Rainbows on Her Eyelashes

Selma Martin’s debut book of poetry, In the Shadow of Rainbows, is the work of a talented and empathetic poet. The importance Martin places on her readers is evident in the dedication, in the poet’s statement of purpose, and in the poems, themselves – simple words and vivid images that appeal to our humanity through images that evoke an emotional response.

Some of the poems that most resonated with me include “The Lore,” a peaceful meditation on being present and observant in a still moment, and in reading “I Almost Died,” I was transported to the breathtaking, otherworldly snorkle-scape of a tropical coral reef. It’s an image I know first-hand, and one Selma Martin paints convincingly in just a few brief lines.

“The River” and “Calamitous Portend” will haunt any parent who has ever endured fear coupled with the crisis of faith in their own ability to protect the precious life entrusted to their care.

There are over 60 poems in this volume – savor them. Read and reread. Feel them.

Wondering about the title of this post? Read “She’ll Slide Off A Full Moon, Tickle Your Eyelashes,” by Selma Martin.

Selma Martin is a retired English teacher who lives with her husband in Japan. She has been a freelance writer of nonfiction, short stories, and poetry since 2017, and I have read along and watched her grow in skill and confidence. Learn more, and read more, at her website: Selma – Finding the extra in the ordinary (selmamartin.com)

Kathryn A LeRoy is a fellow writer and photographer whose cover photograph captures the misty shadows of rainbows – rainbows that cast colors and light into the shadows. Her website is Kathryn A. LeRoy (kathrynleroy.com)