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

To My Daughter Elizabeth

Mary Ann H. T. Bigelow

Two flowers upon one parent stem

Together bloomed for many days.

At length a storm arose, and one

Was blighted, and cut down at noon.

The other hath transplanted been,

And flowers fair as herself hath borne;

She too has felt the withering storm,

Her strength's decayed, wasted her form.

May he who hears the mourner's prayer,

Renew her strength for years to come;

Long may He our Lilly spare,

Long delay to call her home.

But when the summons shall arrive

To bear this lovely flower away,

Again may she transplanted be

To blossom in eternity.

There may these sisters meet again,

Both freed from sorrow, sin, and pain;

There with united voices raise,

In sweet accord their hymns of praise;

Eternally his name t' adore,

Who died, yet lives forevermore.

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One Poem Only submissions are open.

I’m filling the next chapter of One Poem Only and would love to include your work. Send me the poem you wrote and want the world to hear. New this round: if you’d like to read your own poem on the podcast, you can. No need for a perfect studio recording—just a clear audio file recorded in a quiet space. If you choose this option, you’ll submit your poem and an audio file of you reading it. Submissions close Thursday, July 30. I’ll respond by August 12. Whether I read your poem or you read it yourself, I’d love to hear what you’re ready to share.