Just A Drive - By Sihle Ludonga

Written By: Sihle Ludonga

Category: Narrative Essay

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the narrative essay "Just A Drive," Sihle Ludonga crafts a vivid portrayal of youthful experience and sibling connection. Participating in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, Sihle delves into the seemingly mundane but transformative moment of a drive with their brother, Sfiso. Set against a backdrop of powerful music, the essay explores themes of identity, connection, and unexpected challenges, capturing the essence of shared moments and personal discovery.

About the Work

"Just A Drive" is a rich tapestry of emotions and sound, where music acts as both a backdrop and a catalyst for introspective exploration. Through striking imagery and candid reflections, Sihle Ludonga captures the juxtaposition of admiration and self-doubt, the security of brotherly bonds, and the sudden intrusion of reality. The narrative flows with a rhythmic energy, mirroring the beat-driven soundtrack that accompanies the protagonists' journey, leading to a climax that blends tension with a poignant sense of vulnerability.

Just A Drive

Original Submission by Sihle Ludonga

Name: Sihle Ludonga

Title: Just A Drive

“Breakin’ news, they tried to kill him, but the boy prevails/ I leave for tour and my n***** f***** go to jail” lyrics from 8am in Charlotte by Aubrey ‘Drake’ Graham, beat mixed and produced by Conductor Williams. A mellow, slightly distorted piano loops adjacent to sped up choir vocals. Hardly complex. Easily digestible. Drake proceeds to recite poetry about sex, money and fame. Sfiso’s silver Jesus necklace bounces against his chest. I guess it’s from the bass of the Beemers speakers. I don’t like it.

Music so simple, it hurts. Sfiso loves it.

His well defined arms rest against the steering wheel. I could never fathom how he does it. Everything seems so natural to him. He constantly has this unspoken confidence oozing out of his pores. He just has it. Even when he’s doing something as trivial as driving home. He recites Drake’s lyrics in like . Like he is manifesting the lifestyle of this Icon. I don’t understand it. Moonlight outlines his rich mahogany skin as he takes a turn. He doesn’t look human, more like the person I dream to become. An image of myself that seems fictional in my head, the same way Santa Claus seems to exist to my little brother Qhawe. I find myself wondering how Sfiso and I share a father.

“N****, we gon’ be alright / N****, we gon’ be alright / Do you hear me, do you feel me? We gon’ be alright” lyrics from Alright by Kendrick Lamar Duckworth, beat mixed and produced by Pharrell Williams and Sounwave. He looks at me. Not any basic glance, he really gazes into my soul. He knows what time it is. I know it too. This is our song. Just like that, the walls come crashing down. The divide between two separate worlds becomes non existent. These two worlds collide. Sfiso doesn’t seem so ethereal anymore. He looks like me. A saxophone solo glides in the background of a heavy hitting drums and vocals that could be heard in God’s personal playlist. Kendrick isn’t reciting poetry. He’s chanting an anthem that echoes through the struggles of the modern day.

We’re really getting into it now, a full grammy-level performance in the car. Screaming every lyric we can. Performing adlibs for each other. Almost like we rehearsed this. It’s absurd. Sfiso’s necklace is doing gymnastics on his chest now. This connection reassures me that we were grown on the same tree but pruned and nurtured differently. For better or worse. I don’t know. It feels like we were moving at double the speed limit. No cars in sight. Just two children zooming through neighborhood enjoying their youth. In this moment I feel at peace. Untouchable. Ecstatic. Sfiso looks like he’s going through the same thing. “And we hate PoPo, wanna kill us dead on the streets for sure” we bellow. Again Untouchable. Invincible. Red and blue cut through the nights darkness.

“Sir, are you aware of how fast you were going” a rather unwelcoming police woman says.

Her lace front is visible and her makeup makes her look like a melting Michael Jackson. A very peculiar stature she boasts as well. A loose resemblance to the shape of a rotten apple. Before giving Sfiso a chance to answer, she says

“We unfortunately have to arrest you, 213 in an 80 requires we detain you until further notice”.

Her breath reeks of bad hygiene and a worse temper.

“I understand but my little brother can’t be left in a car by himself,” Sfiso protests

An insane amount of composure for someone who is so undeniably guilty.

“He looks grown to me” She snaps back.

Just like that she was gone with my brother.

I call Daddy. It rings out. I try again and the same recurs. I can’t stop my mind from racing. Why can’t this woman see that I’m in danger. Is her makeup intoxicating her brain. How could she do this to a literal child. Left guarded by the holy spirit alone, on the side of a random road. My anger melts into fear. I’m stranded. Absolutely stranded. The BMW’s walls start feeling really closed. Entrapped is a better description. A knock breaks the silence. A knock from the unknown. I don’t know what’s out there. I don’t want to know. My heart beats out of rhythm. I can hear it, I know that’s not the correct rhythm. My breathing follows. I have no leg room. I’m trapped. Waiting for my demise. Coffin on wheels the saying goes. I can’t do this. I need something. I need an escape. I’m crashing. My world is falling apart. I can’t do this. Sfiso could be dead by now. Why him. He’s a great guy. Why not me I haven’t nearly as much as he has. Tears don’t ease the pressure in my chest. I’m crying. I can’t do this. I put on my Airpods.

“We can speed in my 2 seater / Girl I got a 2 seater / Speed in my 2 seater” Lyrics from 2SEATER by Tyler Okonma, Aaron Shaw, Samantha Nelson and Austin Feistein, beat mixed and produced by Tyler Okonma. Complexity. Drums pounding over space like synths, background vocals from everyone included on the track, rustling to mimic wind blowing in to the car. All this including a beat switch to a more melodic angelic and peaceful beat with inconsistent drums that keep the track from sounding mundane and the use of the triangle for some musical accompanied by more singing instead of rapping. Multiple drum breaks, little runs of different instruments and such contrasting vocals create this overwhelming unique and expressive sound that acts as my vehicle into a temporary euphoric palace where I can be one with my emotions. Sfiso says it’s weird. It blocks me from my own mind. I need it more than anything right now. Another knock on the window and I see a face. My father is here to rescue me. We drive to the house and he tells me that I might not hear from my brother for a while.

This hits home. It was supposed to be just a drive.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar celebrates the art of storytelling and poetic expression. It invites participants from around the globe to share their unique voices and narratives, fostering a community where creativity thrives. This prestigious event offers a platform for writers to showcase their talent, engage with a diverse audience, and explore the depths of human experience through the written word.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Sihle Ludonga for sharing "Just A Drive" with us. Your narrative essay, rich with emotion and authenticity, offers an insightful glimpse into the complexities of familial relationships and personal growth. Thank you for your participation in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, and we look forward to seeing more of your creative explorations in the future.

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.