Holographic Chocolates and Hollow Choices - By Kabilan

Written By: kabilan

Category: Essay

Competition: Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In "Holographic Chocolates and Hollow Choices," Kabilan presents an engaging essay as part of the Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This thought-provoking piece unravels the complexities of choices and perceptions in modern life. Kabilan's unique voice and perspective challenge readers to reflect on their own decisions and the illusions that often accompany them. With a blend of humor and introspection, this essay invites us into a world where the mundane and the extraordinary intersect.

About the Work

Kabilan's essay delves into the surreal and often absurd nature of choices, reflecting on themes of perception, modernity, and existential musings. The narrative style is conversational yet profound, using vivid imagery and unexpected analogies to evoke a sense of both familiarity and disorientation. The work prompts introspection, encouraging readers to question the truths they hold and the reliability of their own perceptions. With its playful yet critical undertone, the essay challenges us to navigate a world filled with both holographic illusions and hollow realities.

Holographic Chocolates and Hollow Choices

Original Submission by kabilan

“Holographic Chocolates and Hollow Choices”

So it went on like this.

The chocolate feels like mud dipped in glitter puddles, coated with epoxy resin. (I know the description feels weirdly specific)

The taste remains the same, nevertheless. (does it?)

The chocolates look like brown pixels barely put together in a low resolution.

They used to taste something... like postcards sealed in fervent promises, now in spam e-mails.

Now the disappointment feels like the smell of fresh paint, bearable but concealing the cracks, when the blue dims into a greyish hue. (What kind of paint is this?)

1st para - The choice is clear, there is none.

2nd para - The choices that clamored, now parallel worlds.

3rd para - The choice I could choose - is to not have one.

Block 1: Desktop - the digital dystopia

Block 2: Dopamine - the destiny talks

Block 3: Dogs/Death - the end

Desktop: The warm blue light flows ceaselessly from that heavy grey box; it almost felt intriguing, if I hadn't lived in a world where these boxes filled every corner of every interaction, and eventually getting us boxed away.

Dopamine: The sense of helplessness you feel while life feels meaningless after you get bored doomscrolling, even the very attempt of trying to infuse meaning breeds the same signals, so much so that you feel paralyzed by your internal mechanisms, those were some days etched in steel in my mercury consciousness.

Dogs/Death: What if I were a dog masquerading as a human? What if I was a human with a digestive system of a dog? Either way, death would be imminent for this eminent creature. What if I was hallucinating chocolate and ended up eating my own fingers? Not that I promote cannibalism. Yes, this is how I think. Do you have a problem? In the most pivotal thoughts that I crucify myself with, an unnerving disclaimer pops up. In the hopes that anyone listening in on my ramblings can see for themselves how good I am. To myself, and to others (does that matter?). Nope you're wrong, I'm not a narcissist. It's a friend of mine with a persecution complex. Too detailedly derailed for a random person you're never going to concern yourself with going forward but still doesn't hurt to know (I'll prick you with needles- just the thought matters).

Context matters. Like how you flail like a naked chicken when my rambling goes off course (no, that was earlier, back on the right track), and you have no idea what I'm talking about. You don't need to. Just try to listen with that attention span of yours. Did you know there was a study conducted at the University of Colorado, that said people resort to trash-talking when they have nothing of substance to say?

No, I made that up. Many people disprove that, some people cry, beat the hell out of you and God forbid murder. You'll be a feast for the crows. Let's not go to the dark side. Also don't overanalyze why I particularly chose Colorado; I was seeing Google Maps (for no good reason) and saw it for a split second.

So next time, you hear random people saying random things, what do you do? Murder? Feed them to the crows? Of course... not. Try to understand the context before you make sure they end up in a hospital? Not Apollo though. That Greek god is quite the mischievous one (No, I am NOT implying organ trafficking).

Imagine you're rocking a chair (literally), next thing you know, you crash down in the position you sat, in that instant of utter social dread, you (thankfully) get transported into a dystopian world where the school is overrun by zombies? Too cliche. Rabbits? Yes, those rabbits in formal suits with a compass in their hand giving a side eye, so much that you can see the veins in their snouts. Ok, you can stop imagining. I don't have the incentive to continue this thread of thought. Don't cry over spilt milk; the tea was never ready if I resolved to pour the milk into the sink from the start. Sometimes that's just how life is. Or giving the milk to that cat crawling through the gates to make this essay more humanitarian. Yeah, that too.

The road not taken is so hyped today, back then it was simply a poem I felt reluctant to memorize, and more than the English teacher and even the poet himself, today's generation seems intent on adding hypotheses of meanings.

I tried that when I was in the fork, and I took it. I had to turn the other way, because there was a cliff leading downward into the river, the other way, and the whole area was barricaded. I'm not disclosing the location in my efforts to aid suicide in any manner. For a second, I would have made a great activist in NGOs, but then I know introvert is a label I have yet to overcome.

People all the time ask why don't you talk, make the world quiet so that we can talk. I wish for world peace, hence, I am wishing for the destruction of the countries who are profiting from wars. Not that we need any more chaos in life, but still taking time to watch those neighbor aunty fights reminds us chaos is what keeps us alive (see the demographic trend) and shows us what it is to be human, petty, snickering and have an information network to update you on gossips while you're on the run.

This is what we live for - People, profit and popcorns. Replace it with whatever you want. People with makeshift dolls and popcorn with puffs. Profit does the job; you don't need to anyways.

I might be lying. You can choose to believe what you want. Believe the lie enough and it will eventually turn into the truth. But does the truth matter? At least in this essay? Think about it, that's a question you take home and if you think about it enough, it will hit home. (An example of how people can even speak nonsense convincingly.)

The answer to approaching these people is in the song Runaway by Aurora, especially the last stanza. Nothing less should be your reaction.

Just a perspective, not poison that seeps into your lens, and corrodes the glasses, even if that's the case, so what?

Go buy a new set of glasses, my fellow four-eyes.

And for those who aren't wearing glasses, here's a walking stick. Imagine you're in the Birdbox movie, suddenly being blind is a superpower. At least love won't make you blind, because you already are. Have a good love life at least.

P.S. I edited the methodology, so you don’t get bored. No red tapism.

About the Competition

The Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a celebration of diverse voices and creative expression. This annual event showcases an array of talent in poetry, storytelling, and essays, inviting participants from around the globe to share their unique perspectives. It serves as a dynamic platform for writers to explore themes ranging from personal introspection to societal commentary, fostering a vibrant community of creativity and innovation.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Kabilan for sharing "Holographic Chocolates and Hollow Choices" in the Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This essay offers a captivating exploration of choice and perception, leaving a lasting impression on its readers. Thank you, Kabilan, for contributing your voice and creativity to this enriching literary event.

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.