Still a prison to me - 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 presents "Still a prison to me," a poignant entry in the Poetry category of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This evocative piece delves into the complex interplay between addiction and the illusion of freedom, capturing the heart-wrenching struggle of reclaiming one's identity. Through her articulate verse, Georgia brings to light the internal battles and emotional turmoil faced by those in the grips of addiction.

About the Work

In "Still a prison to me," Georgia Jansen van Vuuren explores the haunting paradox of freedom feeling like a prison. The poem is steeped in vivid imagery and raw emotion, illustrating the relentless cycle of addiction and the accompanying sense of powerlessness. Through introspective lines, Georgia paints a picture of self-discovery marred by doubt and broken promises, offering readers a glimpse into the struggle for self-worth and belonging.

Still a prison to me

Original Submission by Georgia Jansen van Vuuren

Still a prison to Me

They told me addiction was a cage.

They forgot to mention

that sometimes

freedom

still feels like prison.

I know what powerless tastes like.

It tastes like promises

made at sunrise

and broken before lunch.

It tastes like looking in the mirror

and recognizing your face,

but not the stranger

wearing it.

People think addiction is choosing drugs.

No.

The choice happened long before that.

The addiction came

when I stopped believing

I deserved another choice.

Every morning,

I buried another version of myself.

Every night,

I dug her back up

just to watch her disappear again.

I convinced myself

my absence

would be the greatest gift

I could ever give

to the people who loved me.

Because how do you explain

that you love them enough

to leave them

but not enough

to stop?

How do you explain

that every lie

hurt you first?

That every broken promise

echoed louder

inside your own chest?

Powerlessness

isn’t not knowing the way out.

It’s watching yourself

walk past the exit

over

and over

and over again…

As if someone else

were wearing your hands.

As if someone else

were making your choices.

As if your own life

had become a movie

you were forced to watch.

I wasn’t living.

I was surviving

the consequences

of someone I no longer recognized.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, hosted by Hashtag Kalakar, is a prestigious event celebrating the literary arts. It invites writers and poets worldwide to share their unique voices and stories. Participants across various categories contribute to a vibrant tapestry of contemporary creative expression, showcasing the power and diversity of the written word.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Georgia Jansen van Vuuren for sharing her profound work, "Still a prison to me," with us. Her introspective exploration of addiction and freedom adds a significant voice to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. We look forward to seeing more of her evocative writing 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.