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?
Category: Poems
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?
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
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
Ubwali Literary Magazine
I’m honoured to have three of my poems: “Grape Seeds”, “Shed the Load”, and “The Lost Battle” published in this, 60th Zambian Independence celebration, 3rd issue of Ubwali.
O Beirut & Vanessa
O Beirut, Aug 2020 Beirut port explosion, Aug 2020 for her hips sway and fingers say what lips may from ‘75 to twenty-O-six, for whom explosions have shattered the most stubborn slivers of hope for her hips sway and fingers say what lips may fast forward to 2020 - now she crawls in the shards … Continue reading O Beirut & Vanessa
one touch of the rope, poetry and art, 2024 (book launch)
one touch of the rope is a collection of deeply personal free verse poetry. It’s a journey through the Lumpini park held together with the thread of a journey, a journey through the park in reality, in my imagination, philosophical and real. Late bloomer that I am, over the last two years I’ve finally managed … Continue reading one touch of the rope, poetry and art, 2024 (book launch)
Tick Tock, I Stare
Wire cars, hair a mess; I rush my steps— now breathless. Tick tock, I stare; dark rings deepen my hollow glare, Mr. mischief shades in haste, lines into my face. Times of Zambia, plastic Shoprite bags crushed, tied string— blue and pink, plastic sacks of mealie meal, crumpled globes, they roll to fame from Z … Continue reading Tick Tock, I Stare
Natasha Devalia 