how can i write of love and loneliness, the stars, moon and expansive skies, while snipers shoot small children? how? how can? how can i? how can i write? how can i write when babies starve? forgive me for scrolling past for my silence my ignorance my small griefs. how can i write about my … Continue reading How Can I?
Where Are You From?
My art and poetry were recently published at Ubwali Literary Magazine in the Oct 24th Zambian Independence Day, 5th issue. It’s worth a deep read or at least a browse through—a high quality Zambian literary magazine. There’s poetry, fiction, essays, and visual art—a platform for Zambian authors and artists like no other in the past. … Continue reading Where Are You From?
Dragon Phoenix Twins @ Kitaab Literary Magazine
One of my chapters from “The Gift”, a memoir in progress, has been published by Kitaab Literary Magazine of Singapore. It is a chapter set in Chengdu, China, that shares moments with my mother, reflections about her, as well as observations of my own development into becoming a “good enough” mother. Dragon Phoenix Twins We’ve … Continue reading Dragon Phoenix Twins @ Kitaab Literary Magazine
You Might Find This Surprising About Me…
8-9 years ago, I wasn’t always the way I am today. I used to be scared of my depression and mania, believing that they were the end game. I used to be stuck in fear, believing that my moods were in control of my life. But that was all normal, as I was just beginning … Continue reading You Might Find This Surprising About Me…
Bread Dipped in Blood
All Eyes on Gaza, all eyes on Gaza On Khan Younis and Jabalia For Ahmed— music teacher, he tunes his voice to the tambura of daily drones, For Madleen— fisherwoman whose own seas are under siege. For Dr Alaa, whose 8 of 9 children, and her husband— killed. Vasan, in Bangkok painted her family— pictures … Continue reading Bread Dipped in Blood
A Sneak Peak at My New Book Cover
My new book, Tears and Grape Seeds, is soon to come out. I’m excited and scared all at once. It’s my most personal, edgy work yet, with themes of migration, displacement and mental health. The confused, polarised, state of the world, in particular in the Middle East, is part of the inspiration and desperation with … Continue reading A Sneak Peak at My New Book Cover
The Gift, Final Chapter
I’m almost there with a first draft of The Gift: a memoir of love, loss, and of learning to live. The final chapter has been drafted. There’s still a few transitional chapters remaining, but getting this final chapter down and in reasonable shape was a big step in the process for me. Beginnings and endings … Continue reading The Gift, Final Chapter
Lamentations
“Did it rain on your way here Reena?” I ask. Today, the 8am Monday morning sky is unusually grey. “Yes madam, a little bit,” she replies, scanning the room for its mess. She’s in a green T-shirt and black 3/4 tights. “Did you manage to sleep ok, your house ok after the earthquake?” “Yes all ok. … Continue reading Lamentations
Sometimes We Need to Pace Ourselves!
As a student enrolled in an online Masters in Fine Arts my days are filled with painting and art. My spring semester studies are a month in. I was taking two challenging classes: Figurative Painting and Renaissance Art (art history), but realised that I was putting undue stress on myself. I do sometimes take on … Continue reading Sometimes We Need to Pace Ourselves!
Female Forms in Trees
After 2 months of “artist’s block” something is moving in me again. Finally. Something worth exploring through words, visual art and movement. The trees that line my street have morphed into aging female forms: graceful, beautiful, full of story lines. The cawing crows of Karachi deep purple black, butterfly pea tea yellow flowers, short green … Continue reading Female Forms in Trees
Natasha Devalia 