Why Me - By Dorathy Oluku

Written By: Dorathy Oluku

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Dorathy Oluku presents her evocative poem "Why Me" in the Poetry category of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her entry delves into a profound exploration of personal struggles and existential questioning. As we navigate the poetic landscape she paints, we encounter a narrative filled with raw emotion and introspection. Dorathy's work reflects the universal quest for understanding and seeking solace amidst life's challenges.

About the Work

"Why Me" is rich with imagery and emotion, capturing a vivid internal dialogue marked by vulnerability and resilience. Dorathy Oluku uses metaphors and colloquial expressions to convey a deep sense of personal inquiry and spiritual seeking. The poem's tone is both plaintive and hopeful, inviting readers to ponder the weight of unseen battles and the search for divine reassurance in times of doubt.

Why me

Original Submission by Dorathy Oluku

Why Me

Oluku Nkem Dorathy

Nickname: Alërãh

Why me

Why me

Why me

That question dey echo for my head

Like tenant wey no gree pay rent

But refuse to comot.

There's an ache in my chest

That feels almost alive

Because e get teeth

I swear e dey bite,

Dey crawl, dey even chop,

Like Dem dey enjoy the show.

Honestly... it's not pretty.

At all.

Wetin I do?

Who I offend

God ... abeg na me again?

Because You're the only one

I can speak to without pretending,

No filtering, no forming.

Just "Omo"... and everything spills out.

Too many times

I don stand like person wey life just use anyhow, Carrying loads

That isn't even mine.

1

But I no wan do again.

At least... I don try na.

Dem say,

You give your strongest soldiers The toughest battles.

But make we reason am o...

I really dey that strong,

Or You just get confidence in me Wey I never still see?

Because right now,

My feeling no dey walk again, Dem dey run marathon,

1000 miles per hour,

Reckless, uncontained

Like a car with no brakes.

I am flawed.

I know.

I accept am.

But it's funny how people go see flaws And start to point

Instead of helping to shape

The parts wey still dey grow. Humans... very... interesting species.

Still,

I know say God dey

I know.

2

But God abeg...

I no dey pretend strong.

If You can hear me this clearly, When will You come through for me?

3

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious platform celebrating the art of written expression. It invites participants from around the world to share their creative voices through poetry, short stories, and essays. This competition fosters a global exchange of ideas and showcases the rich tapestry of human experience through the written word.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Dorathy Oluku for sharing her moving poem "Why Me" with us in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her contribution highlights the power of poetry to explore deep personal truths and connect with others on a universal level. We appreciate her participation and look forward to witnessing her continued literary journey.

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.