Icarus 1:1 - By Jessica Young

Written By: Jessica Young

Category: poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Jessica Young, writing under the name Icarus 1:1, presents her poignant poem "Icarus 1:1" as part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This competition brings together creative minds from around the world to showcase their literary talents. Her work falls under the poetry category and explores themes of courage, personal growth, and the relentless pursuit of one's dreams despite the fear of failure.

About the Work

"Icarus 1:1" is a reflective piece that delves into the metaphorical journey of life, urging readers to embrace risks and pursue their dreams. It draws inspiration from the myth of Icarus, challenging the notion of fear and encouraging personal growth. The poem's evocative imagery and motivational tone inspire readers to step out of their comfort zones and seek their destinies, no matter the obstacles.

Icarus 1:1

Original Submission by Jessica Young

Icarus 1:1

Dust to dust, dawn to dawn

Life and day just continue on

If you are so afraid to fall,

How will you ever find out you can fly?

Life is not about what you gather,

Yet it is measured by your fighting spirit Again, how will you know if you can fly If you are too afraid to even fly

You call upon Icarus and say he flew Too close to the sun and never saw his day You are not Icarus and do not try

To turn night into day

Simply aim for the moon, land among the stars For then should you reach the moon, success Should you land elsewhere, still a great feat One should not compare

On the journey of life that, that matters most Is your own personal growth

No matter the path or reason

Be better prepared for each new season

“All aboard!” Take the risks, climb on that ship. May it carry you to your new adventure

No matter where, no matter when

Keep your head high and show them.

Show them you smile in the face of adversity Shine those whites through pure idiocrasy You are not the one who’s crazy,

They are simply too afraid to try and fly.

Take the leap rather than the seat,

Should you fall, may you land on your feet. Take it in your stride and show you don’t take defeat, Should the path not be promised, make your own feat.

Stand up step out and curate your destiny For it won’t just knock on your door and say “Hello” You need to go out there, search high and low. When you find it, You’ll know.

Leave no stone unturned, cross every bridge. 207 countries wait for you to see

Wander, explore, travel through them all

You are bound to find one that fits. Your destiny awaits.

Never assume that a path travelled before cannot contain more Return down those roads, see it all and at the end, Leave only footprints and take all the memories

Make those pieces part of your soul and never forget them.

We shall return to dust; this is all temporary.

Dawn after dawn, collect the souvenirs, collect the stamps. That’s all you’ll have to show when the brain decays Never mind the objects, the furniture and homes.

Trek, stretch and reach all horizons,

How will you know you can fly…

If you’ve never even tried?

Forget about the past, forget the failures.

Stand strong and true, ready for life,

For life my dear, is not ready for you.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, hosted by Hashtag Kalakar, is a prestigious event that celebrates the diversity and creativity of writers worldwide. Participants are given the platform to express their unique voices and share their stories with a global audience, fostering a rich exchange of ideas and artistic expression.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Jessica Young for her inspiring contribution, "Icarus 1:1," to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her work encourages us to embrace our journeys with courage and determination. We look forward to seeing her future endeavors and wish her continued success in her poetic pursuits.

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.