The Man Beneath the Cap - By Marinus van Deventer

Written By: Marinus van Deventer

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Introducing "The Man Beneath the Cap," a poignant poem by Marinus van Deventer. Part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, this piece gracefully explores the touching relationship between a father and child, capturing the warmth of familial bonds through cherished memories and heartfelt moments. The poem's gentle narrative invites readers to reflect on the subtle yet profound gestures that define love and connection within family ties.

About the Work

"The Man Beneath the Cap" delves into the intimate moments shared between a father and son, using the imagery of a father's hat and a symbolic tie to convey deep emotional ties. The work paints a vivid picture of a wedding day, capturing both the humor and solemnity of the occasion. The poem's voice is tender and reflective, illustrating the unspoken understanding between father and son, and the love that transcends words.

The Man Beneath the Cap

Original Submission by Marinus van Deventer

The Man Beneath the Cap

Your dad's burlap hat.

A damn precious thing.

It covers his head, so he looks less bald,

or maybe

so that he'll still be a bit taller than you?

That little tie to match,

he bought you one the same.

To wear on special occasions

like this wedding day.

As the bourbon ran dry,

and the chapel yet loomed,

he came to fix that tie of yours—

so you'd only need to tie one knot today.

also to impress her later

when you say it was you.

When he finished his good work

he pulled you down to a hunch

so you'd see the man beneath the cap.

What would he whisper to you?

Advice? The "gameplan"?

No, no. Not a word.

In that moment I saw something:

He grabbed your not-yet-bald head,

and planted his lips like russet potatoes...

You both smiled like it wasn't the first time.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar celebrates the art of writing in its many forms. This esteemed competition invites participants from around the world to share their unique voices and stories through poetry, short stories, essays, and creative writing. The event serves as a platform for writers to showcase their talents and connect with a global audience, fostering a vibrant literary community.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Marinus van Deventer for his contribution to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 with "The Man Beneath the Cap." This evocative poem beautifully captures the essence of familial love and connection, leaving readers with a warm reminder of the enduring bonds that shape our lives. We look forward to seeing more of Marinus's insightful 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.