Tell Me by Evita Arakelian

Tell Me by Evita Arakelian

Author: Maggie Devers October 17, 2025 Duration: 2:11

Tell Me

Evita Arakelian

Tell me of a flavour I have forgotten,
of a song I may have heard a stranger
hum to her child in some store, some day.

Tell me a story I know but end it differently or stop
right in the middle and say: ‘more
for later.’ Tell me about the bakery

that will open near our home, on the eighth
street. Remind me of what it was you said when I left my seat
to have a cry in the theatre powder-room—
(I didn’t want Little Nell to die). Tell me
of all the silly things I do sometimes.

Tell me a truth that tastes like chocolate,
a lie I can save for April Fool's day.
Tell me anything before sunrise.

More from Evita Arakelian ↓

  • @dipped_in_words on Instagram
  • She teaches poetry to all ages with tailor-made syllabi, individual and group instruction; independently as well as on platforms like SuperProf. You can find the latest information on her Linktree

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
On the Roof I See by Mirela Salihovic | One Poem Only [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:20
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: 1:56
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: 2:42
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…
CAUTION: STUDENT DRIVER by Carly Thompson | One Poem Only [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:40
One Poem Only is a daily ritual: one poem, center stage, just for now.CAUTION: STUDENT DRIVERCarly ThompsonI’ve jumped out of the boatthe churning water turns to smokemy mind is a black sand beachthe world is one of thos…
To Be a Salamander by Rachel Turney | One Poem Only [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:42
One Poem Only is a daily ritual: one poem, center stage, just for now.To Be a Salamander Rachel Turney I want to be like you. I crave your regenerative abilities.Does the heart count as a limb? If so, I could regrow thep…
Not mine anymore by Avalon | One Poem Only [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:45
One Poem Only is a daily poetry podcast offering a quiet moment with a single poem—read aloud, without analysis or noise. Not mine anymore Avalon If my words are my ownThey are all that I haveExcept... that’s not quite r…
Butterscotch by Amy Laessle-Morgan | One Poem Only [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:52
A daily reading from One Poem Only—a quiet space for a single poem, read aloud.ButterscotchAmy Laessle-MorganSomewhere between the amberblush streetlight of Divisionand the butterscotch stain on the back of my throat,the…
Dear Personal Care Department God by Chris Kads | One Poem Only [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:41
One Poem Only is a daily poetry podcast offering a quiet moment with a single poem—read aloud, without analysis or noise.Dear Personal Care Department GodChris KadsAfter Lancee WhetmanGod of the Personal Care Department,…
Ugly Bones by Ella B. Winters | One Poem Only [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:56
A daily reading from One Poem Only—a quiet space for a single poem, read aloud.Ugly Bones by Ella B. WintersElla B. WintersBehind the dusty radiator,green splashed like bloodspray in a B-film, from that timewhen you deci…