Lawson Chiwara: Words, Learning, and Life

Fractured Hearts and Random Minds and Other Stories By Lawson Chiwara Contact: lawchiwara0@gmail.com | +263777212895 | Ndanga District Hospital, PBag 9004, Masvingo, Zimbabwe Introduction Fractured Hearts and Random Minds and Other Stories gathers five tales from Zimbabwe’s heart, where fractured relationships, personal struggles, and chaotic thoughts collide under jacarandas, in beerhalls, and on dusty school grounds. Lawson Chiwara’s voice—steeped in Shona slang, sadza-scented homes, and the pulse of Museve and Zimdancehall—paints a nation’s joys and wounds. From a hospital cottage’s sibling wars to a village’s poisoned cup, a Masvingo bar’s political banter, a teen’s loyalty test, and a teacher’s lifelong shame as a “nherera,” these stories weave humor, suspense, grit, and hope. Rooted in Zimbabwe’s economic grind, CLZ sermons, and party loyalties, they speak to universal truths—family, betrayal, self-worth. This collection concludes with an excerpt from Chiwara’s debu...

Shadows in the Dark Chiwara Lawson  Chapter 1 - 1302 hours, Mkoba 18, Gweru, Zimbabwe In the industrious heart of Mkoba 18, Amon Chisungo's workshop stood as a testament to perseverance. His son, Michael, a 24-year-old journalism graduate, was there, his hands begrudgingly busy with manual labor instead of the investigative work he was trained for. The lack of job opportunities had tethered him to his father's trade, each spray-painted chair a reminder of his unutilized potential. Michaela, his sister, was the embodiment of focus, her eyes scanning the lines of her textbooks as she prepared for her Zimsec Olevel Examinations. Her aspirations were pinned on the hope of higher education, a path she wished to tread without stumbling over the obstacles that had hindered her brother. Their father, Amon, approached Michael with a look of understanding. "Son, your degree is a powerful tool, and this workshop... it's just a stepping stone." Michael, pausing hi...

Rekindling the Flame By Chiwara Lawson  In the vibrant Mkoba townships, where the scent of braai smoke and freshly baked bread filled the air, Kuda and Nomsa's love was once a beacon of hope, shining bright like a sunset over the rolling hills. But as Kuda's social media influence grew, their relationship began to fade like a dying ember, leaving Nomsa feeling neglected and uncherished. One day, Nomsa confronted Kuda, her voice trembling like a leaf in the wind. "I feel like I'm losing you, Kuda. You're always 'on' for your followers, but what about me? What about our love?" Kuda listened, his heart heavy with regret, and realized he needed to make a change. With newfound determination, Kuda began to prioritize his relationship. He started by actively listening to Nomsa, engaging in meaningful conversations, and seeking help for his sexual struggles. He took steps to address his performance issues, understanding that his body and mind were ...

"The Eternal Vigil: God's Unwavering Watch" By Chiwara Lawson  God, the Creator, was exhausted, His divine energy drained from sustaining the universe for eternity.  He had witnessed the birth and death of stars, the rise and fall of civilizations, and the joys and sorrows of His children. He had loved them all, but also felt their pain and suffering, endured their prayers and curses, their praise and blasphemy, their faith and doubt. God longed for a moment of rest, a brief escape from His endless responsibilities. "I wonder what it would be like to close My eyes and drift into oblivion, to let go of My control and trust in My creation," God thought to Himself, His mind weary from the weight of eternity. "I wonder if I would dream, and what I would dream of. I wonder if I would wake up, and what I would find when I did." But God knew He could not sleep. He was God, after all. He was the source of all existence, the alpha and the omega, the beginning a...

Fractured Hearts and Random Minds By: Chiwara Lawson Setting: Rural Masvingo, Zimbabwe - Vumwe District Hospital Prologue: The sun dipped into the horizon, painting the sky with hues of crimson and gold. In the heart of rural Masvingo, the district hospital stood as a beacon of hope, weathered by the struggles of a nation. Economic hardships, stemming from years of hyperinflation and challenging land reform policies, had taken their toll. The once-thriving community now teetered on the brink of collapse. Amidst this backdrop of despair, our story unfolds, a tale of fractured hearts and random minds, where the lines between right and wrong blur, and the human spirit is pushed to its limits. Chapter 1 - The District Hospital Dr. Tatenda navigated the cramped corridors, his eyes reflecting the weight of his patients' suffering. The hospital, once a symbol of hope, now stood as a testament to the country's struggles. His greeting, "Mhoroi," echoed with warmth, a respite f...