Future Tense - By Georgia Jansen van Vuuren

Written By: Georgia Jansen van Vuuren

Category: poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Georgia Jansen van Vuuren graces the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 with her poignant poem, "Future Tense." In the poetry category, this work delves deeply into themes of love, commitment, and personal growth. Georgia invites readers on a journey through emotions and futures intertwined, offering a glimpse into a world where love and life converge to create something timeless and profound.

About the Work

"Future Tense" is a heartfelt exploration of love's transformative power and the promise of a shared future. Georgia Jansen van Vuuren employs vivid imagery and an intimate narrative voice to capture moments of tenderness and hope. The poem resonates with sincerity, reflecting on the courage required to embrace vulnerability, and the joy found in envisioning a life together. The language is both gentle and powerful, evoking a sense of warmth and authenticity.

Future tense

Original Submission by Georgia Jansen van Vuuren

“Future Tense”

I don’t just love you

I arrive at you.

Like every version of me

that ever wandered,

finally learned your name

and stopped running.

Your eyes

God, your eyes

they don’t look at me,

they hold me.

Soft like permission.

Kind like a place that doesn’t ask me

to be smaller, quieter, easier.

When I look into them,

I see mornings that haven’t happened yet.

A kitchen filled with light.

Two toothbrushes touching like they belong.

A life that sounds like our laughter

spilling over itself,

messy, unstoppable,

the kind that makes strangers smile

because love got too loud.

I want to be your wife.

Not as a title

as a promise.

The kind you build with hands,

with patience,

with choosing better

even on the days I forget how.

I want to be better for you

not because you ask,

but because loving you

raises the bar of who I’m willing to be.

You make me want to show up healed,

or at least healing.

Honest.

Brave.

Learning how to put my past down

without throwing it at our future.

We laugh like we invented joy.

Like the world paused

just to hear us get it wrong together.

Your laugh finds mine

every single time

as if it knows exactly where home is.

And in the quiet

when it’s just us and the truth

I know this isn’t temporary.

This isn’t a chapter.

This is the story learning how to say forever

without sounding scared.

If love is a direction,

you are where I’m headed.

If commitment is an art,

let me practice it on you

for the rest of my life.

I see my future in your eyes

and for the first time,

I’m not afraid of it.

I’m ready.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar celebrates the art of the written word, providing a platform for writers and poets worldwide. This prestigious event encourages creativity and expression, showcasing diverse voices and stories that resonate with audiences around the globe. Participants submit works that reflect their unique perspectives, contributing to a rich tapestry of literary excellence.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Georgia Jansen van Vuuren for sharing "Future Tense" with us in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her work beautifully captures the essence of love and commitment, leaving a lasting impact on readers. We look forward to witnessing Georgia's continued journey in the world of poetry and creative 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.