The Angry Daughter - By Valeria Scalese

Written By: Valeria Scalese

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Valeria Scalese, under the pen name "The Angry Daughter," brings forth a poignant exploration of identity and self-expression in her poem "The Angry Daughter." As part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, this piece delves into the complexity of emotions and the struggle to be heard and understood. Through vivid imagery and raw emotion, Scalese invites readers into a deeply personal narrative that resonates with many who have felt marginalized or misunderstood.

About the Work

"The Angry Daughter" is a powerful introspection on identity and the societal labels imposed on individuals, particularly women. The poem is rich with imagery and emotion, capturing the essence of a soul searching for understanding and acceptance. Scalese's style is direct yet nuanced, revealing layers of vulnerability and resilience. Through its compelling narrative, the poem challenges perceptions and highlights the hunger for acknowledgment and empathy.

The angry daughter

Original Submission by Valeria Scalese

The angry daughter

They call me the angry daughter,

the one who stares with emptiness in her eyes

with no reason to hide behind a smile

They call me the angry one

because I raise my voice to make a point

Tears wear up in my eyes,

and I try not to cry

aware,

that all of my dignity is on the line

They tell me I’m too much

and take my opinions with a grain of salt

I’ve tried to open up

but every time I do it escalates

and I end up getting asked

if it’s this time of the month

So, I took the angry girl and hid her behind closed doors,

and found other ways on how to cope

I listen to music until music is all I hear,

no thoughts in sight which would cause any fright

I read until the books consume me,

let my mind conceive a world where I get to be anything,

without worrying that the people wouldn’t be able to bear my sight

But at the end of the day,

I always end up here,

on my bed

with thoughts that shouldn’t be thought

and let them consume me

like the darkness around me

The clock points to 2am

the only time the door is unlocked

I walk through and spot the girl on the floor,

afraid of her angry core

She’s vulnerable,

I can tell

so, I sit down next to her

and let her speak her mind

She talks and talks and even let’s me see her marks

I search her core for the anger that keeps her locked up,

but all I find is a hunger for the attention she never got

Maybe I am the angry daughter,

and I thrive when I yell

and wait for people to tell me I’m not well

But maybe,

maybe,

I am not the angry daughter

Maybe I’m the little girl that’s been locked behind a door

because people couldn’t take her no more

And maybe,

all she wants,

is for someone to sit down and listen to her speak,

while giving her the attention

she so desperately seeks

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious event celebrating the art of words across the globe. It serves as a platform for writers to showcase their talent and creativity, fostering a community of literary enthusiasts who appreciate the power of storytelling and poetic expression.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Valeria Scalese for sharing her evocative poem, "The Angry Daughter," with us. Her participation in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 enriches the tapestry of voices and narratives that this event celebrates. We look forward to witnessing more of her insightful contributions to the literary world.

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.