Nostalgia - By Pat van Zijl

Written By: Pat van Zijl

Category: poem

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Pat van Zijl, writing under the name "Nostalgia," presents a poignant poem that delves into the contrast between past simplicity and contemporary complexity. Titled "Nostalgia," this piece is a part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, hosted by Hashtag Kalakar. The poem thoughtfully reflects on the technological and cultural shifts that have reshaped our daily lives, urging readers to ponder the value of bygone times.

About the Work

In "Nostalgia," Pat van Zijl crafts a reflective ode to a past era, exploring themes of simplicity, human connection, and environmental consciousness. Through evocative imagery and a contemplative tone, the poem questions the cost of technological advancement and cultural shifts, inviting readers to reminisce about a time when life was more tactile and personal. This work stands as a gentle reminder of the beauty and grace lost amidst modernity.

Nostalgia

Original Submission by Pat van Zijl

Nostalgia

Do you remember,

before this inelegant age,

a gentler, polished time,

when coarseness and vulgarity

were not the norm;

when fashions sought to grace,

not parody the human form;

when art and literature

were less grotesque?

Do you remember it at all?

Do you sometimes yearn,

in this technological age,

for the simple joy

of using fingers, muscles, limbs

for tasks that gadgets do?

Is there need for powered tool

to mix a cake or beat an egg,

to brush teeth or sweep a floor?

Does your body miss those acts

that exercise arm, hand or leg?

Do you remember when,

before this digital age,’

you read only printed books,

the feel and rustling page

pleasing the senses?

Can a plugged-in device do the same?

Do you miss handwritten 'Thank-you’ notes

and communication face-to-face?

Have texting, Whatsapp, eyes glued to screens

given conversation its coup de grace?

Do you recall a time,

before these days of change,

when families lived close;

worked, played and aged together;

saw one another day-by-day?

Are you mourning now the loss

of those who have gone away?

Is interaction now reduced

to Zoom-distorted images of face or voice

across the world’s far width?

Do you ever notice now,

in this synthetic age,

the dearth of products naturally made

from wool, cotton, paper, cloth or cane?

Goods now are plastic-made and wrapped.

What a price we’ll find we’ve paid

when sea and river, forest, soil and plain

die, smothered by it all.

Do you remember those purer years,

or were you not yet born?

*

Pat van Zijl 258 words

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious event celebrating diverse voices in poetry and creative writing. It serves as a platform for writers worldwide to express their creativity and share their perspectives on contemporary themes. The competition is renowned for its commitment to fostering literary talent and promoting cultural dialogue through the written word.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Pat van Zijl for sharing "Nostalgia" with us as part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Your poem resonates deeply, reminding us of the enduring value of simplicity and connection in an ever-evolving world.

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.