You’re Told - By Rai Wingrave

Written By: Rai Wingrave

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Rai Wingrave presents a compelling piece titled "You’re Told" as part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This poetry submission delves into the multifaceted experience of growing up, a theme that resonates universally across cultures and ages. The work reflects on societal expectations and personal growth, offering a poignant commentary on the challenges that accompany the journey from childhood to adulthood.

About the Work

"You’re Told" captures the emotional struggle of navigating societal pressures and familial expectations. With a reflective and introspective tone, Rai Wingrave explores themes of identity and conformity. The poem employs vivid imagery and a rhythmic flow, highlighting the internal conflict between societal demands and personal desires. It serves as a critique of gender roles and societal norms, questioning the true nature of love and acceptance within a family context.

You’re Told

Original Submission by Rai Wingrave

You’re Told

Growing up.

Something that makes some excited.

Something that makes some scared.

Growing up is hard.

Hard to the point where you don’t know when something starts and when something ends.

Hard to the point where running the races feels like you’re running forever, with no end.

Hard to the point where some just give up.

Growing up means different things.

“Grow up”—something most children are yelled at with.

“Grow up”—something our friends joke to us about.

“Grow up” sounds like a hundred paper cuts.

You’re told to grow up soon,

Told to stop growing,

Told to grow at your own pace.

You’re told.

You’re told like girls are told to wash the dishes.

Told to wear makeup, dress feminine.

You’re told like girls are told to be quiet.

Talk softly.

Sit up straight.

You’re told.

You’re told like boys are told to be a man.

Told not to cry, not to show emotion.

You’re told like boys are told to be strong.

To be handsome.

Be tall.

You’re told.

Growing up is hard.

Hard enough to make chromium weak.

Hard enough to make family turn on each other.

Hard enough that consent means nothing.

Growing up is hard.

Girls are told to dress feminine.

Dress modestly.

“Too short.” “Too thin.” “Too masculine.”

Girls have to be “girls,”

then get blamed.

Boys are told to be the man.

Do whatever you want.

“You’re strong.” “You’re tall.” “You’re hot.”

Boys can be boys,

and then let leather hit feminine skin.

Growing up is hard.

Hard enough that the public turns a blind eye.

Hard enough that wrong and right no longer exist.

Hard enough that society turns on each other.

Growing up is hard.

Growing up is so hard that I don’t get the concept of family anymore.

I just don’t get it.

Growing up, a family is supposed to give you love.

Love you like nothing in this world can compare.

Growing up, a family is supposed to love you.

But love can be presented in many ways.

Tell me, what is love?

How can one person tell me what love is?

Love can be shown in different ways.

Is it “love” if, growing up, they compare you to a sibling?

Is it “love” if they themselves grab that leather?

Is it “love” if all you can hear growing up is the sound of something cracking against another?

The word “love” comes from lufu—

affection, friendliness, desire.

A love that a friend shows.

A love that a spouse shows.

And a love that is familial.

Is it love if it’s not given or shown growing up?

Growing up is hard.

Hard because reality is a freight train.

Hard because that’s how we learn to survive.

Hard because that’s what is best for us.

Growing up is hard.

I hate it.

But I also like it.

It’s just—

Growing up?

It’s hard.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious platform that celebrates diverse voices in literature. It encourages participants from around the globe to express their creativity and share unique perspectives through poetry, short stories, essays, and other creative writing forms. This competition aims to foster a vibrant community of writers who push the boundaries of literary expression.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Rai Wingrave for their insightful contribution of "You’re Told" to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This thought-provoking piece challenges readers to reflect on their own experiences with growth and societal expectations. We are grateful for your participation and look forward to more of your evocative 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.