To live or die - By Ethan Naidoo

Written By: Ethan Naidoo

Category: poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Introducing Ethan Naidoo's evocative poem "To live or die," a profound entry in the poetry category of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This competition celebrates the creative expressions of writers worldwide. Ethan's piece delves into the complex emotions of life, love, and existential contemplation, inviting readers to explore the inner conflicts and desires that define the human experience.

About the Work

Ethan Naidoo's poem "To live or die" navigates the intricate dance between life and death while examining personal relationships. The poem is rich with vivid imagery and emotional depth, reflecting a yearning for connection and understanding amidst life's uncertainties. The work resonates with a contemplative mood, capturing the essence of existential introspection and the enduring power of love.

To live or die

Original Submission by Ethan Naidoo

To live or die

I don’t want to die

I don’t think I want to live either

I don’t know what I desire or where that fire is anymore

I'd be a liar if I didn't ask why her

I tire of the task of wearing a mask

but she would always ask while staring through it

declaring her love and daring to stay

caring while bearing my gray

I don’t want to die

I don’t know if I want to live

I do want to drive like I don’t want to survive

but would I deprive her or give her room to thrive

will we still feel alive when we’re forty-five

can we truly survive, no, can we outlive the desire to die

by your side I never want to say goodbye

even though she despises my attire

I imagine a bow tie and a blue sky whenever I see her

she’s ever so clever and never the whisperer

I don’t want to die

I think I want to live

in a fancy font I want to be your confidant

the link in your unbroken chain

the ink in your unwritten song

the drink you savor then throw down the sink

but first

I'd like to grow your thirst and take it slow so there’s more flavor

I don’t show it but I know I'm sure about it

from the first photo

I tried to be john doe but you wouldn’t let go

do me a favor and stay when the sun gets low

I don’t want to die

I want to live

but time exists only to taunt me

we strive to thrive till we’re eighty-five

still in love we’ll feel free

up on a hill under a tree

I’ll bend a knee

will you be mine

In this life and after death

I don’t want to die

I don’t want to live either

I just want to be by your side forever

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious platform that showcases the diverse talents of writers from around the globe. It provides an opportunity for poets and authors to share their unique voices and stories with a wide audience, celebrating the art of creative writing in its many forms.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Ethan Naidoo for sharing "To live or die" with us. Your participation in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 enriches the literary tapestry of this event. We wish you all the best in your creative journey and look forward to more of your thought-provoking work.

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.