Jeffrey Shadrack Lokwa

Biography

Jeffrey Shadrack Lokwa is a 22-year-old poet. He came to the Dzaleka refugee camp in 2014. He enjoys writing poetry because it helps him cope with all the trauma he has gone through. Poetry allows him to “give voice to what isn’t seen.” He hopes for the opportunity for his words to be heard outside Malawi.

Featured Poem: BURY ME

Here I’m standing insensibly Trying to pull up my breath My heart stops pumping My veins running dried I can hear pulses from my blood Flowing like the ending raindrops

Why keeping me with care I break out basket of prayer My story bin needs fresh air I am chained in my own chamber Nothing from me is working I failed to trust my brain

I make friendship with winds It brings me an invisible guitar Teaching me music notes that my hands failing to receive with kindness Avoiding pain from me is what I can’t even try because it sticks my skin like soil on earth

My voice is pleading For a free burial site Which I’m ready to dig my grave Maybe your sweat can count So I will pay for my tomb I just need my ears to get no music This song climbing my pharynx

Million watching me put on A smiley face Don’t know real place where My shadow belongs to I can still pull my feelings But none can describe their colors I’m slapped both sides of my cheeks By depression

Why keeping me with care ? When knowing I can do nothing, Dressing me a robe full of thorns Pouring shame over my shoulder Like Samuel did to David So enough is enough, just bury

Me Bury me together with my trauma But don’t put flowers on my grave.

Biography collected by Bruce Miller and written by Lisa Gilman