When No One Is Watching Quotes

“How will I explain to people that you have burnt
yourself onto my skin,
Yet you are nowhere to be found?

How do I tell my mother I attract men who do not
stay?
How do I tell her I attract men like my father?”
― Linathi Makanda, When No One Is Watching

“I could starve myself
Make my skin smell like hers
Ooze the demeanor of a deity
But I am nothing but a commoner
Bearing riches in the form of love
My insides could never be warm enough to keep you
My riches, not enough to feed you
But if you call, I will surrender
I will shed and trade my skin to keep you warm
Be my master
Take me in
Make a home out of me.”
― Linathi Makanda, When No One Is Watching

“He looked into my eyes and spewed secrets like I
wasn’t a stranger looking for salvation.
I could tell he was searching for a home, we were
both confused by lust but he came undone none-
theless.
How did he know I was capable of handling his
heart?
How could he refuse to handle mine?

-What you give is what you give”
― Linathi Makanda, When No One Is Watching

“Lord, how could you open my eyes only to close
them again?
How could you fill my plate with love but starve me
again?”
― Linathi Makanda, When No One Is Watching

“In your arms, I am fluid enough to take any shape
and form.”
― Linathi Makanda, When No One Is Watching

“Sometimes I wish I wasn’t so experienced in the de-
partment of pain.
My resume is disgusting.
But hire me, if you will.
Heal me if you insist.”
― Linathi Makanda, When No One Is Watching

“Whoever told you I am a subtle woman of po-
etry was right.
They couldn’t be more correct.
But never mistake my softness for weakness.
My words can destroy the very ground they
have built on.
Do not test a woman of water.
All hurricanes are named after women.”
― Linathi Makanda, When No One Is Watching

“My grandmother’s milk is a bittersweet taste
of pain and a mother’s love.
My mother sucked pain out of her left breast
And I, from hers.
It is no surprise that I weep in my sleep.”
― Linathi Makanda, When No One Is Watching