Star - By Sihle Ludonga

Written By: Sihle Ludonga

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the evocative poem "Star," Sihle Ludonga, writing under the name Star, delves into the complexities of love and sacrifice. As part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, this work stands out in the Poetry category, capturing the reader's imagination with its vivid imagery and emotional depth. Sihle's poignant exploration of how love can simultaneously warm and consume offers a stirring reflection on the dual nature of passion.

About the Work

"Star" is a powerful meditation on the paradoxical nature of love, where warmth and destruction coexist. Sihle Ludonga employs celestial imagery to convey the intensity of affection, with the sun symbolizing both solace and the potential for hurt. The poem's mood oscillates between tenderness and intensity, inviting readers to contemplate the beauty and pain of deep connection. Through its vivid language, the piece evokes a sense of yearning and vulnerability.

Star

Original Submission by Sihle Ludonga

Name: Sihle Ludonga

Title: Star

Star

by Sihle Ludonga

Completed by the very thing that destroys me…

You’re the sun on a cold winters day.

Warm and inviting.

Your smile, your laugh, your voice

Draw me closer to you.

But the closer I get

I feel my skin begin to scorch.

The brighter you burn

The harder it is to reach you

touch you, feel you, embrace you.

I will not shy away from the pain

but endure it. let it consume me.

Let you consume me.

The centre of my solar system

My sun.

My world.

My everything.

But as you light me ablaze,

I see the cracks in your core

Like a star collapsing in on itself.

My dying star

Let me see past those sad eyes.

Let me in.

Let us collide, fuse as one.

One body

One heart

One flame.

Touch my soul.

Touch me…

again.

And again.

Until there’s nothing left but light.

Burn me.

Break me.

Consume me.

Whole…

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious platform celebrating diverse voices in the literary arts. This competition invites participants to showcase their creativity and share their unique perspectives with a global audience. It is a space where poets and writers can explore various themes, enriching the literary landscape with innovative and thought-provoking works.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Sihle Ludonga for sharing "Star" with us in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Your exploration of love's consuming nature has left a profound impact. We look forward to witnessing more of your poetic journey and the unique voice you bring to the world of poetry.

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.