diff --git a/python/text_item.py b/python/text_item.py
index 975878a..ce2c0a1 100644
--- a/python/text_item.py
+++ b/python/text_item.py
@@ -74,7 +74,7 @@
 SCRIPT_DESC     = "add a plain text or evaluated content to item bar"
 
 # regexp to match ${color} tags
-regex_color=re.compile('\$\{([^\{\}]+)\}')
+regex_color=re.compile(r'\$\{([^\{\}]+)\}')
 
 hooks = {}
 TIMER = None