Sober - By Georgia Jansen van Vuuren

Written By: Georgia Jansen van Vuuren

Category: poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the evocative poem "Sober," Georgia Jansen van Vuuren, also known by her writing name SOBER, offers a profound exploration of recovery and self-discovery. As a participant in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, her contribution stands out in the poetry category. The poem delves into the nuanced and often challenging journey of sobriety, reflecting on the complexities of confronting one's past and the arduous path towards a more authentic self.

About the Work

"Sober" navigates the emotional landscape of recovery with grace and honesty. The poem employs vivid imagery and a candid tone to address the stark realities of sobriety. Through its introspective lens, it examines themes of regret, responsibility, and the courage required to embrace a future unburdened by past mistakes. The work's raw and powerful narrative invites readers to reflect on their own journeys of transformation and resilience.

SOBER

Original Submission by Georgia Jansen van Vuuren

Sober

Now they call me sober.

Recovery.

Clean.

Free.

Funny words.

Because nobody tells you

that when the noise finally stops…

you can hear yourself.

Every regret.

Every apology

that arrived too late.

Every empty chair.

Every birthday missed.

Every version of yourself

you abandoned

trying to become someone

who couldn’t feel.

Sobriety asks me

to sit still

with a mind

I’ve spent years

trying to outrun.

Some days,

it feels easier

to fight a craving

than to face a memory.

Some days,

the prison bars

aren’t made of chemicals anymore.

They’re made of shame.

Routine.

Fear.

The terrifying responsibility

of realizing

that every tomorrow

belongs to me again.

No hiding.

No escaping.

No disappearing.

Just me.

Standing in the wreckage,

holding a broom.

Recovery isn’t glamorous.

It’s sweeping broken glass

without blaming the floor.

It’s answering the phone

when every instinct says

run.

It’s believing

that I am more

than the worst thing

I ever repeated.

And maybe…

Powerlessness

was never the end of my story.

Maybe it was the moment

I finally stopped pretending

I was in control.

Because surrender

isn’t waving a white flag.

It’s putting down

the weapons

I’ve only ever used

against myself.

I still feel trapped sometimes.

Not by addiction.

Not by sobriety.

But by the distance

between who I was

and who I’m becoming.

Then I remember—

Prisons

are built

to keep people in.

Recovery…

asks me to keep

walking out.

Again.

Tomorrow.

The day after that.

One choice.

One breath.

One honest moment

at a time.

And for the first time

in a very long time…

my choices

are no longer digging my grave.

They’re teaching me

how to live.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, hosted by Hashtag Kalakar, is a prestigious event celebrating diverse voices in poetry and creative writing. The competition seeks to provide a platform for writers from around the world to share their unique stories and perspectives. It encourages creativity and expression, fostering a community of literary talents who inspire and challenge audiences with their craft.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Georgia Jansen van Vuuren for sharing "Sober" with us as part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her poignant exploration of recovery and self-acceptance resonates deeply, offering a powerful reminder of the strength found in vulnerability. We are honored to feature her work and look forward to witnessing her continued journey in the literary 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.