Donate Life - By Angela Krueger

Written By: Angela Krueger

Category: poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Angela Krueger graces the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 with her heartfelt poem "Donate Life." A poignant entry in the poetry category, this piece explores themes of loss, friendship, and the enduring impact of organ donation. With a deeply personal narrative, Angela invites readers to reflect on the connections we forge and the legacies we leave behind. Her work resonates with a profound sense of gratitude and remembrance, offering a beautiful tribute to the lives touched by both love and sacrifice.

About the Work

"Donate Life" by Angela Krueger is a moving exploration of friendship and the bittersweet nature of organ donation. The poem weaves a tapestry of memories, evoking a profound sense of loss alongside the beauty of life continued through others. Angela's evocative imagery and heartfelt narrative capture the essence of a life cut short, yet immortalized through the selfless act of donation. Her words invite readers to ponder the delicate balance between sorrow and gratitude, creating a meditative space for reflection.

Donate Life

Original Submission by Angela Krueger

Donate life

It's been eleven years since you died

But because of you

some people are still alive

It's not fair you were the one to make the sacrifice

You were gonna have such a good life

You were so smart

But your body attacked your brain

You had the biggest heart and I'll never forget meeting you that day

I knew we'd be friends from the start

And it wasn't just because you were the only other white kid in African History that semester so far

We connected and shared a love for nature and art

We were Lewis and Clark

We wanted to explore all of Hines Park

I didn't think I'd only know you a year or two

before you'd be gone

Your heart is still beating in someone else's chest

It's beautiful

But it still seems wrong

The last time I saw you we were in a parking structure

If I would have known I'd never see you again

I would have stayed longer

given you a hug and told you not to be a stranger

But I think you knew

Because the day before I heard you died

I had a dream about you

We were in that parking garage

I gave you a hug and asked you about the girl in your summer class you liked

You said it was going great

Then I woke up

Opened my laptop

Scrolled and then stopped

Brain aneurysm

Then I met your mom

You didn't look like yourself

Your hair was cut

I didn't recognize the man

lying there in that casket

Sometimes I wonder who's in your grave

because I still can't believe you're gone

But time marches on

And I like to think about you

still keeping the beat

I have your drum sticks

It's nice to have something of yours

to remember our friendship

You should be here

You would see the world falling apart with your own two eyes

But right now they're living in some other guy

It's beautiful

But I still ask why

You had your whole life ahead of you

You were 20 years old

You didn't even get to do

the things you were supposed to

They could say that this was your destiny

To live a great life for 20 years

I mean, you do inspire me

But that's stupid, you're not a sacrifice

That wasn't the point of your life

Don't get me wrong

I'm glad you got to save the day

Be a hero and let someone else stay

But Ben, we still need to here

I went walking in Hines and a saw a deer but you weren't there so I couldn't share

But for a second I thought maybe you were

like a spirit somewhere in the air

I miss your energy and your smile

Your words of wisdom and walking and talking with you for a while

I just hope I'll meet you again one day

And you can tell me why you couldn't stay

Maybe you were too good for this place

It's just hard because

you're someone we could never replace

Death is hard to face

But you did it with dignity and grace

I'll never forget you

Your memory is something

I'll always chase

Life is not a race but if it was

You'd win first place

You crossed the finish line

and made the world a better place.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a distinguished platform celebrating the written word in its many forms. This esteemed competition invites poets and writers from around the world to share their unique voices and stories. With a focus on creativity and expression, the event seeks to highlight diverse perspectives and foster a global community of literary talent.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Angela Krueger for her touching contribution, "Donate Life," to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her poem offers a poignant reflection on friendship, loss, and the enduring legacy of organ donation. Angela's work enriches our understanding of human connection and the profound impact of giving life.

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.