Reduced by Rosalind Davies | One Poem Only

One Poem Only is a daily poetry podcast offering a quiet moment with a single poem—read aloud, without analysis or noise.ReducedRosalind DaviesEasy winter option, ideal for layering over your favourite outfits,regular fit, timeless crew neckline.The glory of a full-price itemChosen in the hot bloom of the seasonMy size, my length.I take time to choose, plan ahead, create,Build a look, an image, or someone else’s,The one I want to lay on me,The one that speaks loud what I want it to say.A gift card redeems me and I walk, like a cat, away.Long sleeves feature subtle fluting at the cuffs for a stylish finish,a staple for your occasion wardrobe.Not every occasion has a desirable, describable outfit.January watches and waits to launch and throwIts missile attacks on a cratered high streetAnd I remember the decorum of the time before.Arms reach and grab.The crunch of hangers underfoot.A cruel mixture of trousers and skirts, fighting colours, jumble sale,Disordered sizes, lying labels, sale stickers skewering helpless synthetics.I feel the loss.Rubbing between finger and thumb the fading image of careless success,I mourn the season of choice and purchase, the easy accumulation,the beautiful utility of seamless day-to-night.Boutique has become bric-a-brac.I battle, eyes sharp for rivals, at the end of line.Cropped length with belt to cinch you insharp, refined silhouette, a contemporary tailored cut.More from Rosalind Davies ↓@rosssie.d on InstagramSupport + 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 sustains. Thank you for supporting the podcast.