When dreams die - By Edwin Ondor

Written By: Edwin Ondor

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Discover the evocative poem "When dreams die" by Edwin Ondor, a compelling entry in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This poetry piece delves into the profound themes of lost dreams and the resulting desolation. Edwin Ondor's piece invites readers to ponder the fragile balance between hope and despair, and how the death of dreams can transform life into a barren landscape.

About the Work

"When dreams die" is a poignant exploration of the emotional aftermath when aspirations falter. The poem paints a vivid picture of a life imprisoned by lost dreams, using imagery of cages, tombs, and wilderness to convey a sense of desolation. The literary style is reflective and somber, capturing the essence of despair and the emptiness that follows dreams' demise.

When dreams die

Original Submission by Edwin Ondor

*When dreams die*

When dreams die,

life becomes a prison,

tortuous, grim and desolate!

When dreams die, life is a cage with trapped doors

,

a tomb where men chant the rosary of defeats and regrets.

When dreams die,

life drifts into a drain,

withered places of nothingness.

When dreams die, people sit and wait ,

crippled, battered and shattered!

When dreams die,

Life is a gnarled Iroko tree; dried and biled!

When dreams die,

tomorrow is a wilderness

with weeds of failures,

stagnancy and fading glory!

Only emptiness remains when dreams die!

Edwin Ondor.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious platform celebrating diverse literary talents from around the world. It invites poets and writers to share their unique voices and stories, fostering a global community of creative expression. Participants explore a range of themes, adding richness to the literary landscape.

Thank you, Edwin Ondor, for sharing your profound poem "When dreams die" with us. Your participation in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 enriches the dialogue around hope and despair, inspiring readers worldwide. We appreciate your contribution and look forward to more of your insightful 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.