Man of the House - By Rosie Lee

Written By: Rosie Lee

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Rosie Lee's poem "Man of the House" is a poignant submission in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, celebrating the rich tapestry of poetic expression. In the poetry category, Rosie Lee draws readers into a journey of growth and identity, reflecting on the sacrifices made and the weight of responsibilities shouldered from a young age. Within this piece, Rosie captures the essence of familial expectations and personal transformation.

About the Work

"Man of the House" delves into themes of identity, responsibility, and the burdens carried in silence. With vivid imagery and heartfelt emotion, Rosie Lee portrays the experience of growing up too soon, enveloped in the weight of expectations. The poem's introspective tone and rich metaphors invite readers to reflect on the complexity of maturity and the longing for childhood innocence.

Man of the House

Original Submission by Rosie Lee

Man of the House

by Rosie Lee

Baba’s jacket hangs loose and wide,

An armour they say to wear with pride.

The sleeves drape over the bones of my wrist,

Tailored far past my own fingertips.

What a good daughter! The halls echo back,

As I stitched on a smile and carried all the slack.

I drown beneath the fabric laid with heavy seam,

Crushing me under this “American Dream.”

While they traded Pokémon cards under recess sun,

I learned to change diapers and get bottles done.

While they whispered secrets at sleepover nights,

I taught reading and writing beneath kitchen lights.

While they worried over dances and crushes to meet,

I packed little lunches and tucked shirts in neat.

While they bickered whose turn it was to play,

I answered to “姐姐” whenever the call came.

While they wished for futures to someday pursue,

I helped tie laces into ribbons and slide into shoes.

While they rolled their eyes at their parents’ advice,

I found out that even average came at a price.

The jacket grew heavier year after year,

Yet I wore it in silence and blinked back tears.

They called me dependable, helpful, wise,

Never seeing the child with tired eyes.

They praised the strength I always seemed to show,

Never seeing the things I had to outgrow.

They cheered on the way I forever pulled my weight,

Never seeing how I dare not act my age.

They approved of shoulders too sturdy for their size,

Never seeing the girl trapped deep inside.

The sleeves fit better than they once did before,

But the edges and hems still drag on the floor.

The cloth no longer swallows my hands whole,

Yet its weight has long since etched into my soul.

I spent forever hoping the jacket would fit right,

Not fully understanding what I’d lose in hindsight.

I wanted to look in the mirror and find,

The picture perfect daughter staring back in kind.

And then one day, my hopes came true—

But did the jacket get small or did I grow too?

All I find is her standing tall somehow,

Wearing Baba’s jacket as though it fits her now.

The sleeves rest neatly where they used to fall,

As if they had never drowned me at all.

Yet sometimes I miss the girl I left behind,

Still reaching for a jacket never meant to be mine.

Only then, I understood, after quite a while,

I became the man before I lived the child.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious event inviting writers from around the world to showcase their literary talents. It embraces diverse voices and creative expressions, offering a platform for poets and writers to share their unique perspectives and stories.

We extend our gratitude to Rosie Lee for sharing "Man of the House" with us in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Your powerful imagery and heartfelt reflections on growth and responsibility resonate deeply. Thank you for contributing your voice and enriching the tapestry of this 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.