Broken by Ani Leland

Broken by Ani Leland

Author: Maggie Devers September 8, 2025 Duration: 2:16

Broken

Ani Leland

They say I'm heartbroken
But heartache can't sufficiently describe
How the physical agony in my chest steals the air from my lungs
Pain so visceral tears seem trivial - not a worthy outlet of emotion
These windows to my soul are dry, seeing clear for the first time
My body is numb - unfeeling
Torment induced disassociation shielding my fragile mind
My tortured heart no longer set alight by my twin flame
But incinerated by the resulting inferno
Each broken piece fueling the blaze
The once glowing embers now cold and black

More from Ani Leland ↓

  • @neversent.poetry on Instagram
  • Her book, Echoes and Embers, the first in a trilogy co-authored with T.C. James, will be published this fall

Mentioned in this episode:

Write After: National Poetry Month with One Poem Only

Write After is a way to encourage poets to listen and write, and use National Poetry Month to highlight how listening to poetry makes us better poets. I know I write the best when I’m surrounded by beautiful poetry–it’s part of the reason I created this podcast, and I want to encourage others to share this practice. We'll get started in April. You can share to #WriteAfterOPO.

#WriteAfterOPO


Each day, One Poem Only offers a brief, deliberate pause. Hosted by Maggie Devers, this podcast is built on a simple, consistent premise: a single poem, read aloud, without analysis or introduction. It’s an audio space where the words themselves are the event, a performance meant to be absorbed in the few minutes it takes to hear it. The daily rhythm of the show creates a quiet ritual, a point of reflection woven into a busy life. You might hear a classic sonnet, a piece of modern free verse, or a work from a poet you’ve never encountered. The selection is varied, touching on themes from the natural world to the intricacies of human emotion, always leaving room for your own interpretation. The effect is cumulative; listening regularly becomes a subtle form of education in the sound and scope of poetry, and a small act of self-care. This isn't a lecture or a book club, but a performing art delivered directly to your ears. Maggie’s clear, thoughtful readings provide the only framework needed, allowing each poem to stand entirely on its own. The curtain falls, and the moment passes, but the podcast invites you to return tomorrow when a new piece takes center stage, offering another quiet moment, one poem only.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 355

One Poem Only
Podcast Episodes
O, Cynthia by Cyn Grace Sylvie [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:40
O, Cynthia Cyn Grace Sylvie This poem was first published in The Dewdrop.Feminine variationThe mound bending Delos IsleWhere she was born with herBrighter brother; a white pearl sownUpon a black dress quite becomingHoly…
I'm small, meek, pale and weak by Holly Fries [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:12
I'm small, meek, pale and weakI’ll break if you’re not cautious.Watch your chosen words,I’m tender, I’m innocent as well naive,I break like glass, I burn, I ash.I do not wish to hurt, you canplainly see. I derive on your…
To take death by Maggie Devers [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 0:46
To take death Maggie Devers Chin hairs, on my grandma when she died.My mother sick with regret. We are all exposed in deathAnd she took it onThe chinHairs of my friend’s grandmother when she died.A decade later and half…
The Eagle with Blue Feathers by Kimmery Moss [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:34
The Eagle with Blue Feathers Kimmery Moss He falls asleep connected to meHis little lips on my chestHours later he wakes again for more But I am no longer able Supplies are low, desires are low Mother is like an eagle wh…
Fringford Brook by Violet Jacob [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:04
Fringford Brook Violet Jacob 1863 – 1946 The willows stand by Fringford brook, From Fringford up to Hethe, Sun on their cloudy silver heads, And shadow underneath. They ripple to the silent airs That stir the lazy day, N…
worlds without blueprints by Paper Trail Poetry [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:04
worlds without blueprints Paper Trail Poetry Letter blocks, green, blue, and red,Are the only reading materialsFor a solitary teddy bearLodged between two toy tractorsCollecting dust in the old toy chestA myriad of memor…
Sunday Recap & Found Art by Maggie Devers [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:05
Here’s your recap of this week’s poems plus one new poem to carry us into the week ahead.Jun 30 - Someone, open me up by Lindsey @writing.by.lindsey on Instagram. She is currently working on a poetry book.Jul 1 - Sonnet:…
Look it in the Mouth by Katie Gilmour [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:00
Look it in the Mouth Katie Gilmour all I really want is for you to make me something only you can make let it be a chore let it take hours let your back give out later because of the way you had to stand learn a craft fo…
The American by Connie Helena [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 0:57
The American Connie Helena in repose I chose a bit of small white coral hidden in my pocket so as not to get caughtcollecting at the beach has gone out of favor my rebellion it is so tinyget me off this rock I like the r…
She’s got a handle on it by Maggie Devers [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:42
She’s got a handle on it Maggie Devers She won’t let me clean the dirt from under her nails She holds onto it as a matter of distinction,An indication of her interests.The grey, opaque polish covers it completely But not…