Nostalgie - By Juni-Ann George
Written By: Juni-Ann George
Category: Poetry
Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026
Juni-Ann George, writing as "Nostalgie," offers a poignant reflection on the passage of time and the longing for simplicity in her poem "Nostalgie." As part of the Poetry category in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 hosted by Hashtag Kalakar, this piece delves into themes of nostalgia and the shift from childhood innocence to adult complexity.
About the Work
"Nostalgie" captures a yearning for the past, where life seemed simpler and memories more vivid. Using evocative Afrikaans language, the poem contrasts the clarity of bygone days with the complexities of the present. It weaves imagery of childhood games and fairy tale endings to evoke a sense of longing and reflection.
Nostalgie
Original Submission by Juni-Ann George
Nostalgie – Juni-Ann George
Partykeer wil ek teruggaan,
toe dinge nog eenvoudig was,
toe my gedigte slegs in Engels was
en derdepersoons meer geheimsinnigheid waardeer
toe alles nog doodeenvoudig – swart en wit – was
en die grysareas minder oopvrae onbeantwoord agterlaat
toe die toekoms nog lineêr op ’n afstand rustig wag
en die uitverkorenes haas om elke liewe toets te slaag
toe herinneringe nog lewendige oomblikke was
en gister meer stories kon vertel as vandag
toe Disney-prinsesse nog vir die prins staan en wag
en “happy-ever-after” meer gereeld sy verskyning kon maak
toe wegkruipertjie in die aand jou vinniger maak
en ons voor sonsondergang ons vriende moes laatgaan
toe “all-nighters” nog geen newe-effekte kon verdra
en alles altyd op die laaste nippertjie moes klaar
toe drome die gewig van onmoontlikheid aflag
en die wêreld oop en afwagtend na ons staar
toe lesse slegs tydens skoolure kon gebeur
en goeie gedrag met goeie resultate seevier
maar dinge is nie meer so eenvoudig soos wat dit was:
my gedigte kommunikeer deesdae slegs in Afrikaans
en ek’s verlief op eerstepersoons –
selfs in vandag se geraas.
About the Competition
The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar aims to celebrate diverse voices and creative expressions from around the world. It provides a platform for writers and poets to share their unique perspectives and stories, fostering a global community of literary enthusiasts.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Juni-Ann George for her evocative contribution, "Nostalgie," to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her reflective poetry invites us to ponder the simplicity of the past against the backdrop of today’s complexities.
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.
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