The Price of a Life - By Lee Xuan Pei Coco

Written By: Lee Xuan Pei Coco

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In "The Price of a Life," Lee Xuan Pei Coco presents a moving poetic exploration as part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This powerful piece falls under the category of poetry, delving into the poignant theme of the sacrifices one makes in pursuit of success. Lee Xuan Pei Coco's work invites readers to reflect on the balance between academic achievement and personal fulfillment.

About the Work

The poem "The Price of a Life" by Lee Xuan Pei Coco offers an introspective journey through the emotional landscape of personal sacrifice. It thoughtfully examines the pressures of academic expectations and the emotional void that can accompany relentless pursuit of perfection. The piece is rich with imagery and emotion, painting a vivid picture of a life defined by grades and the isolation that can follow.

The Price of a Life

Original Submission by Lee Xuan Pei Coco

Was this all worth it?

A life consisting of books after books.

Learning everything I needed to know,

Just to ace a few tests.

Yet I knew I couldn’t stop.

Those scores now defined me.

Without it, I would be nothing.

I would be the failure child my parents mentioned.

So I buried myself.

Memorising everything that appeared in the book.

Yet, walking out of each exam room,

That knowledge flew out of my mind.

So, was it worth it?

Constantly working myself off for a grade?

Only after these examinations,

I started to realise

That I was too distanced from my fellow peers.

The life of a perfect child,

One who they proclaim a natural born genius.

Yet it was never this easy,

Having to sacrifice my early years

For the sake of a better future.

Now, these grades mean nothing anymore.

They are but something swept away by the wind.

Yet, with this burden gone,

Why do I feel so empty?

I guess, I never got to enjoy myself.

I guess I was too carried away

With crafting myself a better future

That I did not care about my past self’s life

That could have been more… carefree.

Seeing everyone so fulfilled, so happy.

I can’t help but feel a pang of jealousy.

Why could I not enjoy myself?

Why did I need to lock myself away in these books?

But it was already too late.

My childhood was the price to pay for a better future.

Yet, this price didn’t seem worth it,

As I could only think about my missing years of fun.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious event that celebrates diverse voices in poetry and creative writing. It provides a platform for writers worldwide to share their unique perspectives and narratives, fostering a global community of literary excellence.

Thank you, Lee Xuan Pei Coco, for sharing "The Price of a Life" with us in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Your poignant reflection on the costs of academic pursuit offers readers a profound perspective on the balance between success and personal happiness.

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.