You Were Afraid of My Voice - By Alieda

Written By: Alieda

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the realm of poetic expression, Alieda's "You Were Afraid of My Voice" emerges as a compelling piece featured in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. As a distinguished entry in the Poetry category, this work delves into themes of empowerment and the reclamation of one's voice. Alieda, with profound sensitivity, explores the journey from silence to self-discovery, inviting readers to reflect on their own narratives and the courage it takes to speak up.

About the Work

Alieda's poem resonates with a transformative journey from suppression to self-empowerment. Through evocative imagery and a poignant narrative, the poem addresses the societal forces that compel individuals, particularly women, to silence themselves. The mood shifts from introspective to defiant, culminating in a powerful message of self-assertion. Alieda skillfully uses rhythm and repetition to emphasize the struggle and eventual triumph over fear and imposed silence.

You were afraid of my voice

Original Submission by Alieda

You Were Afraid of My Voice

You were afraid of my voice,

so I learned to fear it too.

I swallowed every sentence

before it ever reached you.

I was taught to speak softly,

to be good and not be heard,

to make myself convenient,

to never question a word.

I learned to take up less space,

to keep my elbows in,

to say I'm sorry when I hadn't

done a single thing of sin.

And while I learned to disappear,

while I folded into small,

you took what was not yours to take

and called my silence nothing at all.

Do you know what makes me angry?

Not just what you chose to do,

but how carefully the world had taught me

to be easy to get through.

To never make a scene.

To never make a fuss.

To doubt the voice inside my throat

before it could speak up for us.

I was young enough to think that

being good meant being still,

that if I made myself less difficult,

I could keep the world from being cruel.

And now I wonder how many times

I mistook my fear for shame,

how many years I spent apologising

for a wound I did not name.

You were afraid of my voice.

I know that now. I see.

But you should have feared the day

I learned it belonged to me.

Because I am done confusing silence

with the goodness you demanded.

I am done making myself small

to protect what you have damaged.

I was never too loud.

I was never too much.

I was a child who deserved the right

to say no, to speak, to be untouched.

And if my voice shakes now,

if anger trembles through every word,

let it shake the walls you built around me.

Let it be the loudest thing you've heard.

You were afraid of my voice.

You should have been afraid

of what would happen

when I stopped being afraid of it, too.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar stands as a platform celebrating diverse voices and creative expression. With a focus on originality and depth, this prestigious event attracts participants worldwide, each contributing unique perspectives in poetry, short stories, and essays. It serves as a testament to the enduring power of the written word in exploring and understanding the human experience.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Alieda for sharing "You Were Afraid of My Voice" with us in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Your poignant reflections and powerful expression offer inspiration and courage to many. We look forward to witnessing how your voice continues to resonate and empower others through your creative endeavors.

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.