Fractured Interior by Luleka Mhlanzi

I’ve carefully crafted a facade
Concealing the fissures within
fragile , my makeshift repair
Holding together the shattered pieces
I’m a stranger to my own reflection
Unrecognizable, even to myself
A whispering question echoes
“What is it that you fear?”
I’m afraid of the cacophony within
The relentless whispers that refuse to be silenced
The weight of their words crush me
I search for reassurance in the darkness
Desperately attempting to calm the turmoil
But even in the emptiness, I feel the presence
Invisible hands, grasping, pulling
They move in tandem with my shadow
Echoes of the fears that haunt me.

Luleka Mhlanzi is a 31-year-old award-winning South African poet, actress, and programmes
facilitator. She is the founder and managing director of Luleka Mhlanzi Arts NPC and author
of “Confiscated Identity” (2021). Luleka serves as Deputy Chairperson of the Sawubona
Choice Poetry Community, Slam Awards International Ambassador (2024-2026), and
Sprinng Writing Fellowship Mentor (2024). A catalyst for change, Luleka has worked with various African youth leadership programs and has performed at numerous national and international festivals. Her poetry has been published in several national and international anthologies and journals. Luleka’s accolades include the Certificate of Appreciation by the Ward Councillor of Ward-16, Slam Awards
International Honorary Medallion, Sunday World Unsung Heroes Award, and Mail &
Guardian’s Top 200 Young South Africans. She has recently been nominated for the Best Of
The Net awards based anthology 2025