diff --git a/pollen/core.rkt b/pollen/core.rkt
index e67d426..b8e7f8d 100644
--- a/pollen/core.rkt
+++ b/pollen/core.rkt
@@ -21,7 +21,7 @@
 ;; even though this error will happen after macro expansion, when metas are extracted
 ;; empty string will merge with surroundings
 (provide define-meta)
-(define-syntax-rule (define-meta k v) "")
+(define-syntax-rule (define-meta k v) (begin))
 
 (define+provide current-metas (make-parameter #f))