Trouskoene - is elke huwelik so? - By Anzel van der Westhuizen

Written By: Anzel van der Westhuizen

Category: Short story

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Anzel van der Westhuizen presents a nostalgic exploration of marriage in the short story "Trouskoene - is elke huwelik so?" as part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Through a vivid childhood memory set in a mother's treasure-filled closet, Anzel invites readers to reflect on the timeless question of what defines a marriage. This story, rooted in familial bonds and childhood curiosity, captures the essence of cherished connections and the memories they evoke.

About the Work

The short story "Trouskoene - is elke huwelik so?" delves into childhood innocence and familial nostalgia through evocative imagery and playful language. Anzel van der Westhuizen masterfully captures the essence of cherished memories, contrasting the whimsical exploration of a mother's keepsakes with the weightier contemplation of marriage. The narrative is rich with vivid details and a sense of timeless wonder, inviting readers to ponder the enduring question posed by its title.

Trouskoene - is elke huwelik so?

Original Submission by Anzel van der Westhuizen

Trouskoene – is elke huwelik so?

In mamma se kamer links agter, verborge, is ’n klein inloopkas (“Bly daar uit, julle krap om!”) met allerhande verborge toeka se tyd items. ’n Bruin kissie met borsspelde en ‘n silwer “locket” (“Mamma kan ek dit kry?”) – die hangertjie (“Ja, kind – maar verloor dit nou net! Sy naam is: Kom terug!”) dra ek dag in en uit en verbeel my ek is Gina van Days of Our Lives (Hope se alter-ego) wat opgesluit is in ’n toring.

Is elke huwelik so?

Tussen die mengelmoes van doerie is ’n goue korset en pof “royal blue” baadjie. Nou speel ons “mevrou-mevrou” en siedaar: ’n paar mooi wit skoene met ‘n pêrel glans om die uitrusting af te rond. Klik-klak, klik-klak loop ons – elke een kry ’n beurt – op in af in die lang gang met houtvloere. Min luister ons vir “Moenie omkrap nie” en loop nog lekker lomp met die skoene ook – wat minute terug nog mooi bewaar was van toeka en doerie, het nou klaar geskaafde neuse.

Is elke huwelik so?

Maar ons raak uitgespeel vir “mevrou-mevrou” en die blou oefen-fiets (van daai met die bande) raak meer interessant: “Staan jy op een pedaal en ek op die ander een en dan wipplank ons so vining soos ons kan!” (“Julle gaan daai ding breek!”) Dringende voetstappe kom vanuit die kombuis in die gang af. …Maar niemand gebruik “die ding” in elk geval nie (ek verstaan nie).

Is elke huwelik so?

Sy trap bo-oor die wit glans pêrel skoene, nou met afgeskaafde neuse, om ons daar weg te jaag. “My vader, dis my troueskoene dié! Waar krap julle dit nou uit? Ag nee man! Kyk hoe lyk die neuse nou.”

Maar niemand gebruik dit nie.

Is elke huwelik so?

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a celebration of literary talent from around the world. This esteemed event provides a platform for writers to share their diverse voices and creative expressions, fostering a community of storytellers and poets. Participants are encouraged to explore a wide range of themes and styles, contributing to a vibrant tapestry of contemporary writing.

Thank you, Anzel van der Westhuizen, for sharing your evocative short story "Trouskoene - is elke huwelik so?" with us in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Your exploration of nostalgia and familial bonds offers readers a poignant reflection on marriage and memory. We appreciate your contribution and look forward to seeing more of your creative work 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.