What if - By Saran Kaba

Written By: Saran kaba

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Saran Kaba presents a compelling poetic narrative titled "What if," featured in the Poetry category of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This introspective piece is a journey through self-discovery and courage, as Saran delves into themes of silence, self-worth, and potential. The poem is structured as a diary in three entries, each entry revealing a facet of the inner dialogue and struggles faced by the poet.

About the Work

"What if" is a deeply introspective piece that captures the essence of self-reflection and overcoming internal barriers. Through vivid imagery and emotional depth, Saran Kaba explores themes of silence, self-doubt, and the courage to embrace one's potential. The poem's structure as diary entries creates an intimate, confessional tone, inviting readers into a personal journey of growth and self-realization.

What if

Original Submission by Saran kaba

What If?

A Diary in Three Entries

Entry 1 — What If I Stay Quiet

What if I stay quiet

At least then people won't mock me for not knowing

For feeling behind

For being the girl who passed the exam

But still wasn't enough

What if I stay quiet

At least then nobody notices

That I don't belong here

That I am counting the minutes

Until I can disappear back into myself

What if I stay quiet

At least then I can pretend

That I am rough

That none of this touches me

That I chose this silence

Rather than it choosing me

Entry 2 — What If I Am Not Enough

I showed up for myself

And still failed

It was hard to admit the familiar truth

When I had spent years running from it

People called me smart

But I never felt it

So I chased the first of the first

Thinking recognition would make it real

I entered the contest twice

Lost twice

And sat with the result

Pretending it didn't touch me

But I never asked the question

That mattered most

Who was I doing this for?

Because the girl who stayed quiet

In secondary school

Was still there

Waiting to take over again

Entry 3 — What If It Works Out

Before I arrived

I read a book

And a question found me

What is your potential

And are you wasting it?

I already knew the answer

And could not unknow it

Both versions of me knew English

But never spoke it

Because it felt off

Because what if I said the wrong thing

Because the quiet girl was still waiting

But I decided

To do things first

And question later

I entered a competition

Not because I would win

But because I could finally decide

To show up for myself

And mean it this time

I stood on a stage

Paperless

And spoke every word

That the quiet girl

Had swallowed for years

What if it works out?

It did

Not because I was the first of the first

But because I finally stopped asking

For permission to begin

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious platform celebrating diverse voices in literature. It invites participants worldwide to showcase their creativity and storytelling prowess. The competition serves as a stage for both emerging and established writers to share their unique perspectives, fostering a global appreciation for the written word.

We extend our sincere appreciation to Saran Kaba for sharing the evocative poem "What if" with us. Your participation in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 highlights the power of introspection and the courage to voice one's truth. Thank you for contributing your unique voice to this celebration of creativity and literature.

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.