Can We Be Friends? - By Diva Rathod

Written By: Diva Rathod

Category: Poetry

Competition: Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In a heartfelt exploration of friendship, Diva Rathod presents "Can We Be Friends?" as part of the Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This piece is a poignant reflection on the evolution of friendships from childhood simplicity to the more complex adult interactions. Rathod invites us to reconsider the meaning of genuine companionship and the profound impact it can have on our lives.

About the Work

"Can We Be Friends?" navigates the delicate balance between innocence and maturity in friendships. With vivid imagery and emotional depth, Diva Rathod captures the essence of true connections. The poem's contemplative tone and relatable experiences invite readers to reflect on their own friendships, emphasizing the importance of understanding, acceptance, and the beauty of shared moments.

Can We Be Friends?

Original Submission by Diva Rathod

Can We Be Friends?

Friends have never been too few in life.

But the real ones have.

It all begins with a simple question

“Can we be friends?”

Just four words.

As children,

the answer was almost always yes.

No overthinking.

No ego.

Just two tiny humans deciding

“Red slide or green?”

“You're the denner first!”

“One last ride on the merry-go-round?”

Back then, friendship was innocent.

Shared chocolates, scraped knees, silly arguments,

and the confidence that somehow,

we'd be friends forever.

Then...we grew up.

Our egos grew faster

than our friendships.

We know the word sorry,

yet wait for the other person to say it first.

We know one conversation

could fix everything,

yet silence seems easier.

We involve a third person

instead of talking

to the person we're upset with.

“I don't like her anymore.”

“She's changed.”

And sometimes,

we forget-

words hurt

whether we are the ones saying them

or the ones hearing them.

Somewhere between

pride, misunderstandings,

and unnecessary drama,

real friendships became rare.

Because a real friend

doesn't laugh at you.

They laugh with you.

They don't judge you

for your worst days.

They don't keep score

who texted first,

who apologized first,

who was there more.

They simply stay.

You don't need a hundred friends.

You just need one.

One person who hears,

“I'm fine,”

and somehow knows

you aren't.

People say friendship

is measured in years.

I don't.

Because sometimes, someone you've known

for only a little while

can understand you

better than someone

you've known almost forever.

And then...life changes.

Schools change.

People move.

One friend stands beneath

Mumbai's monsoon.

Another wakes up

to Bengaluru's endless traffic.

Different cities.Different lives.And yet

the same friendship.

Some people stay

in the same city

and slowly become strangers.

Others leave the city

yet never leave your life.

Distance may change how often you meet,

but it doesn't have to change

what the friendship means.

We never needed

matching bracelets.

Or captions saying,

“Best Friends Forever.”

Some bonds are simply

too honest to need a label.

They exist in late-night calls,

in laughing until your stomach

complains before you do,

in comfortable silences,

and in memories you never knew

you'd miss this much.

And sometimes, even in a room

full of people, you can feel alone.

Your eyes fill with tears.

Let them.

Because at least

they are honest.

They speak more than I do.

They don't pretend

that everything is okay.

They simply say,

someone mattered.

Maybe that's why

real friends feel so rare.

Not because they're perfect.

But because in a world

quick to judge,

quick to misunderstand,

and quick to leave, they choose to stay.

There will always be people

to talk to, to laugh with, to miss.

But very few

you'll truly call your friends.

Some become memories.

Some become lessons.

But the real ones...

become home.

And maybe the most beautiful friendships

don't begin with,

“Can we be friends?”

Sometimes they begin

with an awkward conversation.

A silly joke.A shared laugh.

A friendship you never planned for,

but somehow became one of the best things you ever had.

And maybe...that's what real friendship is.

Not knowing

how long you will have together or measuring how long you have known each other for

but making the best memories you possibly can

while you do.

Because sometimes, the simplest question

leads to the most beautiful answer

“Can we be friends?”

About the Competition

The Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a celebration of diverse voices and unique perspectives. Writers from around the globe share their creative expressions, contributing to a rich tapestry of contemporary literature. This competition serves as a platform for emerging and established writers alike to showcase their talents and engage with a community of like-minded individuals.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Diva Rathod for her inspiring contribution to the Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her poem, "Can We Be Friends?" offers a beautiful reflection on the nuances of friendship. We are grateful for her participation and the opportunity to share her thoughtful work with our audience.

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.