words by Cheryl S. Ezekiel
Finding yourself is a lifelong task, even more so for an aspiring poet. Finding their voice and themselves in this unprecedented world surely is a challenge. But like all our lives, every challenge and barrier we cross is a step to unearthing our meaning in the world.
Enter Alexander Lima, a Bulgarian poet who is finding himself and exploring his psyche through the art of poetry. Currently a student at Royal Holloway University and a feature in Zimmer Magazine, he’s embarking on a journey of career and self expression. But also, he aspires to be an inspiration to others who are still stuck finding themselves in an ever-changing world. Like his countrymen, a Bulgarians are known to be direct and honest, Alexander is honest and direct within his poetry. Albeit, the nuances, but the meaning he intends to convey is structurally situated and encapsulates the crux of his thoughts.
“I felt claustrophobic in Bulgaria. But I can express myself in the UK; I’m not shy or quiet anymore", Alexander told us.
Due to Bulgaria’s rules and cultural norms, he tells us he was not able to live freely as a creative, joyous, proud gay man. Public attitudes to same-sex relationships are less tolerant than in the UK, and the Bulgarian LGBTQ+ community tends to keep a low profile. It is still an essentially conservative country influenced by traditional family values, which branch out into the legality of things. While same-sex relationships are recognised, their marriages and civil partnerships are not. This then of course leads to discrimination in the workplace and society.
However, when he moved to the UK in 2022, he was finally outside that barrier and could freely see the world in his image. From the claustrophobia in Bulgaria to the newfound freedom in the UK, his poems entail his deepest and most thoughtful emotions. And this is what we aimed to do when we published his heartfelt work in our Transformation issue. For Alexander, the diversity of the UK has instilled a sense of belonging and inspiration to evolve without judgement to take that leap of faith and tread forward.
Different perspectives made Alexander feel he didn’t fit in. Nonetheless, he tells us he still understands them and respects them. His appreciation for what he learned in Bulgaria, its importance and what he is learning and imbibing in the UK surely enabled his transformation profoundly. His experience with the norms in Bulgaria taught him how prejudice and judgment are not conducive to transformation and self-growth.
Albeit, “Through that silence in Bulgaria, I was able to introspect and when I could be myself freely, I am now like a butterfly.” He believes his quiet and shy personality in Bulgaria did not limit his imagination and ambitions, all that he needed was truly within himself.
Alexander’s claimed life in Bulgaria still gave him the time and understanding he needed for his aspirations and himself. His personality and writing are evolving parallel. The ability to intertwine oneself with their mind and work, progressing steadily is a skill in itself. He seems to have quite the knack for it and his experiences surely facilitate that.
The impact of this transformation extends beyond his personal life, influencing his creative work in powerful ways. From writing quietly in his room in Bulgaria to publishing his poetry with Zimmer Magazine, Alexander’s artistic journey has flourished as quickly as his individuality. His writing style has grown louder, bolder and more authentic, a reflection of the freedom he now feels. But Alexander’s creative ambitions do not stop at poetry.
As a versatile and imaginative writer, he’s also exploring the world of scriptwriting and storytelling. “Poetry and scriptwriting are my interests at the moment,” he says, highlighting his desire to diversify his creative portfolio. While his poetry remains deeply personal and emotional, his scripts and stories offer a different kind of expression, one that is more fictional and robust. This ability to navigate different forms of writing showcase his range as an artist and his willingness to transcend creative boundaries.
For Alexander, writing is more than just an art form; it is a means of self-discovery and self-empowerment. It is a way to process his experiences, articulate his truth and inspire others to do the same. His journey from a quiet, introspective young man in Bulgaria to a confident, expressive poet in the UK is a powerful reminder of the importance of creative encouragement and personal freedom. It shows how essential it is for us to have the space and support we need to access our full potential.
“I connect with celebrities like Paris Hilton and Taylor Swift,” he said. Alexander’s life in two different countries resembles the lifestyle of celebrities who live in different places. He believes home is not a place, but the people you love. A person attuned to their psyche and emotions channels that energy into words - which are powerful enough to inspire and make an impact in someone’s life.
Alexander is set to graduate from his Bachelor’s in English and Creative Writing in July 2025, honing the skills officially required to be a writer in the professional world. His personal experiences and experience in writing poetry for Zimmer Magazine issue 03 are nurturing his potential to transcend his passion.
In many ways, Alexander’s story is universal. How many of us can truly be ourselves? How many of us have the courage to break away from the expectations placed upon us and forge our own path? Through his journey, Alexander reminds us that self-discovery is not a destination but a continuous process; one that requires patience, introspection and a willingness to evolve.
As he continues to enhance his creative side, Alexander remains committed to exploring new aspects of expression. Whether through poetry or scriptwriting, his work is a reflection of his journey; a celebration of his authenticity and his potential. And as he spreads his wings further, one thing is clear: his metamorphosis is far from over.
Alexander visits his home country at least once a year to catch-up with family and friends, but always comes back to the place where he wholeheartedly feels like himself. Moving to the UK presented him with the confidence and courage he needed to be himself and pursue his ambitions. He takes inspiration from his favourite poets/writers, Margaret Atwood and Ocean Vuong. Alexander’s experience is one about not giving up and making the most of the situations and environments you’re in - persevering through life’s transformations. He focused on understanding himself in Bulgaria, which then enabled him to express himself in the UK, paving the way to his future filled with opportunities and potential.
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Cheryl Susanna Ezekiel is an ardent writer and journalist, actively carving out her unique space in the field. With her first class background in natural sciences and journalism she weaves articles that implore readers to introspect. As one of the first members at Zimmer she has primarily focused on encapsulating its cultural identity. Cheryl is a pianist, an avid reader, gamer and wildlife enthusiast.