at the edge of a branch
i once slipped off,
an invisible noose
held on to the remains
...
the last time
i held my breath
a thousand feathers
nestled inside my head
...
stolen from their land
my ancestors bravely
traveled across the sea
so that I could be -
...
Ekta Somera is a distinguished South African youth activist, poet, and community leader. She is the author of two acclaimed poetry collections and the founder of the Paper Trail Literary Journal, which showcases emerging literary talents. As a community mobiliser for Youth Capital, Ekta plays a crucial role in advocating for policy changes to combat youth unemployment in South Africa. Her insightful opinion pieces on social issues and youth concerns have been widely published, and she has been featured as a panelist on prominent media platforms such as eNCA. Ekta's dedication to youth development and her drive to inspire young South Africans have garnered her significant recognition, including being named among the Mail & Guardian's 200 Young South Africans in 2022 and receiving the Panache Women of Wonder Award. Her work continues to leave a lasting impact on both literature and social activism.)
Remembrance To Forget
at the edge of a branch
i once slipped off,
an invisible noose
held on to the remains
of my childhood -
no better than
the shoes i wore
which never really fit -
despite the distance i walked
a gloomy cloud stalked me,
mimicking my sorrow - into a reign
of seasons that never seemed to alter
the storm which weathered
the things i felt - into paper
breached by a spark lost in the wind,
farewell - damned memories
the thing i find most fascinating about life is the essence of change; it's impossible to fit into an elaborate sentence, therefore, we should never be defined by our past or the way we are living.