First Day Of Living - By Jennice Yap Yi Han

Written By: Jennice Yap Yi Han

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Jennice Yap Yi Han brings us "First Day Of Living," a contemplative poem featured in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This work, categorized under poetry, captures the essence of life’s stages and the connections that define our existence. With a focus on the universal themes of growth, responsibility, and empathy, Jennice's poem invites readers into a reflective journey through the human experience.

About the Work

"First Day Of Living" delves into the complexities and beauty of life's journey. The poem's imagery evokes a sense of introspection, with vivid metaphors illustrating the balance between personal growth and communal ties. Themes of curiosity, responsibility, and shared humanity are intricately woven throughout, creating a tapestry of emotions that resonate deeply with the reader. Jennice's literary style is both evocative and poignant, capturing the transient nature of life and the enduring power of compassion.

First Day Of Living

Original Submission by Jennice Yap Yi Han

First time of Living,

as a child.

as a parent.

I am born.

Marriage, finance, work, love — each

I learn to stand. Curiosity paints a wall of

weighed

dreams, then buries it beneath

upon a scale of survival.

the grayscale weight of ruled pages.

Responsibilities are stones,

“Climb higher. Try harder,” they said.

a hill I carry,

But the future —

THEN,

and the hill carries me.

a half-lit haze

But love, held too tightly,

laid siege to my youth.

curdles into fear.

I reach for it,

A sleepless ear pressed to the door.

with hands too small.

A hand braced against the trembling floor.

AND,

as one.

as one among others.

Wishing for another skin, another self.

The community, our home.

The better.

A broken window. A clenched fist. A

Only finding

starving child,

the face in the river,

cured by empathy, compassion.

breath in every tree,

We share blood, grief

pulse in every tide.

and laughter,

We are not above the earth.

not as strangers, as a

We are by her, of her, in her.

whole—

And in us,

one body,

We shelter us in her shelter

one wound,

together.

one feeling.

As myself, yourselves, ourselves.

Cherish this life.

This dusty cloth. This kettle singing. This rain on dry soil. This unpicked flower.

These hands that hold warmth.

These feet that wear the path firmly.

These mornings that arrive like small resurrections.

Believe in those names, those footprints, those stops, those……

Until, it ends.

We do not live twice.

And one day,

Loss will come as a quiet tide, leaving a dimming echo

in the memories.

Until then —

look,

listen, touch, love, live —

wholly, deeply

For the first, last and only.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar celebrates the power of words and creativity. It brings together writers and poets from around the world, providing a platform for diverse voices and stories. This prestigious competition is a testament to the transformative nature of the written word, fostering a global community of artists and thinkers. Participants are encouraged to share their unique perspectives and connect with audiences worldwide.

We extend our deepest appreciation to Jennice Yap Yi Han for sharing "First Day Of Living" with us in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Your exploration of life's profound themes through poetry is truly inspiring. Thank you for contributing your voice and vision to this global celebration of creativity.

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.