Written piece
FLIGHT TO MALAWI
Nomsa Howard
Malawi
About this piece
This poem explores the thread of lived experience in Malawi, moving from the imagined promises to the social realities and personal burdens. It reflects how individuals, especially young girls, navigate systems shaped by power, silence, and expectation.
FLIGHT TO MALAWI
Set yourself within your imagination.
Get comfortable on the weave of dreams.
Hold tight and steady
to this landlocked land we go.
The Warm Heart of Africa
has a place for all.
All you need is to dream
and dare, if you have the political wit.
Do not be confused when The lost and the bright walk the same road.
the vision is tempting enough to pull them forward
even when the mission soon turns sour
Passengers, I hope you are comfortable. 265 awaits.
The plane has landed safely at the Kamuzu International Airport in Lilongwe
Enjoy your stay
The instructions should have been clear
or maybe not,
Keep quiet. Hold still.
You might be allowed to speak
if you are humble.
That's a lie ..
that only sounds better in the book, does it not?
“We are improving,”
whispers the carcass of hope
as the media world flourishes
quick to share opinions,
slow to build understanding.
Be loud or silent
both suggestions might sting you still
Relax can’t you see?
The rules are simple : what is wrong is right,
what is true is false.
And if you look closer,
the opposite direction
might be wiser.
If stuck ask for directions.
Just carry a pouch of gold
for smoother communication.
Let us arrive in Machinga District there is a girl i would like you to meet
When she was a child,
She was told of what was expected of her
her hands were tied.
She longed for rest.
So I held her hand,
sat her in the shade,
and said,
"Let me carry the pot."
Now dawn arrives
my feet are sore.
My hands crack.
This girl child is still learning.
What is true and false