Goodnight, Yesterday

Nichole Johnson

I thought

My heart might die loudly–

Thunder cracking,

Lightening

Grinding stone to sand.

But–

It is quiet.

It withers

In my ribcage,

Like a heavy fog–

The last breath

Of midnight

Softly tiptoeing

Towards dawn.

More from Nichole Johnson ↓

• @nichole_johnson_poetry on Instagram and Threads
• Her two books: Love, Death, and Other Distractions, a Collection of Poetry & Circling The Downward Spiral

Mentioned in this episode:

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.