I Couldn't Concentrate Today

I couldn’t concentrate today

I sat at my desk and tried to work 

But failed

Zimbabwe was on my mind

My Zimbabwe

 

There was a call for demonstrations

Demonstrations against misrule and corruption

Actions that have led to a crumbled healthcare system

No medication, no doctors and no nurses

In the middle of a pandemic.

 

On social media I saw pictures of some people protesting

Holding up placards and cardboard boxes

I wish I was that brave.

 

I also saw pictures of police and soldiers

Blocking of streets, wielding guns and baton sticks used to beat up people

My heart hurt.

 

I wish things were better for us

I wish Zimbabwe was better

I wish we could all speak our minds

I wish my friends and family didn’t have to leave the country to survive

I pray that one day things do get better.

 

I couldn’t concentrate today

Zimbabwe was on my mind

My Zimbabwe. 

 

 

xoxo 

Chido Dziva Chikwari 

 

As noted in the piece there was a call for protests in Zimbabwe today (31 July 2020). I refreshed my twitter feed and was full of emotions all day. I couldn’t explain it and I mostly didn’t know what to do with myself. Earlier in the week I had spoken with friends about my intentions to go out into the street with a placard written “We need a functional healthcare system”. They were in support of that move but also noted that I could be victimized by the police, beaten up, arrested or abducted. On Twitter I saw that many prolific people including advocates and journalists were arrested. In the days and weeks coming up to today many other had been arrested and abducted. So, in the end fear gripped me and I stayed home, questioning myself about being a coward and not standing up for what I believe. I don’t have answers today. I cannot coherently express how I feel but only that I couldn’t concentrate today; Zimbabwe was on my mind.