Upon the verge of, - By Thavisha Deraniyagala

Written By: Thavisha Deraniyagala

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Thavisha Deraniyagala presents "Upon the verge of," an evocative poem featured in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This piece delves into the profound themes of war, choice, and the search for redemption. Deraniyagala's work stands as a poignant reflection on the personal and collective consequences of conflict, resonating with readers worldwide through its powerful imagery and emotional depth.

About the Work

"Upon the verge of," by Thavisha Deraniyagala, is a contemplative poem that explores the harrowing realities of war and the internal struggle of choice. Through vivid imagery and a haunting narrative, the poem reflects on the tragic outcomes of conflict and the yearning for peace and justice. The work is imbued with a sense of loss and the futility of violence, leaving a lasting impression on the reader.

Upon the verge of,

Original Submission by Thavisha Deraniyagala

Upon the verge of,

I signed that piece of paper, thought nothing much of it.

Gave up the right to life on a waiver, pride made me do it.

I had everything I wanted in life, though it never amounted for nothing.

Now I lay at ease on the blood ridden trenches,

Motion and emotionless, I’m losing all of my sense. Now I lay at ease on a suite of a grave, trying to reject the sweet mercy of death.

Now I lay puzzled on my self-inflicted choices, a conflicted teen turned pawn, won’t live to see dawn. Now I got stood up on by my guilty conscious, no promotion, all my loved ones kept waiting, just, just a premonition of death, but all the pain and the stenches let me know, my life is still at bay.

Now I sail a sea of red, the Red Sea, stranded and alone. I ride the war worn waves as I seek paradise and yearn for justice.

A lie sold, sweet and seductive for the young man’s mind. Kill and be killed, I mourn for my righteous brothers. Curse the choice-less democracy we were born in. Now find peace.

Kill and be killed, there’s no winner in the end.

But we were told we must fight to defend.

Same lie told to my brothers now in red,

garnish our flesh with gunpowder and lead,

Satan is offered the dead.

The battlefield’s a garden, watered with bloodshed. Souls blossom from their encapsulating heads.

Moses parts the Red Sea, the Red Sea of flesh and souls to a Red Sea of souls of flesh.

The white dove killed, upon the battlefield it rose anew. A crimson red phoenix holding a burning English rose. It was carried over to the victorious king, who was overjoyed that the dove, dead, had turned red.

They celebrate, wine and mead cover the streets.

Pay no mind to their deformed and dead fleet.

Our families forced to forgive, forget and celebrate. I met my fate, paradise sought which cannot be bought by any amount of wealth or gold, but by thought.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious platform celebrating the art of creative expression. It invites writers and poets from around the globe to showcase their talents and share their unique voices. This competition fosters a vibrant community of artists dedicated to exploring diverse themes and narratives through the written word.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Thavisha Deraniyagala for sharing "Upon the verge of," a deeply moving entry in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Your contribution enriches the tapestry of voices that make this competition a beacon for emerging and established writers alike.

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.