A Story of a Guy Who Lives on the Road - By Siliveru Arun Kumar

Written By: Siliveru Arun Kumar

Category: Poetry

Competition: Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the poignant poem "A Story of a Guy Who Lives on the Road," poet Siliveru Arun Kumar invites readers to explore the nuanced emotions of a life lived on the margins. Submitted under the poetry category for the Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar, this work presents a reflective narrative that resonates with themes of empathy and societal perception. Arun Kumar's work stands as a testament to the power of poetry in evoking deep empathy and understanding for those often overlooked.

About the Work

Siliveru Arun Kumar's poem captures the voice of an unassuming and often ignored figure - the road. Through evocative imagery and a rhythmic flow, the poem speaks to the road's resilience and its silent endurance of both harshness and companionship. The work is rich with metaphorical language that reveals deeper truths about human interactions and societal roles. It challenges readers to consider their own perspectives and biases, ultimately encouraging a more compassionate viewpoint towards those who exist quietly in the background.

A Story of a Guy Who Lives on the Road

Original Submission by Siliveru Arun Kumar

Why hate me? Why hate me?

Though not perfect always,

I try to assist you always.

Why hate my sight always?

For all I just do is care for you always.

Don't have to feed me; you don't have to feed me.

I can live on just with the rain.

Nor you have to carry me, nor you have to caress me.

Let me live; please let me live!

Upon the path paved for you.

Don't take sides; please don't take sides.

I just help but do no harm.

If you feel a froth of me,

Run over me; please run over me,

The itch releases off of me,

No pain, but only pleasure for me.

Sweep your asphalt as you may,

But don't be rough; please don't be rough.

Don't scrape me, just gently fork me,

For I feel the tickles on me,

Just like plain feet dangling across the plain fields.

Summer won't sympathize with me; sun drops upon me,

Lits me to bright; cooks me to well-done.

Winter won't empathize with me; flurries drift upon me,

Frosts me to white; numbs me to quiet.

You can leave a mark on me, or can make a scar on me.

Leastwise, mercy me; please, mercy me!

Don't be harsh; please not too harsh!

Lonely nights and lonely fights,

Weary face with weepy eyes,

Dusty back with muddy marks,

Not of a foe, but more of a friendo.

No sauna for me, just the seasonal baths for me,

Yet no stink on me.

But I too stink and I too sulk,

If you choose not to slide over me.

Break my skull or crush my bones,

But slide over me, please slide over me.

I too have a family; I too have a family.

If you see me in cahoots with my comrades,

Slide over us; you can slide over us.

But be careful; a little careful,

You might slip while sliding over us,

Because I'm stronger when I'm with my friends.

But don't hate us; please don't hate us.

And what do you call me? What do you call me?

A "speed breaker." At least, that's what you call me.

About the Competition

The Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a platform that celebrates diverse voices and creative expressions. The competition showcases a wide range of literary talents from across the globe, providing participants the opportunity to share their unique perspectives and stories. It is a celebration of creativity, encouraging writers to push the boundaries of traditional storytelling and explore new artistic horizons.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Siliveru Arun Kumar for sharing "A Story of a Guy Who Lives on the Road" with us. This evocative piece, submitted for the Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, invites readers to ponder deeply on themes of empathy and societal roles. We appreciate Arun Kumar's contribution to the competition and look forward to more of his insightful 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.