Long Live the Fool - By Diya Sarah

Written By: Diya Sarah

Category: Essay

Competition: Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In her thought-provoking essay "Long Live the Fool," Diya Sarah invites readers into a reflective exploration of society's perception of foolishness. This entry to the Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 delves into the intricate dance between societal norms and the brave folly that often precedes genius. As part of the Essay category, Diya’s work challenges conventional wisdom and embraces the courage of the dreamer, providing a fresh perspective on the role of the fool in the tapestry of human progress.

About the Work

"Long Live the Fool" by Diya Sarah artfully examines the paradoxical nature of foolishness and wisdom. Through vivid imagery and a compelling narrative, the essay highlights how society often dismisses the fool, yet it is this very foolishness that births innovation and joy. The work encourages readers to reconsider the value of dreams and the courage to defy norms, suggesting that the path of the fool, though fraught with uncertainty, is rich in wisdom and discovery.

Long Live the Fool

Original Submission by Diya Sarah

Long Live the Fool

Cursed be the fool, says a holy book. Follow not the fool, says another. Fools aren’t worth your time, says society. Oh, to have the luxury of being the fool, says the heart. I will not be the fool, says the mind. You’re being a fool, says the voice at the back of my head.

Every genius was first a failure. Every failure, first a dreamer. Every dreamer, first a fool. Thinking trees could be written on, when nothing ever been penned before, was first foolishness. Thinking humans could fly when gravity has never been defied was first foolishness. Thinking that people across the seas could talk for hours like they were next to each other, when the distance seemed insuperable, was first foolishness.

But even if I were to be written out of history, pushed off the map or earn a humiliating five seconds of fame on Instagram, wouldn’t it be worth it? The fool cares not who the watchers are, or whether the cliff is too high, or the cost of tomorrow.

Little fool, long may you live. Stop not because society tells you something is foolishness. Even the fool going down the wrong road has greater wisdom than the prude who refuses to move until his hair is grey and his beard reaches the floor. The fool dancing in a quiet street has greater joy than the model citizen who judges from a corner.

The fool, behind carefree smiles and spontaneous plans, is the wisest of all. For who better knows the cost of dreaming, than the one who was branded a fool for it? Or the worthlessness of worry than the fool who doesn’t worry? Who but the fool who fell into the abyss would know how high the cliff was?

About the Competition

The Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a celebration of creative expression, inviting participants from around the globe to share their unique voices and perspectives. This prestigious platform provides writers an opportunity to showcase their talents in various categories, including Poetry, Short Story, Essay, and Creative Writing. The competition is known for its dedication to nurturing creativity and honoring the art of storytelling.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Diya Sarah for her insightful contribution, "Long Live the Fool," to the Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her essay not only challenges societal perceptions but also celebrates the courage and wisdom inherent in embracing one's inner fool. We are grateful for her participation and look forward to seeing more of her thought-provoking work 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.