What is it like to be a star - By John Tearne

Written By: John Tearne

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, John Tearne invites readers on a cosmic journey with his poem, "What is it like to be a star." This piece, featured in the poetry category, explores the fascinating introspection of celestial bodies, questioning consciousness and existence in the universe. Tearne's work beckons readers to ponder their own place amidst the stars, seamlessly blending science and philosophy with poetic elegance.

About the Work

John Tearne's "What is it like to be a star" contemplates the consciousness of stars, weaving a tapestry of light and thought across the cosmos. The poem employs striking imagery and metaphysical questions, inviting the audience to reflect on the nature of existence and the universe's silent dance. With a contemplative tone and rich language, it captures the essence of celestial beauty and existential wonder.

What is it like to be a star

Original Submission by John Tearne

What Is It Like to Be a Star

Imagine the Sun — and all the stars — conscious.

Within their roiling fusion, patterns of fire, standing in for neurons,

Synapses of plasma, thinking in light.

Thoughts streaming outward

Photons

The radiant mind of a star

Flowing across the void.

Sunlight.

The glowing beauty of stellar consciousness.

Luminous energy crossing dimensions,

Awakening life on distant worlds.

Life that grows, evolves,

and wonders in return.

Aware

Of itself,

Of its sun,

Of other life.

Are stars self‑aware?

Nagel asks - “What is it like to be a bat”

I wonder - “What is it like to be a star?”

To radiate.

To gravitate.

To cogitate in silence.

To feel, perhaps,

Without the power to choose.

Imagine an angry star, rage building until it bursts

Goes supernova

Imagine a monk‑star, still and luminous,

Meditating on the mountaintop of spacetime,

Watching the unfolding, yet never acting.

Participating as observer.

Collapsing the wave function.

Creating the actual from the possible.

And more

Gravitating to keep order

Stars dance in galaxies,

Gravity a slow waltz,

A two-step for binary companions

Do they form bonds? Friendships?

Does Sol long for the tender pull of another’s gravity —

The faint tug,

on its stellar heartstrings?

Or is it lonely,

locked inside itself,

It radiates, but not by choice.

It shines, but cannot dim.

It exists, but cannot wander.

What does a star have to be grateful for?

It cannot move, cannot create,

Cannot choose a path or seek for new horizons.

Its purpose — if purpose exists — is its death.

To scatter its ashes

of carbon, iron, oxygen, gold,

so that something else

may rise.

Life.

Consciousness.

A being that asks,

Why?

Why it exists.

Why existence.

Is that the point?

Is being enough?

To blaze, to fade, to fall to ash?

Then why consciousness?

Why this mirror the universe holds to itself?

________________

These billions of years

Nothing more

Than the cosmos

learning to look inward.

Am I a star reflecting on itself

through the mind

of a creature

made of its dust.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, hosted by Hashtag Kalakar, is a prestigious event celebrating the art of words. This competition brings together poets and writers from around the world, offering a platform for creative expression and exploration. Participants engage with diverse themes and styles, showcasing their unique voices in a global celebration of literary art.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to John Tearne for sharing his poignant poem, "What is it like to be a star," in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. His work offers a profound reflection on existence and consciousness, enriching the literary tapestry of the competition.

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.