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
Unseen Veins
I’m excited to see how well Unseen Veins, my poetry and art pamphlet, has been received. Identity, belonging, and connection, are themes that I struggled with and have explored since I was a young student at the International School of Zambia, and since then moved around the world multiple times. After becoming a mother, bringing … Continue reading Unseen Veins
A Week of Completing Projects – What Joy!
For the last week I’ve been on a “mission to complete” as many of my multiple ongoing projects as I could! Some closure before my time away from BKK is the one way I’d be able to rest, not to mention enjoy the feeling of accomplishment one gets from completing something, however small. Leila on … Continue reading A Week of Completing Projects – What Joy!
Our Moon
Poem: Our Moon (the video). written & recited by Natasha Devalia Music: Cascading Sakuras composed & played by Leila Kassar Footage: Nok Chuanpit, Santosh Perla Video Artist: Nok Chuanpit
Unseen Veins – Runner Up!
I’m honoured my pamphlet ‘Unseen Veins’ was chosen as 2nd runner up in the 2022 Aryamati poetry prize for pamphlets on the theme of social change and peace. Thank you for the recognition, Fly on the Wall Press. [About 'Unseen Veins': In this poetry pamphlet, the complexities of how we label ourselves and where we … Continue reading Unseen Veins – Runner Up!
13 Candles
Rahul and Leila are thirteen. That means we have two teenagers in our home. That life is exciting - full of potential and full of the depths of despair. That I am their safe space, that I get their most vulnerable sweet love and the brunt of their moody days. I am honored to be … Continue reading 13 Candles
Unseen Veins – Short list – Aryamati Competition for Poetry
“A publisher with a conscience.” That’s the tagline that Fly on the Wall Press, a small, independent publisher out of Manchester goes by. I’ve enjoyed multiple poetry pamphlets they’ve published including “Warriors” by Sundra Lawrence, “History of Forgetfulness” by Shahe Mankerian, and “Aftereffects” by Jiye Lee. After the summer holidays I was reminded of the … Continue reading Unseen Veins – Short list – Aryamati Competition for Poetry
Natasha Devalia 