Uitdrukking van Afrika Sonsondergange - By Wilhelm Kriek

Written By: Wilhelm Kriek

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, Wilhelm Kriek presents "Uitdrukking van Afrika Sonsondergange," a powerful poetic exploration of generational responsibility and unity. As a participant in the Poetry category, Wilhelm delves into the complex emotions tied to heritage and the future of Africa. His work resonates with themes of teamwork and the necessity for cooperation across generations to address past injustices and build a stronger, united future.

About the Work

Wilhelm Kriek's poem is a poignant reflection on the burdens placed upon younger generations by their predecessors. Through evocative language and vivid imagery, the piece captures a sense of frustration while simultaneously advocating for unity and collaboration. The poem sees Africa not just as a geographical place but as a shared thought or vision, urging collective effort to achieve a prosperous future. This layered work challenges readers to consider their role in healing and progressing their communities.

Uitdrukking van Afrika Sonsondergange

Original Submission by Wilhelm Kriek

Geskiedenis se grootste fout

My voorvaders sê konstant vir my

Dat ek in hierdie land moet bly

Terwyl hulle oorsee sit, in ʼn Europese bed

En my los met die land wat hulle gebreek het

Ek is moeg om die heeltyd te hoor

Dat dit my werk is om die land terug te kry op sy spoor

Ons oupa’s het die land opgemors

En my generasie eenvoudig net hier gelos

Dis ons beurt om te wys

Dat saamwerk die enigste pad is na die prys

Afrika is nie ʼn plek nie, dis ʼn gedagte

Om hom reg te kry, gaan ons saam hard moet werk deur ontelbare nagte

Ons is almal een

Onder die heelal se oneindige reën

Translation

My ancestors are constantly telling me

That I must stay in this country

While they sit overseas, in European beds

And left me in the country that they broke

I am tired of constantly hearing

That it is my job to get the country back on track

Our grandpas messed the country up

And simply left my generation here

Now it’s our turn to show

That teamwork is the only path to the prize

Africa is not a place, it’s a thought

To fix it, we will have to work together through infinite late nights

We are all one

Under the universes constant rain

Summary

This poem is simply the anger fuelled rants of a teenager, who’s had enough of being told that its somehow his job and responsibility to fix the injustices of the past. He’s tired of being told by an older generation that, everything worked better in their time because that’s simply not true. He is however not blind to the problems facing his generation and continues by stating that only through teamwork can the country or world grow stronger and more prosperous than ever before. Africa being seen as a thought enhances the idea that although we are all different physically (race, gender , culture) we are all equal in the eyes of Africa as we are all her children and its only through co-operation and co-ordination that we can ever hope to recover the Africa that we all know and love.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, hosted by Hashtag Kalakar, is a prestigious platform celebrating diverse voices in poetry and creative writing. This competition seeks to showcase the talents of writers from around the world, offering them an opportunity to share their unique perspectives and stories. Participants engage with a global audience, contributing to a vibrant literary landscape that encourages cultural exchange and artistic expression.

Thank you, Wilhelm Kriek, for your insightful contribution, "Uitdrukking van Afrika Sonsondergange," to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Your exploration of generational responsibility and unity through poetry offers a profound message that resonates deeply. We appreciate your participation and look forward to your continued engagement with the literary community.

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.