapulana's poem, "The People We Become to Be Loved," is a poignant exploration of identity and emotional sacrifice, featured in the esteemed Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. In this evocative piece, Ramapulana delves into the complex layers of personal transformation undertaken in the pursuit of love and acceptance. Through vivid imagery and emotional depth, the poet invites readers to reflect on the universal struggle of balancing authenticity with the desire to be cherished.

About the Work

In "The People We Become to Be Loved," Mukundi Ramapulana crafts a contemplative narrative that examines the journey of selfhood compromised for love. The poem's introspective tone invites readers into an internal dialogue about authenticity and the masks we wear to be loved. It artfully uses metaphors to depict the emotional cost of such transformations, urging a reevaluation of self-worth and the intrinsic value of one's true self.

The people we become to be loved

Original Submission by Mukundi Ramapulana

The People We Become to Be Loved

I wonder how many versions of myself

have died trying to be lovable.

The quieter one,

who learned that honesty could make people leave.

The stronger one,

who stopped asking for help

because neediness had become an accusation.

The agreeable one,

who folded her opinions like letters

and hid them beneath her tongue.

The one who laughed at the right moments,

forgave before she was ready,

and called it maturity

when she abandoned her own boundaries.

I wore these versions proudly.

I thought love was an examination

and that every rejection meant

I had answered something incorrectly.

So I studied people.

Learned their preferences,

memorised their disappointments,

became fluent in the art

of anticipating what they wanted.

And slowly,

I became someone everybody could recognise

but nobody truly knew.

Including me.

There is a special kind of grief

in discovering that you have been loved

for the very things that were slowly destroying you.

Your patience.

Your silence.

Your ability to forgive

without ever asking whether you were healed.

One day, I looked in the mirror

and could not tell

which parts of me were genuine

and which parts had been rehearsed to prevent another goodbye.

I wanted to ask the reflection

who I would have been

if I had never been afraid

of being difficult to keep.

Perhaps I would have been louder. Perhaps less accommodating.

Perhaps I would have discovered

that the right people do not require your disappearance as proof of devotion.

I am still finding my way back.

Some days, I recognise myself.

Other days, I catch myself apologising for taking up space.

But I am learning.

Love should not require

the quiet murder of your identity.

And if I must become someone new, let it be someone who can stand alone without believing that being alone

means being unworthy of love.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, hosted by Hashtag Kalakar, is a prestigious event celebrating creativity and literary excellence. It gathers writers and poets from around the world, providing a platform for diverse voices and innovative narratives. Participants share their unique perspectives, contributing to a rich tapestry of contemporary literature.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mukundi Ramapulana for sharing "The People We Become to Be Loved" with us. Through this thought-provoking poem, featured in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, Ramapulana offers profound insights into the quest for love and authenticity. We look forward to seeing more of their inspiring work 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.