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?
Tag: poetry
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?
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
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
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
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!
Natasha Devalia 