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.
Frenglish
"We speak Frenglish," Rahul and Leila say as they squeal with laughter at the discovery of this new "word". They often use both French and English words in their sentences. Although we are a OPOL (One Person One Language) family, and are pretty consistent with it, the kids are now mixing up both French and … Continue reading Frenglish
Flowers of Wings
Flat Thai Tyre
After a few hours playing, grocery shopping, and eating at the Tesco Lotus on a holiday morning,we walked out into the afternoon heat - Rahul in the trolley, Leila upset because she had to walk; both, more than ready to get into their air conditioned car-seats and nap. I can't remember if it's a flat … Continue reading Flat Thai Tyre
Barbie Has a Hair Cut
I am not proud that my kids love Barbie dolls. I am when they play hair-dresser.
Yoga Zoo
Can You Tell to Papa….
"Mama can you tell to papa that I standed on this step, deep deep in the swimming pool?" "Mama can you tell to papa that I ate all the carrots and tomatoes in the bowl?" "Mama can you tell to papa that I can jump like a football player, high up in the sky?" "Mama … Continue reading Can You Tell to Papa….
Papa speaks Francais
Early one morning a couple of weeks ago. Leila: Where's papa? Me: He's on a plane, going to Houston, in America. Rahul: Like the pilgrims? Me: Yah, to America like the pilgrims. But he's on a plane, not a boat, so he'll be there by tomorrow. Leila: Can you be papa? Me: What do you … Continue reading Papa speaks Francais
Jungle Play
This morning Maher noticed something dangling off a roof right next to our bedroom. A snake had shed it's skin last night. The kids were intrigued. Until they looked at it closely, they thought it was plastic. And then...it wound up in the play-doh. Trust in Me,The Jungle Book
Dreams
Leila just waking up: Mama. In my dream I had up slippers (high heels). And they were lighting up every time I walk. How time till I can have real up slippers? Waaaa Waaaaa, I want up slippers. Me: Well, don't you complain about your neck hurting, and your legs hurting? She nods. Me: High … Continue reading Dreams
Natasha Devalia 