Fear Asked Ambition - By Debkalpa Nath

Written By: Debkalpa Nath

Category: Poetry

Competition: Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Debkalpa Nath presents "Fear Asked Ambition," a thought-provoking poem exploring the dialogue between fear and ambition. Part of the Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, this work delves into the contrasting emotions of doubt and purpose. Nath's entry exemplifies the themes of introspection and aspiration, providing a reflective look at the internal struggles faced by many.

About the Work

"Fear Asked Ambition" offers a rich tapestry of introspection, portraying fear and ambition as personified entities. Through vivid imagery and a compelling narrative, the poem captures the essence of perseverance and self-belief. The contrasting moods of uncertainty and invincibility are skillfully woven together, creating an inspiring message about the power of purpose.

Fear Asked Ambition

Original Submission by Debkalpa Nath

Fear Asked Ambition

“How powerful do you feel when you have a goal?”

Fear asked, carrying all the curiosity

he had harboured for years.

For all he had ever known

was impending doom,

looming above him

like a vulture circling its prey.

Ambition replied,

“You feel absolutely invincible,

for purpose is the force

that drives us all.”

I-N-V-I-N-C-I-B-L-E -

a word Fear had only heard of,

for his closest companions

were always uncertainty and doubt.

Ambition’s life

was everything Fear dreamed

of living someday.

Fear only knew

what it felt like

to be a frog drowning

in a monsoon pond,

with nobody left

to pull it ashore.

The water felt heavy,

the wind awry.

The pond of doubts

dragged him deeper

toward the bottom of misery.

Fear asked again,

“What if your actions

never lead to your goals and beyond?”

Ambition smiled,

knowing the frog

would always find its way to shore.

It had always known

how to survive underwater,

how to rise despite the storm.

Because the frog

never doubted itself,

even the floating lotus bed

became its companion.

And before long,

it reached dry land.

Ambition replied,

“You do not stop

until you become

what your purpose

called you to be.”

About the Competition

The Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious event celebrating the art of written expression. It invites participants from around the world to showcase their literary talents in poetry and creative writing, fostering a global community of writers and poets.

We extend our sincere thanks to Debkalpa Nath for their insightful contribution, "Fear Asked Ambition," to the Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Your exploration of fear and ambition offers inspiration to many, and we're grateful for your participation.

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.