What inspires you to write poetry?

I’m inspired by the process itself. I enjoy the process of writing and creating beauty out of everyday life.

How does it make you feel to be part of a published anthology?

I’m pleased to be part of this anthology. I feel it was God’s gentle reminder to be more intentional about investing time in writing, and fully utilizing my gifting.

Do you face any challenges as a Zimbabwean woman poet?

There are fewer publishing opportunities than one would hope. I know some who have gone down the self-publishing route and have found it incredibly challenging.

Briefly describe your writing journey, from how you started to where you are today.

I started writing in junior school. I later transitioned into writing poetry for performance, which is great fun. During this process, I found some of my pieces didn’t translate well on stage but worked wonderfully when read, and digested slowly, and so began the process of collecting poems which worked well on the page. I started submitted my poems to various literary journals with good success, leading up to my first chapbook, “Undressing Under a Noon Sun” which was published as part of the New Generation African Poets by APBF. I am now gradually working towards a longer collection.

How do you want your work to be remembered?

I want my work to be remembered for giving unique and curious perspectives on everyday occurrences, and for demonstrating ‘consummate poetic skills’ in the words of Marian Christie. This compliment from Tesserae’s editor really captured the essence of all my efforts and stuck with me.

Would you like to share anything about yourself to help your readers connect with you?

The current season in my life is about learning acceptance, of self, of others, of life’s tumults. I am breaking out of the prison of idealism. And I use this term intentionally, because this prison does not let you go easily, it would seek to imprison you for life. One has to fight to escape its confines and tyranny just to simply be and enjoy who he/she is without the mourning for who they feel they ought to be.

Who is your favourite poet and why?

I cannot say I have a favourite poet.  I have favourite poems, poems I love for the artful way they were written, or which I resonate deeply with, but no one favourite poet.

What are your future writing aspirations?

I hope to finish my full-length poetry collection whenever I get there. I won’t put time frames. I hope to do more live readings/performances. This is something I have not been able to do much of lately.

What is your biggest dream?

I can’t answer this presently. I feel I am in a transition period. I’m taking stock of my life and reevaluating my current course. I feel there is a lot of change on the horizon, even ‘the dream’ is changing.