POET Ekta Somera will launch her new poetry collection titled Social Misfit in an official book launch on May 31 on The Bluff. Renowned for using words as a force for transformation, Somera’s latest book maintains her legacy of defying assumptions and raising the voices of the typically marginalised. Social Misfit brings to light the ones who are misunderstood, under-estimated or seekers of authenticity above the accepted.

Also read: How a list becomes a poem

“In a world that often places status above sincerity and wealth above wisdom, it is easy to overlook those who live with intention, compassion, and humility. Social Misfit invites readers to reflect on how we treat one another and to remember that sensitivity is not weakness, and simplicity is not lack,” said Somera.

The book is divided into two themed halves — The Rejection and The Acceptance and each speaks to the inner strength of those who discover tenderness in a world that typically demands more emotional armour. Somera claims the word “misfit” as a symbol of pride and strength within this book.

“These poems are for anyone who has ever been judged for having less, mocked for being different, or made to feel small for dreaming big. It is a celebration of the beauty in not fitting into every space and the power in forging your own path,” said Somera.

The cover, created by author and illustrator Sonia Naidoo, features a striking image of a tiger, a symbol of Somera’s underlying message. “The heart of the tiger does not make it less ferocious. It teaches us that there can be strength and gentleness side by side,” she said.

Somera’s journey in the world of poetry began shortly after high school where a means to escape her thoughts turned into an artform.

“I started writing poetry after high school. I have always been a little more sensitive, with an understanding of the way people think and feel. At first, it was general ramblings as a means of getting my thoughts out of my mind, but on paper it turned into something more. When I realised I had a knack for twisting words in a meaningful way, I began sharing it on social media, and my friends encouraged me to write more. The rest is history,” said Somera.

Her previous collections, Made in Poetry and Twenty-Two, followed similar suits of standing up for what you believe in and focused on themes of identity, growth and finding one’s voice.

Contact:

Social Misfit can be bought by emailing ekta@sakurabookpublishing.com. People can follow her on TikTok @ektasomera for readings, excerpts and a sneak peek into her writing life.

Launch details:

The book launch will take place at Noah’s in Ansteys Square, The Bluff from 14:00 – 16:00 on May 31.

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