Ermelinda Makkimane (Colours of Love and Barriers)

Ermelinda Makkimane

Ermelinda Makkimane lives in a tiny village on an island in the smallest state in India. She has self-published two books of exquisite verse retelling stories of Biblical women. She is an Emotional Wellness Coach and NLP practitioner in addition to being a poet, mother, wife, daughter, sister, friend. 

Umbrella

it's raining green

so green it hurts

my eyes, they

were already smarting

from your words, and

those of your dad's

why do I get caught

in the crossfire always? 

only, this fire is different, more, 

should I say, colorful? 

no, this is not sarcasm

why how can i be sarcastic

looking at you sleep

your 12-year old self

who's they/them/their now

no longer him

where's the umbrella

of protection

when i need it

and you murmur

and turn in your sleep

i shrink back

guilty

it's you who need

an umbrella

i'll be that umbrella

for you

Rainbow is me... 

the sky reflects my

heart, which I wear

on my sleeve

vibrant shades

i'm closeted no more

i'll flaunt me

I'll step out 

IN MY SKIN

because 

i'm afraid no more

of failing, of falling

of being who i'm not

so bring on the questions, 

i'm ready:

who do you say that i am? 

---

Colours of Love :: Setu, July 2022