Time. - By Aishwarya Kumaran

Written By: Aishwarya Kumaran

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Aishwarya Kumaran presents her thought-provoking poem "Time." in the category of Poetry as part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her piece delves into the fluidity of time and the transition from childhood dreams to adult realities, capturing the essence of youthful aspirations and the introspective journey of self-discovery.

About the Work

"Time." by Aishwarya Kumaran explores the poignant theme of growing up. With a blend of introspection and vivid imagery, the poem reflects on the expectations and pressures that accompany the brink of adulthood. Through a candid narrative voice, Aishwarya navigates the uncertainty of choices and self-worth, posing questions that resonate deeply with anyone who has faced the crossroads of life.

Time.

Original Submission by Aishwarya Kumaran

Time.

Time is funny, isn't it?

One second I'm laughing with my two-year-old sister and teaching teddy bears, The next I'm in my room, crying over science despair.

I close my eyes and open them to a whole new world,

Never thought it'd be my turn to step into the real world.

I imagined my life to be rainbows and ponies

But before I knew it, life had other stories.

You see, I had high hopes for myself,

I imagined that by the time I was 17, I'd be a singer, a dancer, doing it all, juggling it like it's my call.

But I'm 17 now, I'm 17? I'm 17.

I'm 17 now and I'm at a crossroads,

Do I go right or left?

Computer or Arts?

Maybe I should give it all up and starve?

Am I doing enough?

Am I doing right?

Am I doing it on time?

Will I ever be enough?

What colleges to apply, what classes to pick, how to save money while still being my parents' honey?

How to do it all when I'm only 17?

How can I be a singer or a dancer when I only ever prance around my room? How can I be the woman I envisioned at five if all I know is to read a book?

How can I be the woman I envisioned at fifteen, if all I'm good at is procrastinating?

How can I be the woman I want to be, if all my values start to drain? Time, how can I be?

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious platform celebrating creativity and expression. Writers and poets from around the world share their unique voices and stories, contributing to a rich tapestry of contemporary literature and art.

Thank you, Aishwarya Kumaran, for sharing your introspective piece "Time." with us. Your participation in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 enriches our understanding of the universal journey to self-discovery and the passage of time.

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.