Things I Didn't Tell My Mother About - By Glory-be Shikongo

Written By: Glory-be Shikongo

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Glory-be Shikongo presents a poignant piece titled "Things I Didn't Tell My Mother About" in the Poetry category of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. With a focus on unspoken emotions and personal reflections, Glory-be weaves a narrative of hidden feelings and the complexities of familial relationships. This submission invites readers to explore the depths of what remains unsaid, creating a compelling and relatable experience.

About the Work

This poem delves into the theme of unexpressed emotions and the silent burdens carried within. Glory-be Shikongo uses raw, evocative language to convey the pain of abandonment and the facade maintained to hide vulnerability. The work captures a sense of yearning and introspection, employing vivid imagery to paint the inner turmoil and the longing for understanding. The poem's mood is reflective and melancholic, leaving readers with a resonant message about the impact of unspoken words.

Things i didnt tell my mother about

Original Submission by Glory-be Shikongo

Things I Didn’t Tell My Mother About

By Glory-be

I never told you how heart broken I was

How out of touch I got

I put on a facade my whole life

The girl that lacked emotions

The girl that stayed silent

But I never told you that I was hurting

Hurting from the abandonment

I wanted him to the there

I needed him to be there

Yet he was never around

To him I was not worth it

He wanted no part of

I always yearned for a day he would reach out

A call, a message didn’t matter as long as I got it

I didn’t want to seem weak

So over the years I have buried all those emotions away

Till I became numb to it

Not sure if showing them would even make a difference

So I didn’t tell my mother

I kept it to myself

The only person who could understand

And now they became things I wish I told my mother about

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, hosted by Hashtag Kalakar, celebrates the diverse voices and creative expressions of writers from around the world. The competition offers a platform for poets and writers to share their unique perspectives and engage with a global audience. Participants are invited to showcase their literary talents through original works that reflect personal insights and artistic innovation.

We extend our gratitude to Glory-be Shikongo for sharing "Things I Didn't Tell My Mother About" with us in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Your evocative expression of hidden emotions provides a powerful glimpse into personal reflection and the complexities of familial bonds. Thank you for contributing your voice to this global creative platform.

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.