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

Untamed

Toni Young

My hair is a cascade

of the most unruly waves.

I’ve flattened her with a straightener,

but she identifies as unbridled.

I’ve loaded her with products

to keep her calm,

but she prefers to burst through

everything that weighs her down.

I’ve since resigned myself

to her defiance.

When my friend said

I reminded her of a lion

because of my wild hair,

I laughed.

And then I roared.

More from Toni Young ↓

• @toniyoungpoems on Instagram
• @toniyoungpoems on Substack

Support + Stay Connected to OPO

If 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.

Feed yourself poetry every day.