What I Was Wearing - By Hannah-Rose Anderson

Written By: Hannah-Rose Anderson

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Hannah-Rose Anderson presents a poignant reflection through her poem "What I Was Wearing," a powerful entry in the Poetry category of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This evocative piece delves into themes of identity, societal scrutiny, and personal experience. The poem challenges the reader to consider the implications of external judgment and the resilience required to navigate a world that often seeks to place blame on the innocent.

About the Work

"What I Was Wearing" is a deeply introspective poem that explores the dissonance between appearance and experience. Through vivid imagery and a compelling narrative, Anderson questions societal norms and the misplaced blame on victims. The poem's mood is both somber and defiant, employing a literary style that combines simplicity with profound emotional depth. Its message resonates with themes of vulnerability, power dynamics, and the quest for justice.

What I Was Wearing

Original Submission by Hannah-Rose Anderson

What I Was Wearing

A shirt too loose, to hide my frame,

Jeans torn at knees, without a name.

Nothing special, nothing loud,

Just clothes to blend into the crowd.

The questions came, a brutal tide,

“What were you wearing? Did you try to hide?”

As if the thread and cloth I chose

Could shield my body, bar the blows.

It wasn’t silk, it wasn’t lace,

No lipstick red, no tempting face.

It wasn’t daring, wasn’t wild,

I looked no more than a child.

Still, your hands, they didn’t care,

For fabric plain or modest wear.

You tore through cotton, flesh and soul.

Left me hollow, never whole.

Yet here they stand, to shift the blame,

To twist my silence into shame.

“What were you wearing?” they repeat,

As though the fault lies at my feet.

I was wearing fear, I was wearing trust,

I was wearing innocence turned to dust.

I wore the weight of a world unkind,

That sought to strip me of my mind.

What I was wearing does not define

The crime you committed, the pain that’s mine.

No thread, no hem, no quiet hue

Could justify what you chose to do.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar serves as a vibrant platform for artists worldwide to showcase their literary talents. This prestigious event celebrates creative expression across various genres, offering participants the opportunity to share their unique voices and stories. It fosters a community where emerging and established writers can engage with and inspire each other through the beauty of words.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Hannah-Rose Anderson for her thoughtful participation in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her poem "What I Was Wearing" offers a profound commentary on the complexities of societal expectations and personal identity. We appreciate her contribution and the courage she displays through her evocative writing.

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.