Free Eyes
by Anne Namatsi Lutomia
Varying
in color
fabric
layers
size
density
and
double looped stringed
this magical piece
keeps my mouth and nose covered
disciplining my mouth and nose
and freeing my eyes
never worn before
though uncomfortable at first
now i embrace this experience
that renders me unknown
and perhaps mysterious and mystical
t’is now worn with pleasure
a sign of prevention and care
and eye adventure to me
a sign of how fast i can adapt to change and enjoy it
before shy and introvert
with a difficult direct eye contact
now social through my eyes
while still abiding to social distancing rules
increasing the work of my eyes
my eyes now freely
smile
see
watch
direct
recognize
speak
excuse
ignore
play
NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR: This poem was inspired by my reflections about my experience when shopping for groceries during this COVID-19 period.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Anne Namatsi Lutomia is a budding poet and a member of the Champaign Urbana poetry group. She enjoys writing poems about nature as well as her lived experience. She writes poems in Swahili on Twitter in malumbano style, where poets respond to each other through their poems. She has published poems with BUWA.
Silver Birch Press 
A unique perspective here, seeing a positive that is truly convincing.
[…] a Champaign Urbana poetry group. She enjoys reading and writing poems. She has published poems with Silver Birch Press, BUWA and awaazmagazine. She also likes going for long walks, and now lives in Urbana-Champaign, […]
[…] Champaign Urbana poetry group. She enjoys reading and writing poems. She has published poems with Silver Birch Press, BUWA and awaazmagazine. She also likes plants, collecting stamps, and going for long walks. She […]
[…] Champaign-Urbana poetry group. She enjoys reading and writing poems, and has published poems with Silver Birch Press, BUWA, and awaazmagazine. She also likes going for long walks and now lives in Urbana-Champaign, […]