Jack of all Trades - By Valeria Scalese

Written By: Valeria Scalese

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Valeria Scalese, writing under the name Jack of all trades, brings us a thought-provoking poem titled "Jack of all Trades." As a participant in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, Scalese delves into the complexities of ambition and the fear of choosing a singular path. Her poem captures the essence of a modern dilemma faced by many creatives: the tension between pursuing diverse interests and mastering a single craft.

About the Work

"Jack of all Trades" by Valeria Scalese is a reflective piece that navigates the inner conflict of wanting to excel in multiple areas while fearing the consequences of not specializing in one. The poem's introspective tone and vivid imagery invite readers to ponder the balance between risk-taking and safety. Through eloquent verse, Scalese challenges the conventional wisdom of mastery, offering a nuanced perspective on personal growth and fulfillment.

Jack of all trades

Original Submission by Valeria Scalese

Jack of all Trades

I recently read a quote that said:

“Jack of all trades, master of none”

And I immediately felt a bit too seen

because all it takes is one look around my room

and you’ll see a thousand different projects,

none of them done

All of this truly makes me think

If I’ll ever achieve anything in life

when I can’t even choose between left and right

I believe we should follow our dreams,

I’m aware most would disagree;

It’s better to settle for less and stay safe

rather than spending your life taking a risk,

aware that you could lose it all

However, following a dream means choosing a path,

but my path is split into a hundred different directions

and I’m afraid I’ll spend all of my time standing still

because I’m afraid of rejection

I want to be the artist that helped someone survive their day,

I want to be the author that wrote a book someone couldn’t forget,

and I want to be the streamer that gave someone a reason to smile

I want to be it all

but I fear that’s the reason

I’ll become nothing at all

I told a stranger online about my worries

because I didn’t want my friends to think less of me

She actually replied

and her words never left my mind

All I ever heard was “Jack of all trades, master of none”

But she actually told me

the quote wasn’t done

Half of it was missing,

but it was the part that made the quote like no other

it ends with: “but sometimes better than a master of one”

It was incomplete all along

and it made me realize

it’s okay that I don’t know yet

where I belong

I don’t need to restrict myself to one thing

I can take a path and fail,

Try it again and again

I can retrace my steps,

and always go back

because I know that being a master of none,

give me more chances to try than just one

I know I’ll reach my destination one day

If I remember not to lose my determination

and by the time I’m there,

I’ll be known as so much more

than just a master of one

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, hosted by Hashtag Kalakar, is a prestigious event celebrating the art of written expression. It provides a platform for writers and poets from around the world to share their unique voices and perspectives. The competition is a testament to the power of storytelling and the beauty of language, fostering a global community of creative minds.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Valeria Scalese for her captivating poem "Jack of all Trades." Her participation in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 highlights the courage and creativity that define this remarkable event. We are grateful for the opportunity to share her work and look forward to seeing more of her artistic journey.

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.