In the Hot Spring Locker Room by Haley DiRenzo | One Poem Only

In the Hot Spring Locker Room by Haley DiRenzo | One Poem Only

Author: Maggie Devers May 16, 2026 Duration: 1:23

One Poem Only is a daily ritual: one poem, center stage, just for now.

In the Hot Spring Locker Room

Haley DiRenzo

I saw naked women scrubbing salted
skin as my mother ushered me
past. Eyes lingered on bodies raw
and round. Breasts dangling, bellies
drooping. Sketched scars and stretch
marks painted in different shades.
Clay earth, bruised sky, blue vein.
My own body was a girl’s then.
Still, I’d graduated from running
naked through my home to needing
to hide myself. I barely remembered
the bloom of my own mother’s
breast that fed me. She too
now dressed behind closed doors
unable to know or to teach
being seen without sex or shame
or desire. Even now in a locker room
I cover quickly, but long to be
these women. Limbs sloughed
pink after sinking heavy
into a hot spring. I can hear
their breathy sighs as water carves
rivers over curves. Their soft whispers
saying simply—yes.

More from Haley DiRenzo ↓


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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: 100

One Poem Only
Podcast Episodes
Wonder by Kerena Joseline | One Poem Only [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:24
One Poem Only is a daily ritual: one poem, center stage, just for now.WonderKerena JoselineAfter Tuvia RubinerIf after everything that has happened you can still hold your heavy heart with all the strength you have left,…
Dystopian Dirges (United Healthcare) by Amelia Wicker | One Poem Only [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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One Poem Only is a daily poetry podcast offering a quiet moment with a single poem—read aloud, without analysis or noise.Dystopian Dirges (United Healthcare)Amelia WickerRubbish or treasureWho is to measureThe value of a…
Les Ondines by Claire Shalhope | One Poem Only [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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Homecoming by Kara Dobias | One Poem Only [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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“Once a palm reader told me” by Ariel Kasha | One Poem Only [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:27
One Poem Only is a daily ritual: one poem, center stage, just for now.“Once a palm reader told me”Ariel KashaOnce a palm reader told memy head and my heart linelay completely intertwinedShe called it "steamy palms"no sep…
Cradle by Meagan Sexton | One Poem Only [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:20
One Poem Only is a daily poetry podcast offering a quiet moment with a single poem—read aloud, without analysis or noise. Cradle Meagan Sexton I feel storm-woven into exhale,loud rage of drumpreludes river current tears.…
Tower Moment by Belly Lux | One Poem Only [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:50
One Poem Only is a daily ritual: one poem, center stage, just for now.Tower MomentBelly Luxa little aftercarea little Sugar For The Pillplaying low in the backgroundCarharrt and red lace in puddlesbut there is no sun lef…
On the Roof I See by Mirela Salihovic | One Poem Only [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:01
One Poem Only is a daily ritual: one poem, center stage, just for now.On the Roof I SeeMirela SalihovicMy little sister and I,When we’re in the tent,love to play a game.We call it:"On the roof I see..."And whoever’s turn…
Crushed Peaches In Palm by Paige Keller | One Poem Only [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:36
One Poem Only is a daily poetry podcast offering a quiet moment with a single poem—read aloud, without analysis or noise.Crushed Peaches In PalmPaige KellerThis poem was first featured in Mad Persona MagazineI am gatheri…
Mastering the Pen by Ellie Augustin | One Poem Only [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:21
A daily reading from One Poem Only—a quiet space for a single poem, read aloud.Mastering the PenEllie AugustinI learned the weight of a penthe way warriors learn steelnot in theory,but in the quiet repetitionof showing u…