Where It Began - By Justin Beukes

Written By: Justin Beukes

Category: Poetry, Rap, Song

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Introducing Justin Beukes and his compelling entry "Where It Began," a unique blend of poetry, rap, and song. As part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, this piece captures the essence of personal growth and introspection. Through rhythmic verses and raw emotion, Justin navigates themes of self-discovery and the complex journey of life.

About the Work

"Where It Began" is a powerful exploration of personal struggle and redemption. Justin Beukes uses a rhythmic and introspective style to delve into themes of pride, faith, and the pursuit of meaning. The piece is rich with vivid imagery and raw emotion, capturing the tension between materialism and spiritual fulfillment.

Where It Began

Original Submission by Justin Beukes

Where It Began

It’s like I’m runnin’ out of time.

I’m runnin’, but never runnin’ out of rhymes.

Ran into a problem I was too afraid to face.

God got me together, and then I got it laid to waste. I needed to-

A place you don’t wanna be in’s where I retreated to, yeah.

I’m not ashamed to say it’s all ‘cause of pride,

‘Cause if it wasn’t the music, then it was pushed to the side.

It’s getting hard for me to hide.

I was a selfish human being.

Those consequences had me taking a beating.

I started seeing the true meaning

Of what it’s like to be someone who’s not receiving,

Who shouldn’t be speaking,

Who should sit down and listen,

‘Cause all his words are deceiving

If he don’t trust in the Risen, yeah.

You need God even if you want a want.

It seems odd ‘til those demons come to haunt.

Life’s too real for me to flaunt, be ostentatious.

It’s kinda funny ’cause this job could make you famous,

Make you think you have it all.

It’s all a lie. What I buy at the mall

Will turn to dust when I die,

But while I’m livin’, I’mma ball

For every day that I couldn’t.

I’d take a fall just to rise to those who said that I wouldn’t

And tell ’em, “Look.”

“Look at what I could do.”

That’s just my ego convincin’ me that I’m better than you. It’s not true.

Doesn’t need no explainin’.

Someone died today-the reason there won’t be no complainin’.

The day I knew I was blessed was when the problem was me,

When I was feelin’ depressed but still had something to eat,

Still had breath in my lungs, still had clothes and a bed.

When I’m a self-centered rapper who’s got some flows and some bread, I’m in my head

More often than not.

It’s quite surprising I still haven’t put that rope in a knot, but I won’t rot.

Nah, there’s more to life.

That protection that I needed was already fortified, set in stone.

Yeah, it’s set in stone.

Put a beat behind my story with a poetic tone, then I’m at home,

Away from the noise.

Can’t remember the last time I spent a day with the boys.

It’s me and bro,

Tryna get this green to grow.

The money we’re makin’ is somethin’ you need to know about-nah,

Just let me hop on a mic’.

When it comes to the music, you’re like a cop on a bike;

I’m like a cop in a psych,

Losin’ my mind,

‘Cause my profession made me realize I was choosin’ my grind

Instead of what matters, instead of what lasts.

The darkness surrounds you when you tread in the past.

You see, I’m twenty years old, but I still feel like a child.

My heart was frozen and cold ’cause all my pain was compiled.

It’s like, leave it for later,

Find relief in the paper-nah.

Couldn’t do it; I believe in something greater,

Greater than this, even greater than that.

They say a traitor will hiss.

They say a hater’ll chat.

But I ain’t up for conversation; leave a message at the tone.

This time was preparation for the day I’m fully grown,

The day we win, when I’m the man.

I’mma make sure you remember where I was when it began.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar celebrates diverse voices and creative expression. The competition offers a platform for writers worldwide to showcase their talents and share their unique perspectives through poetry and creative writing.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Justin Beukes for his inspiring contribution, "Where It Began," to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. His work is a testament to the power of introspection and artistic expression.

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.