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

Harmony

Seán Tate

Harmony, intermingled with melody, falls lightly from the heavens

to coat the parched earth.

Rough flakes made smooth by a rich flowing sequence.

And the rhythm; listen as the rhythm courses down through

cracks to slumbering seeds.

Listen to that steady beat: tap, tap, tap.

Seeds aroused from peaceful repose, strumming and humming to their own

wild chorus; a deep dissonance.

Compacted soil parts in compressed rattles, giving room for the building

crescendo.

More from Seán Tate ↓

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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.