Leela Soma

Milngavie, Glasgow, Scotland, UK

Leela Soma was born in Madras, India and now lives in Glasgow. Her poems and short stories have been published in a number of anthologies, publications. She has published two novels and two collections of poetry. The poems published are in Gutter, The Blue Nib, Anthropocene, Black Bough Poems, The Glasgow Review of Books and many others. Also was nominated for the Pushcart Prize 2019. Some of her work reflects her dual heritage of India and Scotland.

Twitter: glasgowlee

website: leelasoma.wordpress.com

Poem written: 20th May 2020

Lipstick

Post box red, the luscious lips entice

the pout so reminiscent of primate’s calls

for their mates, women choose with care

various shades from bright red to pale

pink, to blend and fit every mood.

In the time of corona, the lipstick index

rises, an inessential item, but as in the

Belsen concentration camps the need

for frivolous luxury increases, words

emasculated behind a mask, lips stained.

Only eyes reveal our smiles or tears

inhaling and exhaling into polyester

or cotton, our breath infectious to others

words on our lips silenced, unmasked

colour blazes as it reveals the joy of freedom.