Au Pair / Oorbrugging tot kleinword - By Sarah Boonzaaier

Written By: Sarah Boonzaaier

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In "Au Pair / Oorbrugging tot kleinword," Sarah Boonzaaier presents a thought-provoking piece that delves into the nuances of growth, connection, and shared experiences. As a participant in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, Boonzaaier's work is a testament to the power of poetry in exploring personal and universal themes. This piece invites readers into a world where the journey of caring for others becomes a bridge to understanding and reflection.

About the Work

Boonzaaier's poem weaves a rich tapestry of imagery and emotion, capturing the essence of the au pair experience. Through vivid language and poignant reflections, the poem explores the delicate balance between nurturing others and finding one's identity. The work's mood oscillates between the challenges and joys of caregiving, ultimately delivering a message of resilience and interconnectedness.

Au Pair / Oorbrugging tot kleinword

Original Submission by Sarah Boonzaaier

Au Pair / Oorbrugging tot kleinword

Wat 'n opdraende pad was dit nie:

ek moes weer leer van kleinword en popspeel

en leer om tyd wat altyd my eie was,

met twee ander skepseltjies te deel

Maar die stories wat ek saans het om te deel

is myne.

Niemand kan dit steel.

Stoei gevegte met woorde om kragte te meet

Maar die dieper smag

is om jou konstandheid verseker

te weet

warrelwind tempramente – een dag 'n hokkie speler

die volgende dag 'n weerstand deler

Maar ag, die skaarse soet oomblikkies is genoeg:

ek, ‘n klim-en-klouterraam vir sywurmblare

'n persoonlike stileerder vir hul hare

'n knus skootplekkie vir goorvoel-dae

(En soms moet jy streng wees)

'n klein handjie wat knus, as 'n vashou plek,

in my broeksak gedruk is

want my hande is vol tasse

(so swaar

soos hul laste)

ons vier ‘n penlisensie saam

en so besef ek – ons almal smag om ons spore

permanent agter

te laat

Hierdie huil-lag

buite-my-gemak geleentheid

– gereël deur die Here –

sonder ‘n RSVP tydperk

het my laat besef

ons is almal las-

lappies

bymekaar gehou deur

woorde en dade wat

óf verder verbind

óf verder verbreek

So,

wees die trane-vanger

wanneer die trane-afveër

se hande

aan die sleutelbord vasgeboei is

deur omstandighede

Slaan ag op

die woorde wat nie deur die wêreld se sif

geval

het

nie

trek die belaglike gesig terug

daardie een wat jy nie eintlik

voor publieke toeskouers wil wys nie

Want dis die enigste wyse

waarop jy van grootmens stugheid

na kleinwees sorgeloosheid

kan terugkeer

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, hosted by Hashtag Kalakar, celebrates the art of storytelling and poetic expression. This prestigious event invites participants from around the world to share their unique voices and perspectives. The competition is a platform for writers and poets to showcase their talent and engage with a global audience, fostering a vibrant community of creativity and literary excellence.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Sarah Boonzaaier for her poignant contribution, "Au Pair / Oorbrugging tot kleinword," to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her work beautifully captures the complexities of growth and connection, resonating deeply with readers. We look forward to seeing more of her insightful creations 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.