Always on the move - By Kai Qi Siew

Written By: Kai Qi Siew

Category: Essay

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the essay "Always on the move," author Kai Qi Siew, writing under the name "Always on the move," reflects on the simplicity and community spirit of the past. As a participant in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, Kai Qi Siew explores themes of creativity and complexity in modern life. Through vivid recollections and introspective musings, this essay delves into the contrast between past simplicity and the challenges of a creative mind in today's world.

About the Work

Kai Qi Siew's essay captures the essence of nostalgia for a time when life was simpler and community spirit thrived. The narrative is rich with imagery, from repairing storm-damaged rooftops to creating innovative projects. The work thoughtfully examines the dual nature of creativity - its boundless potential and the overwhelming nature of too many ideas. The tone is reflective, with an underlying question about the true motivation behind one's creative endeavors.

Always on the move

Original Submission by Kai Qi Siew

Always on the move

I miss the simplicity of life back then. We enjoyed community, working together on projects for the good of all in the village. I remembered how enthusiastic I would be when we received something new to work on. It would always be something different, and it never failed to make me think outside the box. I mostly loved repairing old rooftops and then painting them to match the cracks of the walls that were made by a storm. A sign to show that scars can never be recovered, but they can be decorated into something beautiful if you just think artistically. We even pressed out grapes after the grape harvest, built the town’s free gas project using cow manure, and helped a farmer to care for its animals. I would go to bed tired but blissfully happy. I had found a niche in life!

I became popular because others found out my brain is able to go in 10 directions at the same time, and making money was easy for me then. I always knew that I had a creative mind, and I always admired myself for that because I realised it is a talent that has no bounds. However…it is not as simple as it is. Yes, it is amazing to have a mind that sees deeper into things, but the number of ideas I have is too much. My ideas would randomly pop out in my dreams, and I would wake up abruptly just to see if that idea would work or not. It became such a habit that when the neighbours saw my dimly lit room, they would always know what I was up to - creating. Being an empath made it much worse. People would pick my brain and run off with one of my ideas, and that would be a successful business if theI put in the right kind of work ethic. All because they pleaded with me, and of course,I felt bad so I would help them.

Within two and a half decades, I have moved on to own my own brand of car and a space station. I have made a big impact on the world with my exceptional ideas.That's what people always say. The word ‘exceptional’ doesn’t always get into my head. I mean, yes, of course I knew how good my ideas were…but were they for the good of humanity, or is it because of humanity's hunger for money that these ideas pop out? I always thought to myself: “Are you doing this for the sake of yourself, or for others to praise and respect you?” Hm, it's weird, isn’t it? Thinking about it, until this day, I haven’t even found the answer yet. Sometimes, I wish I were back to the time of the old days, when life was simpler, and I only had my thoughts to myself.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar celebrates the diverse voices of writers worldwide. This prestigious event provides a platform for participants to showcase their talent and share their unique perspectives with a global audience. Encouraging creativity and expression, the competition continues to be a beacon for aspiring writers seeking recognition and community engagement.

We extend our gratitude to Kai Qi Siew for sharing "Always on the move" with us as part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Your insights into creativity and the longing for simpler times have resonated deeply. We appreciate your contribution and look forward to witnessing more of your thoughtful reflections in the future.

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.