Jane's Life Story - By Akira Singh

Written By: Akira Singh

Category: Monologue

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Akira Singh presents a touching monologue titled Jane's Life Story for the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This poignant piece, set in a nursing home, explores the reflective musings of Jane Sulivan, an elderly woman who revisits her past experiences of marriage, personal dreams, and the quest for happiness. Akira's work delves into universal themes of compromise and personal fulfillment, resonating deeply with audiences.

About the Work

Jane's Life Story is a beautifully crafted monologue that captures the introspective journey of an aging woman reflecting on her life choices. Through evocative dialogue and vivid imagery, Akira Singh paints a picture of Jane's past, her sacrifices, and her ultimate quest for personal happiness. The narrative style is intimate and engaging, drawing the audience into Jane's world with empathy and understanding.

Jane's Life Story

Original Submission by Akira Singh

Akira Singh

Jane’s Life Story

Character: Jane Sulivan, late-eighties, wears glasses.

Setting: Her bedroom in a nursing home. Afternoon.

(JANE sits on her rocking chair near her window, knitting. A young volunteer (MARY) sits nearby, listening.)

JANE

I was happy once. (She stops knitting.) Before my marriage, I mean. (She pauses, looking at MARY.) They say in marriage there’s compromise. But I was the only one doing it. (She starts knitting again.)

My husband, John, worked down in the quarry. Everyday he’d leave at dawn and come home past noon. He was a hardworking man. Always…well, always busy. (She adjusts her glasses.) Mean while I got up extra early and took care of the family. I made breakfast, fed the kids, dropped them off at school, and then headed to work.

(MARY pours JANE a glass of water.) I worked for a grumpy old man at the local newspaper. I wanted to be a journalist. (She tilts her head to the side, reminiscing.) At the time, it was unsuitable for a woman to be anything. (She looks at MARY.) So, I made the coffee and took notes at the meetings. The money I earned was too little to support a family.

(MARY sets JANE’S bed.) I just wish I did more, but I had dreams of my own too. Not to mention catering to a man that I believed I loved. (She continues knitting.)

My husband was a complicated man. On Fridays he’d make excuses about working late while gambling away his salary. (A long silence fills the room.) We could barely afford the roof over our heads. Sometimes our neighbor, Mr. Brown, would see him come home past six in the morning. (She sighs.) I had no idea of my husband’s activities. I’d do what I’d always do, trust my husband.

(MARY sits back down.) The weekends were especially hard. I had to do the housework, prepare the meals, entertain the children, and be a caring wife. All my time was taken up by my family, and before I knew it, it was Sunday evening.

Through our hollow walls, I could hear the giant grandfather clock. It kept me up all night. (She smiles at MARY.) During those nights, I’d sneak into the dining room. I kept my writings in the cabinet my mother gave me. That rusty old shelf would always jam up, and I would have to use a butter knife to shimmy it open. After retrieving it, I’d sit by our small table and write. (She looks at MARY.) I was writing a novel at the time. At least for an hour every Sunday. It was the only comfort I got.

After that, my week would start all over again. (She pauses.) I do regret thinking about this, but my weeks were miserable. Day-in and day-out of tireless work all in the name of being a good woman.

It seemed that I was making everyone else happy besides myself. It was a strange feeling to have. The only time I felt happy was that hour every Sunday.

(She rubs her chin.) If I think back, there was that time when I was fourteen. (She looks at MARY.) I used to sit near the lake and read. The breeze would softly go by, the sun would be warm, and my sister would sketch next to me.

Hmph. (She pauses.) I almost forgot about that day. When I was young…. Well, that was a long time ago. Now all my children are grown and married, and my husband is buried in the old Sulivan graveyard. I’m all alone but I’ve never been happier. I even have time to finish that novel.

END OF MONOLOGUE.

Approximate runtime: 2 minutes

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, hosted by Hashtag Kalakar, is a prestigious platform celebrating the art of written expression. It invites participants from around the world to share their unique voices and stories. The competition includes diverse categories, offering writers an opportunity to showcase their creativity and connect with a global audience.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Akira Singh for sharing Jane's Life Story with us. This compelling monologue, part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, offers a vivid exploration of life, love, and self-discovery. Thank you, Akira, for enriching our competition with your remarkable storytelling.

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.