A journey of love in verse
Otlarongwa Kgweetsi | Monday May 19, 2025 07:28
Known not only as a writer but also a teacher by profession, Katlego Sage is the manager of Mind & Soul Bookstores and an editor at Poeticblood Publishers, where he continues to shape the literary space in Botswana. Speaking to Arts&Culture, Katlego Sage said the title of his latest book is a reflection of the emotional state that inspired its creation. “Immense happiness drove me to write this book. I was at a point in my life where everything was going well, and I was enjoying the fruits of positive companionship with someone I lovingly refer to as Thee Muse. Euphoria is a dream come true,” he shared. T
he poet's journey began at the young age of nine, when he started writing down what he thought were random verses. “I only got to know it was poetry when a close friend of mine came across my secretive writings. I was never vocal about my emotions, so writing became my form of expression,” he said. Describing his writing process for Euphoria, Katlego Sage noted how different it was from his previous works. “There was no need for book shredding. Every verse, every line and every stanza felt right. I even wrote it with specifications, page numbers, exact poems, and titles. It was the best feeling throughout my writing journey,” he said. The central theme of the book is love, a feeling Katlego Sage says filled his mind and heart during the writing process. “Love, love and more love. That’s the only emotion I explored. I poured my heart and soul into this,” he said.
Asked whether the content is personal, Katlego Sage affirmed: “Every word, every phrase, and every sentence is my life experience. Even the commas are my breathing patterns, if I may say so.” The cover artwork features a cartooned image of Thee Muse, tying directly into the theme of the book. “The poems are a reflection of my journey with Thee Muse, so of course there is a connection,” he explained. So far, the book has received positive feedback, especially in Katlego Sage’s new community. “It’s a pity most people from my original community haven’t accessed it yet, but those who have are giving the kind of feedback every author wishes for,” he said. With a background rooted in quiet introspection and self-expression, Katlego Sage believes his upbringing helped shape his poetic voice. He continues to mentor young writers, two of whom are already award-winning authors. Looking ahead, Katlego Sage is currently working on his first novel, which he says is still “brewing.” While Euphoria won’t be read in schools due to its mature content, Katlego Sage is open to sharing it through events and open mic sessions. To aspiring Motswana writers, his advice is: “Trust the process. Don’t lose hope. Take baby steps and don’t be desperate for validation.”