Guard Your Neck - By Kyla Jagger

Written By: Kyla Jagger

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In her evocative poem "Guard Your Neck," Kyla Jagger delves into themes of loyalty, strength, and protection. As a contender in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, Kyla explores the delicate balance of power and tenderness within relationships. Her work invites readers to reflect on the nature of devotion, as well as the strength found in vulnerability.

About the Work

"Guard Your Neck" is a poignant exploration of loyalty and protection, wrapped in the imagery of a wolf's gentle yet vigilant presence. Kyla Jagger masterfully contrasts physical size with emotional strength, highlighting the profound protective instincts that come from love. This poem resonates with its strategic use of metaphor and vivid imagery, reflecting a deep understanding of the dynamics of strength and vulnerability.

Guard your neck

Original Submission by Kyla Jagger

Guard Your Neck

Kyla Jagger

I have always hated being small.

There is too much violence in my loyalty

for a body this slight.

Sometimes I look at you

and think if God had given me your shoulders,

your height,

those hands that could close around a man’s wrist,

I would have been terrible.

But perhaps He knew.

So He made you enormous

and filled you with gentleness.

And made me small enough

to stand beneath your jaw.

Like the female wolf at her mate’s throat.

To anyone watching,

it almost looks submissive,

the smaller body tucked beneath the larger,

her head lowered,

her mouth against his neck.

But she is more tactical than that.

She has placed herself

where strength is least useful,

guarding the soft anatomy

even the largest animal

cannot armour.

That is how I love you.

Not behind you.

At your throat.

Where anything wanting to hurt you

would first have to put its hands

close enough for me to bite.

You could crush what frightens me.

But you won’t.

You are the gentle giant.

So perhaps that is why

you were given me.

Something small enough

to sleep beneath your chin,

and vicious enough

to wake with blood in her mouth

if the wrong thing reaches for your neck.

Let them mistake my position

for weakness.

Let them think I am sheltered there.

I know what I am guarding.

And God help anything

that mistakes devotion

for submission.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious platform celebrating diverse voices and creative expression. It gathers poets and writers from around the world, offering a space to showcase their unique perspectives and literary talents. Participants engage with a global audience, contributing to a vibrant tapestry of contemporary literature.

We extend our gratitude to Kyla Jagger for sharing her powerful poem "Guard Your Neck" with the Hashtag Kalakar community. Her participation in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 enriches the dialogue on strength and devotion. We eagerly anticipate more compelling contributions from her in the future.

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.