THIS WAS SUPPOSED TO BE HAPPY - By Annisia Douglas

Written By: Annisia Douglas

Category: Spoken Word poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Introducing Annisia Douglas and her spoken word poetry piece, "THIS WAS SUPPOSED TO BE HAPPY," a poignant submission to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Through her authentic voice, Annisia delves into the complexities of writing about happiness and the struggle of portraying emotions that might not align with personal experience. Her work offers a profound exploration of truth and self-expression, resonating with those who seek sincerity in art.

About the Work

Annisia Douglas's "THIS WAS SUPPOSED TO BE HAPPY" is a deeply introspective piece that examines the challenge of writing about joy when personal experiences are marred by pain. The poem's narrative style captures the internal dialogue of a writer striving to meet societal expectations while staying true to their own reality. Through vivid imagery and emotional depth, Annisia crafts a compelling reflection on authenticity and the power of embracing one's truth, even when it diverges from the norm.

THIS WAS SUPPOSED TO BE HAPPY

Original Submission by Annisia Douglas

THIS WAS SUPPOSED TO BE HAPPY

By Annisia Douglas

Writing Category: Poetry (Spoken Word)

*Text messages*

“Do you ever write anything happy?”

Silence–

A perplexed look on her face

Okay.

You can do this.

Just write.

Write something happy.

Come on.

You can do this.

Okay...

She begins writing.

“I love the way love

loves me.”

YES!

I did it!

That’s happy.

That’s beautiful!

Or at least a start.

I can work with that.

She continues writing, then pauses.

She looks at what she wrote.

“I love the way love leaves me.”

Woah!

No.

No, no, no.

Come on.

Come on!

You were doing so well.

She crosses it out.

Okay.

Let’s try again.

Something happy.

Something beautiful.

Something people actually want to read.

She writes.

“There is a love I seek to find,

a love so rare,

a love so beautiful

that—”

She stops.

Then writes—

“Unknown to me

because it doesn’t exist.”

Oh, COME ON!

Damnit!

Why can't you just write “Happy”?

Why must everything be—

dark?

Sad?

Depressing?

Why does everything have to bleed?

Why can't you just write something good?

People want to see that.

They want happiness.

They want love with—

flowers,

hearts,

sunsets,

something beautiful.

They don't want—

betrayal,

lust,

pain,

or anything with blood in it.

Come on.

You have to.

You have to write something good.

Something—

that makes people smile.

Not uncomfortable.

Not scared.

Not something that makes them look at you differently.

She gets up and paces the room.

You have to.

You have to.

YOU HAVE TO!

Silence.

But...

I—

can't.

I can't write what I haven't experienced.

I can't write what I don't know.

I can't write—

a lie.

I write about betrayal

because that's all I've known.

I write about pain

because of my scars.

I write about blood

because I've shed it.

I write about tears

because they're constant.

I write about brokenness.

That's all I know.

I'm hurting.

And my writing—

my writing only reflects what I am.

So no.

I cannot—

She pause.

She looks at the book.

No.

I will not

write about a lie.

I will not write about a world

where I pretend love exists for me.

A world where my scars cease to be.

A world where when somebody says,

“I love you,”

they mean it.

And they—

stay.

I cannot write about something

I don't believe is real.

So forgive me

if my writing frightens you.

Forgive me

if it isn't pretty.

If it doesn't have flowers.

If it doesn't make you smile.

If sometimes—

it bleeds.

Because it's all me.

And you have two choices:

Accept it—

or leave.

Because everyone else has.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar celebrates diverse voices and innovative storytelling. This prestigious event invites writers from around the world to showcase their talents and share their unique perspectives. With a focus on creativity and originality, the competition provides a platform for emerging and established writers to engage with a global audience and contribute to the ever-evolving landscape of literature.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Annisia Douglas for sharing her evocative piece, "THIS WAS SUPPOSED TO BE HAPPY," with the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her commitment to authenticity and emotional honesty enriches the literary community and inspires others to embrace their own narratives. We look forward to witnessing Annisia's continued journey as a powerful voice in the world of spoken word 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.