Lilies by Madilyn Lopez | One Poem Only

A daily reading from One Poem Only—a quiet space for a single poem, read aloud.LiliesMadilyn Lopezblood gushes from underneath my index fingersunderneath my thumbsmy eyes go white and pin-point blackbloodshot— my artery.my throat seals itself shut like a wooden door stuck in humidity’s clutchi tilt my chin to the popcorn ceilinggasping for air that’s already escapedLilies are my favorite flower by the way.it is late.12:15am exactly.my neck starts to itch where brittle bone holds nostalgic flesh imprintsthe coffee on my wooden-chipped scarred nightstand has gone tepidthen frigidit is late.12:17am exactly.congealed blood gushes from my nose where I have never been hit only walked into steel andconcrete wallsmy tear ducts know no repentance stuck in confession my chest feels liketenmilliontrapdoorsleftunsealedi scratch at the duct tape fastened around my goosebumped body clawing like a ravedrabid wretched animal wretched thingsalivatingfoamingachingteeth baringLilies are my favorite flower by the way.it is late.12:21 exactly.Lilies.Lilies. Lilies. Lilies.Lilies.More from Madilyn Lopez ↓@v0guerat on Instagram@maryshelleysmymother on TikTok@madilynlo on SubstackSupport + Stay Connected to OPOIf you’d like to support the show, Substack and Patreon members receive a copy of my book, For My Daughter, along with episodes from the audiobook.Poetry reminds us what matters. Thank you for listening.