•
Icho chise
• Icho chise
October 24, 2025
by TUKUPASHYA ALLY KASONGO
Icho chise
Ukubutuka! fleeting, waiting,watching the dust rise-
with the sun piecing through-tiny particles.
An entry with easy- burning- ukupya,
toast, hot like a shooting star-either you grant a wish, or you survive! a waste to the glaze you are.
Discovery you say? Gold? maybe a diamond, ready for the incinerator?
Oh! But to rise again, a death so beautiful.
Maybe now, tomorrow?
Bleek! as in ukufita, how do you,-I- know?
Meteorite?Yes! Ulukungu,
With a sparkle of colours.
How do I raise again? Ilyashi! you give beauty to others.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
WALLY TUKUPASHYA is a creative and passionate writer specialising in children’s literature and poetry. She is committed to using storytelling to inspire young minds and advocate for social change. She holds a law degree and has actively contributed to community development through volunteering with TEDx Lusaka, One Forest Youth Initiative. Her published articles and poems are listed in Bookdash, Icebreakers Lit Magazine, Writers Space Africa, as well as Poetic Africa. She is passionate about policy, customer service rights and enhancing community and Climate Change advocacy. You can follow her on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.
*Cover Image by … on …