sure:

  DB<2> p shift @{[42..59]}
42
[download]

or

  DB<3> $shift = sub { shift @{$_[0]} }

  DB<4> p [42..59]->$shift
42
[download]

but it doesn't make sense since the resulting shortened array is destroyed right away.

Using a list slice is the logical° and easiest approach, without wasting operations.

  DB<5> p (42..59)[0]
42
[download]

compare an array slice which wastes resources again, by allocating an array in memory which is destroyed again.

  DB<6> p [42..59]->[0]
42
[download]

°) and "implementing" pop list is symmetrical (42..59)[-1]