She's a prisoner - By Jamilah Reid

Written By: Jamilah Reid

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In her poignant poem titled "She's a prisoner," Jamilah Reid delves into themes of captivity and self-reflection. This piece is a part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Reid's powerful words capture the essence of feeling entrapped by circumstance and emotion, inviting readers to examine their own realities and the metaphorical prisons they may inhabit. Her contribution to the poetry category stands out with its rich imagery and emotional depth.

About the Work

Jamilah Reid's work is a compelling exploration of the internal and societal chains that bind individuals. Through vivid imagery and a rhythmic flow, the poem navigates the dichotomy between external appearances and internal struggles. The repetition of the refrain "Can't you see? - She's a prisoner" serves as a haunting reminder of the duality of existence and the silent battles many face. Reid's evocative style invites introspection and empathy, making her poem both a personal and universal narrative.

She's a prisoner

Original Submission by Jamilah Reid

She’s a prisoner - Jamilah Reid

She has scales over her eyes swims with the fish but somehow,

she’s grown a pair of canines, in order to survive.

Can’t you see? - She’s a prisoner.

She wakes at the crack of dawn, while still stifling her own yawns,

tending to others while secretly wishing that one wasn’t born.

Can’t you see? - She’s a prisoner.

She blocks out her own thoughts with work from the farm.

It’s an office but to her, mentally, it feels like a humid old barn out in the middle of her twisted thoughts.

Can’t you see? - She’s a prisoner.

She crys herself to sleep, as she thinks about her life playing out in 30 second reels.

Except, no one replays them but her, the woman who’s naturally running from her dreams.

Can’t you see? - She’s a prisoner.

She smiles on minimum rest, a breadwinner yet still coming home to cook the dinner sometimes.

Can’t you see? - She’s a prisoner.

She pretends like everything is okay, as her own dreams are out there, ‘at bay’.

‘It doesn’t bother me, I’m okay’

But can’t you see? - She’s a prisoner.

She opens her mouth with perfect diction, well dressed, always in her best.

Wouldn’t you like to know that her love life is an infectious fiction?

Can’t you see? - She’s a prisoner.

Always giving, always helping…yet the drugs she takes for her sickness…are not only pharmaceutical.

It’s the grave she keeps digging, the truth she hyphenates.

Can’t you see? - She’s a prisoner.

She has big dreams but a small reality.

Most professional interactions feel like a casualty.

Pleasant, patient, perfect posture.

But you can’t…Can you?

Can’t you she’s a well behaved prisoner, waiting to be freed?

Her husband smiles at the women he chooses.

Does she even know that even her loved one he abuses?

She’s powerful on her own, she doesn’t need ten additional toes.

Why does she even stay?

Why does she smile like everything is okay?

Is love really enough? Is the money enough? - For her it seems.

Can’t you see? - She’s a prisoner, in her self constructed prison.

We open our eyes, yet close our minds as time passes by…how many prisoners did we enthrall with our deviations to grandeur?

Can’t you see…between these lines, lies a prisoner…metaphoric in nature yet literal.

I am a prisoner, she may be you. - Which one are you?

Freed.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious platform celebrating the creative expressions of writers worldwide. This competition encourages submissions across various genres, offering writers the opportunity to share their unique voices and stories with a global audience. Through this initiative, Hashtag Kalakar aims to foster a vibrant community of artists and readers, united by a love for the written word.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Jamilah Reid for her insightful contribution, "She's a prisoner," to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her poem resonates with readers, offering a profound reflection on personal freedom and societal expectations. We appreciate her participation and look forward to seeing more of her thought-provoking work 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.