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

What We Don’t Put AwayNicole ShepherdIt’s mid-April,and the Christmas tree is still up.I’ve stopped turning the lights on.The crinkled plastic branchesblock the window unit I’ll need next month.When I dragged the box out in November,the lights warmed the icy air—made me believein peace on earth,goodwill to men.But now I’m tired.The faux limbs droop with evergreen shame.I can do the dishesor put it away—not both.Typical.A bowl full of jelly turned shame mascot.Even the Easter Bunny won’t stop by.I’m tired of marking timeby what I haven’t done.I want to carry the tree to storage,a singular pallbearer,before I need one.Let me mark time by what I manage—even if it’s small.Even if it’s late.Even if it’s just this.

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