One Poem Only is a daily poetry podcast offering a quiet moment with a single poem—read aloud, without analysis or noise.

Shadow Infested RoomHimani GoelClosing the door on the shadow infested room?I say noI pull the curtains open.Shaky handsWindows stuckStrain harderpushed open with a rattleSudden breezehair swept awayCurtains blownThe wind takes the lead to start a dance with the mossy curtainsUp they flysaying hello to theparticlessparkling like pixie dusta magic in new ray of shineThe wind pulls back with a whisperthe curtains flow downcaughtin a thorn,grown unknownbetween the floorboardsthe dance turns into a tug of wartug tug, oh the strugglethe wind wins,thorn ripswind tries to dance againbut the mark left the curtains flutteringbroken, healingWind settles downthe curtains rest.Pitter patternear my toesup I lookthe ceiling leaksI let it pour.Wet floorHidden tearsTaken first steps to wash away the sorrows pastWish to forget the shadows cast

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