Woman - By Katy Pastrana

Written By: katy Pastrana

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, Katy Pastrana presents her evocative poem, "Woman." This piece, featured within the poetry category, delves into the complex themes of identity and societal expectations. Through her words, Pastrana invites readers to contemplate the multifaceted nature of womanhood, challenging conventional definitions and embracing the freedom to exist beyond prescribed roles.

About the Work

"Woman" by Katy Pastrana is a profound exploration of self and identity. The poem uses powerful imagery and introspective reflections to question societal norms and expectations placed on women. Pastrana's literary style weaves a narrative that is both defiant and introspective, urging readers to recognize the inherent complexities and freedoms that define womanhood. The mood is both contemplative and rebellious, challenging readers to rethink their perceptions.

Woman

Original Submission by katy Pastrana

Woman.

They tell me there are laws

to this word.

That my body is a thing to be explained,

my blood a cycle to be charted,

my moods a consequence of chemistry,

my instincts an inheritance

from women who came before me.

They speak as though,

if they could name each part of me,

they will at last understand the whole.

As though a definition

were the same thing as understanding.

As though I were a question

they had already answered.

But I am not so easily contained.

I am a star-strewn sky,

vast and indifferent to the eyes beneath it.

I am the wilderness,

beautiful in places,

merciless in others.

I am the stillness of dreamless sleep,

the violence of shattered glass,

the terrible hunger of ambition,

the stubborn, unreasonable longing

to be free.

If you must reduce me to a single word,

call me storm.

Call me fire.

Call me something

that does not ask permission

to exist.

But even this is a kind of prison.

For must I burn

to prove that I am free?

Must I be extraordinary

to escape your expectations?

What if I am gentle?

What if I find happiness

in loving, in nurturing,

in the quiet work of making a home?

Will you say that I have surrendered?

That I have become

exactly what you thought I ought to be?

And what if I am not?

What if I am loud,

angry,

defiant?

What if I am selfish,

or cruel?

What if I have no tenderness to offer,

no children to raise,

no great love to give?

What if I never love,

but only live?

Am I less a woman then?

And if I am neither storm nor sanctuary,

neither mother nor rebel,

neither the woman you admire

nor the woman you condemn-

what am I?

You tell me what a woman is,

and then ask me to become her.

But I was a woman

before I knew the meaning of the word.

Before I knew what was expected,

what was permitted,

what was beautiful,

what was exciting.

Before I learned to measure myself

against the lives of other women.

And I wonder-

If I strip away the tenderness,

the anger,

the beauty,

the ambition,

if I take away everything

you have ever used

to define me,

what remains?

Must there be something left

for you to recognise?

Or may I simply be-

a woman,

without explanation,

without permission,

without having to become

anything at all?

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious platform celebrating diverse voices in poetry and creative writing. It brings together talented writers from around the world to share their unique perspectives and creative expressions, fostering a global community of literary art.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Katy Pastrana for her poignant contribution to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. "Woman" is a remarkable piece that resonates deeply, encouraging readers to reflect on the nature of identity and freedom. We look forward to seeing more of Katy's insightful expressions 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.