To Find Me - By Cheryl Oosthuizen

Written By: Cheryl Oosthuizen

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Cheryl Oosthuizen presents her poignant poem "To Find Me" in the Poetry category of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This evocative piece explores the themes of dreams, self-discovery, and resilience. Oosthuizen's work invites readers to reflect on the trials faced and the strength found in personal growth. Her submission stands as a testament to the enduring human spirit.

About the Work

"To Find Me" delves into the emotional journey of navigating dreams that have been turned awry. The poem's mood is contemplative, capturing a sense of introspection and resolve. Oosthuizen employs vivid imagery and a reflective tone, guiding the reader through a landscape of personal trials and triumphs. Her style is both lyrical and profound, conveying a message of inner strength and identity.

To Find Me

Original Submission by Cheryl Oosthuizen

To Find Me

By Cheryl Oosthuizen

I woke to a world that's turned askew,

An echo of dreams that fell through.

Those I cherish, with hearts of stone,

Lay their traps in the shadows grown.

How could my sight be so obscured,

In the warmth of bonds, I often endured.

In love, in friendship, and in aching pain,

I sought not riches, just to remain.

Yet here I drift, adrift on fate's sea,

Pondering all that their eyes set on me.

Hope dwindles amidst the fray,

I feel like lost cattle, led far away.

How could I shatter beneath such weight,

Untangling truths that were never straight?

My heart goes cold at the thought alone,

This is a suffering no merchant had sown.

I silently cry out, feeling so small,

No measure of worth could secure my all.

So here I stand, in this skin of mine,

There’s no other form I’d choose to define.

For though I've lost more than I can bear,

I trust in the endurance of air.

So, over the brink, I will leap bold,

To carve my name in the legends told,

In realms where myths are woven tight,

To find my strength in eternal light.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar celebrates the art of writing across genres. It provides a platform for writers worldwide to showcase their talent and creativity. Participants contribute works that resonate with diverse audiences, fostering a global appreciation for literature and the written word.

Thank you, Cheryl Oosthuizen, for sharing your powerful poem "To Find Me" with us. Your participation in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 enriches the literary community. We appreciate your contribution and the introspective journey you offer through your work.

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.