Wednesdays on One Poem Only are a double feature: one poem here on the podcast, and one more by the same poet shared on Instagram.

SnailLizzie Elliot-KleinIn your spiral shellyou hold the answer –slowness is radical.
From the ash pileof my burn out,I see you everywhere.
Clinging to walls,meandering through moss,criss-crossing my path.
Reaching unbelievable heightsat speeds that will win no medals –
just savouring thesilvery slownessof yourtrail.
In your spiral shellyou hold the answer –softness is strength.Inching forward on vulnerable ripples,retreating when the world is harsh,rebuilding your shell with self-made gold,
In your spiral shellyou hold the answer –I too can change.
My soft body thriving in gentlenessKintsugi shell gleamingin the light of springas I carve mycurling
silver
life trail
slowly
steadily
softly
at my own
snail’s
pace.

More from Lizzie Elliot-Klein ↓

1. @ofbrackenandbrine on Instagram

Watch the Second Poem

You can watch and listen to Belly. by Lizzie Elliot-Klein as part of our Wednesday double feature on Instagram at @rembrandts.cure.

Support + Stay Connected to OPO

If you’d like to support the show, Substack and Patreon members receive a copy of my book, For My Daughter, along with episodes from the audiobook.

Two poems. One poet. Let the words keep moving.