The Glass House - By Dominique McLean

Written By: Dominique McLean

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Dominique McLean presents "The Glass House," a captivating poem submitted to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This evocative piece, categorized under Poetry, invites readers into a world where a delicate flower is nurtured within the confines of a glass house. Through vivid imagery and profound symbolism, McLean explores themes of isolation, control, and the longing for freedom. The poem's narrative unfolds in a secluded valley, where the flower's journey becomes a poignant reflection on the tension between safety and the desire to experience life beyond glass walls.

About the Work

"The Glass House" by Dominique McLean is a poetic exploration of themes such as control, isolation, and the delicate balance between safety and freedom. The poem is rich with symbolism, using the imagery of a flower confined within a glass house to depict the tension between nurturing care and the yearning for autonomy. The narrative is contemplative, with a rhythmic flow that captures the reader's attention. The poem raises introspective questions about love, protection, and the courage to embrace the unknown, leaving a lingering impression on its audience.

The Glass House

Original Submission by Dominique McLean

The Glass House

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, showcases exceptional talent from around the world. This prestigious event celebrates the power of words and the creativity of writers across various categories, including poetry, short stories, essays, and creative writing. Participants contribute their unique voices and perspectives, enriching the global literary landscape. The competition serves as a vibrant platform for emerging and established writers to share their work and engage with a diverse audience.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Dominique McLean for sharing "The Glass House" with us as part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Your talent and creativity shine through in this exquisite piece, offering readers a thoughtful meditation on themes of isolation and freedom. We look forward to witnessing your continued growth and success in 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.