Sep 13, 2009 Posted by Katherine De Lorraine

Crow Matinee

A lone crow squawked and cawed so much he caught my after lunch inattention while he arrowed to the ground, swiped an empty ice cream cone carrying it high into a bare tree. As though he held a microphone, his ruckus grew until another crow appeared The caucus balanced their empty cup on a limb, examined it as though it were a cornucopia passing it back and forth between them. So much like politicians in... read more

Sep 13, 2009 Posted by Katherine De Lorraine

Friday Crash for Grace Simpson

I yank off my face, hang it on the doorknob, turn the lock and stop the clock. End of a wicked week that feels like a hangover I don’t deserve, caught like a summer cold. I find myself leaning, almost falling off the chair. I try to sit up straight, but my head is heavy, my brain sliding. I look back at the face for any sign of change. It sags, pleated like a hand fan, mouth agape, ready to... read more

Sep 13, 2009 Posted by Katherine De Lorraine

Mr. Mudzingwa’s Death

Even before the drumming woke me at midnight, I knew that my father-in-law would be dying. I saw it in a dream two days ago but kept it to myself. I went to the fields to gather musosawafa leaves for everyone to wash their hands and faces after the funeral. You see, I have strange powers I must hide because a woman cannot know things like the n’anga. Elders would say I am a witch and drive me into the... read more

Sep 13, 2009 Posted by Katherine De Lorraine

Manena

Manena My name means mountain, and everyone says that I am made of rock inside because I never show how I feel. No one has ever seen me cry. Long ago I swore to be like a man. I have a plan to change how women are treated like dogs. No, worse; dogs are free. You see, I have a daughter, who may be able to escape from here. She will show the way and more will follow. I have heard from women in Harare of... read more