diff --git a/enlightenment.h b/enlightenment.h
index 56d9a1b..c6b8ca7 100644
--- a/enlightenment.h
+++ b/enlightenment.h
@@ -159,7 +159,10 @@ struct sigaction
 typedef struct ewn EWin;
 typedef struct icn Icon;
 
-Atom WM_STATE;
+#ifndef WM_STATE_DEFINED
+#define WM_STATE_DEFINED
+extern Atom WM_STATE;
+#endif
 
 struct icn
 {
diff --git a/main.c b/main.c
index cfa51a1..fb75707 100644
--- a/main.c
+++ b/main.c
@@ -1,5 +1,7 @@
 #include "enlightenment.h"
 
+Atom WM_STATE;
+
 /* this just cleans up after dead child processes.... */
 void Reap() {
 	int status;