The Black Iris Near the Chapel - By Dominique McLean

Written By: Dominique McLean

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In a beautifully crafted entry for the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, Dominique McLean presents "The Black Iris Near the Chapel." This evocative poem stands as a testament to the resilience of individuality against conformity. Under the umbrella of Hashtag Kalakar's prestigious competition, McLean's work showcases the nuanced struggle for self-expression amidst societal expectations. The poem invites readers to reflect on themes of inner strength and the quiet rebellion against imposed norms, all set against a backdrop of natural imagery.

About the Work

"The Black Iris Near the Chapel" employs rich imagery and metaphor to explore themes of individuality and social perception. Dominique McLean's poetic style is both contemplative and assertive, capturing the delicate balance between personal growth and external pressures. The black iris stands as a powerful symbol of quiet defiance and authenticity, inviting readers to consider the nuances of identity and the courage required to embrace one's true self.

The Black Iris Near the Chapel

Original Submission by Dominique McLean

The Black Iris Near the Chapel

Rebellion, they call it.

A black iris among the white,

bending toward the sun with a color

they refuse to name.

As if every flower

that pauses long enough

to listen to herself and change,

must be at war.

She isn’t.

She is simply searching,

for a color that suits her petals,

for a quiet place to stand,

for a way to exist

without apology.

It does not mean she is turning

away from the sun.

It does not mean she is choosing

darkness willingly.

She is still the same flower

who grows with her pairs,

who listens carefully,

who tries to understand

what she is given.

She sits in practiced posture,

head bowed low,

praying for a miracle.

Her stem trembles

under the harsh words of her batch.

She knocks at heaven’s door,

begging mercy

for her hurting heart

near the chapel.

Her stem is sullied,

her petals streaked with crimson,

her rosary stained

with tears and sacrifice.

They all cry for her,

as her heart can no longer

manage out another

drop of sorrow.

She has changed,

She has grown

She has matured,

And more is required.

She lifts her head

and works among her batch,

while the white iris

turns away in quiet decry.

She Is still labeled a rebel

Why?

She simply embraces

a different style.

And yet,

she is seen as a outcast

for the very reason

that she blooms

in black and white.

As if chlorophyll

could define her spirit.

As if color

could measure her faith.

Perhaps she is not the simple one.

Perhaps it is those around her

who refuse to see beyond appearances,

who cling to old ideas

that leave no room for difference.

Those tell her

to change her style.

Those who embarrass her,

They whisper.

They laugh quietly.

And they call her names.

They tell her to cover up

what is already hidden.

To hide what no one sees.

They gather around her bloom

with careful, disapproving hands.

Fingers hover over her petals,

lifting them slightly,

whispering numbers

under their breath.

They whisper that she opens too much,

that her layers spread too freely

toward the light.

They press her petals inward,

folding them closed

before they have finished growing.

They tell her

to hide her color,

to tighten her bloom,

to make herself smaller

so wandering eyes

will pass her by.

As if the way she flowers

were an invitation.

As if her natural unfolding

were a fault.

She tries so very hard.

She dulls her color,

pulling her darkness inward

until her petals fade at the edges.

She tightens her bloom,

holding herself closed

even in the warmth of the sun.

She bends her stem

into the shapes they approve,

holding still

even when the wind asks her to move.

She listens to every correction,

every quiet warning

carried on passing voices.

And still,

their eyes return

to search her for fault.

Because the rules change

like shadows across a garden.

One day they tell her

to close tightly.

The next,

they say she is too closed,

too dark,

too unwilling to shine.

What is proper blooming

in one season

becomes wrong in another.

And slowly,

the language changes —

petals become skin,

stem becomes spine,

growth becomes shame.

So, she grows tired.

the kind of tired

that settles into the roots,

that weighs down her stem,

that makes every effort

feel heavier than the last.

She begins to understand

this tending has no end,

that no amount of folding

will satisfy them.

And something inside her

quietly begins to crack.

She stops trying.

Not with anger,

not with defiance.

She simply stops.

She simply stops

tightening her bloom,

stops folding herself smaller,

stops bending toward every voice.

She stands still

in the shape she was grown.

She sits in quiet

and exhaustion,

feeling nothing

and everything

all at once.

The carried whispers of the wind,

the judgments,

the stares —

they pass her by

like rain on stone.

She turns inward.

She chooses the Sun.

His warmth,

not their watching,

guides her standing and her bending.

She blooms now

for light alone.

She is done.

She is still.

And she is faithful.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar serves as a platform for writers worldwide to showcase their talent and creativity. This esteemed competition celebrates diverse voices and innovative storytelling, fostering a global community of poets and writers. Participants are given the opportunity to share their unique perspectives and contribute to the rich tapestry of contemporary literature.

We extend our gratitude to Dominique McLean for sharing "The Black Iris Near the Chapel" with us. Your participation in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 enriches our collective understanding of the human spirit. Thank you for your insightful contribution, which continues to inspire and resonate with readers on a profound level.

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.