Author: natasha devalia
Author Poetry and Art books: ‘Tears and Grape Seeds’ 2025, ‘one touch of the rope’, 2024 and ‘Unseen Veins’, 2023
Zambian of South Asian descent, living in Thailand.
I write poetry, perform, and I’m currently an MFA (painting) student. The themes of my art whether expressed through movement, poetry, painting or as interdisciplinary forms include identity, belonging, mental health and family life.
Stories in Drawings
Leila's interpretation: Mama is carrying Rahul and I am jealous. Papa is next to me and there is a heart in the middle. (Did you see I drew a heart!?) Roman is a baby, and Mina is also a baby.
The Circus Continued
The Circus
For the Brothers
This August full moon, it's down to recycling my Raksha bandan post from two years ago. ----------- Raksha Bandan – Bond of Protection When I lived in Zambia my family celebrated Raksha Bandan, a North Indian festival that honours the love between sisters’ and brothers’. It falls on a full-moon in August every year. My … Continue reading For the Brothers
Papa Hunter, Mama Gatherer
(For a long time = A long time ago) ----- On our way to the supermarket. R and L are playing at lifting each other. L: Let me carry you now. R: OK L: Uhhhh, you're too heavy for me. R: You can't because usually boys are stronger than girls, 'cause for a long time … Continue reading Papa Hunter, Mama Gatherer
Hezbollah, the Cumin-timer, and the Box
At the Singapore airport last Sunday. We had South-Indian food for lunch, and North-Indian for dinner. I also got four Rasgulla, a Bengali paneer (home-made cottage cheese) based dessert. Me: Do you want to try this Leila? It's called Rasgulla. I used to eat a lot of this when I was little. Really yummy. Leila: … Continue reading Hezbollah, the Cumin-timer, and the Box
Like a Coconut Tree
The phone rings in the morning. My brothers and I wake up. It rings again. The person on the other end won't give up. I rush into my parents bedroom to double check. Their unmade bed is empty. It's no dream. Mum and dad woke up their doctor friend in the middle of the night. … Continue reading Like a Coconut Tree
Who am I?
Rahul: Why Maher choosed you? Me: Ah, very good question, but this one you have to ask papa! Rahul: You and papa is in love? Me: Yes we are. Papa and I love each other. Rahul: You and papa loved each other before me and Leila came out of your belly? Me: Yes, we did, … Continue reading Who am I?
A Reason Not to Die
Lelia: Why your tattoo is still there after you shower? Me: Because it's a real one. It will never go away. Leila: Even when you die? Me: Yeah, even when... Leila: But I don't want to die. I want to see snow. Me: Oh really, you want to see snow? You will probably be able … Continue reading A Reason Not to Die
Natasha Devalia 