#THURSPOETRY: Memory Zikhali – Free Me

#ThursPoetry makes another return this week with words supplied from our friends at Gourd of Consciousness Poetry.

Memory Zikhali is a dancer, actress, poet, choreographer, singer, musician and songwriter.

She is also a percussionist who plays African instruments Marimba, Mbira and has performed in international and local productions, theatres, circus companies, and festivals.

Born in Bulawayo Zimbabwe Memory started engaging in art at a very young age, joining the drama club at both primary and high school level.

She has been to local and international academies for education and has previously been part of IYASA for four years, as well as Chipawo for one year.

Memory has also been part of Music Crossroads Zimbabwe, College of Music, Almasi Theater Company, Theathro Pikollo, and Jungel Wien Theater Company.

She has worked with many artists as a BV singer and dancer with Indoni, Wanai and the Blue band, Tangawekwa Sando, Baba Harare Band, Sodza & band, Simba Art, Jabula Africa, ZBC and ALMASI.

Her poetry has been published in Gourd of Consciousness Poetry formerly UpInSmoke Poetry Corner of the Standard newspaper Style magazine.

Some of her work is yet to be published in different collaborations in different anthologies. Memory Zikhali is currently studying in Germany

POEM

Title: Free me

Author: Memory Zikhali

Tarts we have been labeled;
Walking the streets they whistle like dogs and we obey.
Loose cannons in date nights, in their beds we lay.
The night waits idle to devour us, the day to condone us.
From the pain of losing our virginity to the pain of child bearing we endure it all.
Strong in the midst of being tame we subdue.
Pure in heart and soul.
Perfect we fight to fit.
Memories of the horrors of our strangled nights.
Constrained by the demons we carry within.
In sorrow we find solace.
In his arms we are safe
In darkness we sprout, feed me with anguish
I know not to be without torment.
He my drug to get high;
Stupefied in his presence.
I am numb.
I am feeble.
Free me.