The Glass House and A Manual for the Correct body - By Dominique McLean

Written By: Dominique McLean

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the realm of poetic elegance, Dominique McLean presents "The Glass House and A Manual for the Correct body," a captivating entry in the Poetry category for the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Dominique's work invites readers into a world where control and isolation intertwine, raising profound questions about freedom and self-discovery. This submission showcases the depth of Dominique's literary prowess and her ability to weave intricate narratives that resonate on a universal level.

About the Work

Dominique McLean's "The Glass House" is a poignant exploration of themes such as control, isolation, and the longing for freedom. Through vivid imagery and a compelling narrative style, the poem delves into the life of a single flower, tended meticulously by a gardener. The work reflects on the delicate balance between protection and confinement, inviting readers to question the nature of true growth and independence. The mood is contemplative, with a subtle undercurrent of yearning for the unknown.

The Glass House and A Manual for the Correct body

Original Submission by Dominique McLean

The Glass House

By Dominique McLean

In a secluded valley

stood a magnificent

glass house.

Where a single flower

was tended to

by the same gardener

since it first sprouted.

He controlled everything.

The rain,

the rays of sunshine,

and even the air

that the flower breathed.

But our flower truly believed

that this control was

out of love

and necessary for her growth.

It’s all she could believe,

as she didn’t know

the world beyond

the glass.

However,

sometimes she felt lonely.

Sometimes

she pressed herself

against the glass

and sighed.

Watching all the

other flowers sway

in the wind.

The wind waved to them

with such gentle sways,

that she longed to feel it.

Or to speak to the weeds

and buds that resided

outside.

But the gardener had told her

gentle things were

the most dangerous.

And he scolded and said:

“You can’t leave. Look how well you’ve grown because I kept you safe.”

Telling her frightful stories,

of flowers that died

when they didn’t listen

to their gardener.

But fertilized her after,

as he always did,

when doubt sullied her petals.

Repeating that she would not be able to live

without the sole things he offered.

So she let the idea go,

And bloomed right after.

So she continued to believed him.

But one day,

a bird landed on the glass roof

of the house and noticed the flower,

sitting in a pile of her isolation.

And it asked one question:

“Have you ever seen the sky without glass?”

And our flower pondered.

She had never seen the world

without a glass pane between the two.

But she answered strongly saying:

“I have not. However, the world beyond glass

is dangerous.

And beautiful flowers

cannot survive out there,

especially not in the rain.”

The bird titled

it’s little head to the right

in confusion, and prodded

at the flowers mind again

“Who told you

flowers cannot survive in the rain?”

This was a question

that the flower knew an answer to.

So she did not have to think too long

to answer.

“My gardener!

And he told me this

because he loves me.”

This time, the birds head

titled to the left

and it asked one more question.

“If he loves you…

why does he lock the door

when he leaves?”

—

Weeks passed

and she pondered on this question.

Weeks, where she continued to grow,

though confused.

And she grew enough

to crack the glass.

When she realized

what she could do,

hesitation coursed through

her leaves,

and his words

repeated themselves in her sepals.

And for the first time

she brushed them off.

And reached for the wind.

It was as gentle and soothing

as she had imagined.

But she flinched at the contact.

and shame burned through her.

so she pulled back immediately.

Her stem stiffened

Her leaves turned inward

As if trying to hide from what she had done.

And somewhere inside her,

before thought, before reason.

He was already speaking.

“I kept you safe.”

“The world beyond is dangerous.”

“You will die.”

This was it.

She believed that she was

truly going to perish.

So she remained.

And the gardener

repaired the glass.

Then reminded her

that curiosity

was how flowers

got themselves killed.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, hosted by Hashtag Kalakar, stands as a prestigious platform for writers and poets to showcase their creativity and literary skill. Celebrated for its commitment to nurturing artistic expression, the competition welcomes participants from around the world, offering them the opportunity to present their unique voices and perspectives. It serves as a testament to the power of words and the enduring impact of storytelling.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Dominique McLean for sharing "The Glass House and A Manual for the Correct body" with us. Your participation in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 reflects your dedication to the craft of poetry and storytelling. Thank you for contributing your voice and enriching our literary landscape with your thought-provoking work.

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.