The Daily Poem
Goldberry Studios
The Daily Poem offers one essential poem each weekday morning. From Shakespeare and John Donne to Robert Frost and Emily Dickinson, The Daily Poem curates a broad and generous audio anthology of the best poetry ever written, read-aloud by David Kern and an assortment of various contributors. Some lite commentary is included and the shorter poems are often read twice, as time permits.
The Daily Poem is presented by Goldberry Studios. dailypoempod.substack.com
The Daily Poem is presented by Goldberry Studios. dailypoempod.substack.com
Episodes
Mentioned books
Dec 25, 2025 • 3min
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's "Christmas Bells"
Merry Christmas! The Daily Poem will return next week! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dailypoempod.substack.com/subscribe
Dec 24, 2025 • 8min
Anna Kamienska's "Elijah Widow"
Today’s exploration dives into Anna Kamienska's poem, highlighting the contrast between giving and receiving. The analysis uncovers the widow's transformation through Elijah’s presence, emphasizing themes of loss and renewal. Biblical allusions resonate, connecting the narrative to creation and divine generosity. Sean Johnson reflects on the deeper meanings of memory and sacrifice, linking these ideas to a Christlike spirit of giving. The poem is read twice, inviting listeners to savor its rhythmic language.
Dec 22, 2025 • 4min
Helen Maria Williams' "To Mrs K____, On Her Sending Me an English Christmas Plum-Cake at Paris"
Today’s poem is an ode to the power of holiday baked goods. Happy reading. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dailypoempod.substack.com/subscribe
Dec 19, 2025 • 6min
W. H. Auden's "For the Time Being" pt. 5
Today’s episode brings us to the eternal aftermath of Christmas and the end of For the Time Being. Happy reading. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dailypoempod.substack.com/subscribe
Dec 18, 2025 • 8min
W. H. Auden's "For the Time Being" pt. 4
In today’s installment, St. Simeon has finally seen the light and humanity struggles against itself. Happy reading. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dailypoempod.substack.com/subscribe
Dec 17, 2025 • 9min
W. H. Auden's "For the Time Being" pt. 3
In today’s selections, the shepherds and wise men are the broken fragments of human life being drawn together around the manger. Happy reading. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dailypoempod.substack.com/subscribe
Dec 16, 2025 • 9min
W. H. Auden's "For the Time Being" pt. 2
More from Auden’s poem–today the full cast of characters is summoned. Happy reading. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dailypoempod.substack.com/subscribe
Dec 15, 2025 • 9min
W. H. Auden "For the Time Being" pt. 1
This week’s episodes will feature selections from Auden’s lengthy “Christmas Oratorio,” in which he claimed to treat of “a religious event which eternally recurs every time it is accepted.” Happy reading. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dailypoempod.substack.com/subscribe
Dec 12, 2025 • 4min
Ted Kooser's "Christmas Mail"
This episode features a heartfelt reading of Ted Kooser's poem, 'Christmas Mail.' The host highlights the poem's poignant simplicity and avoids clichés. Listeners are encouraged to appreciate the often-overlooked mail carriers during the festive season. The vivid imagery and rhythm of the poem are revisited, enhancing its emotional impact. It's a charming reminder of the little things that connect us, especially during the holidays.
Dec 10, 2025 • 10min
John Robert Lee's "XIX: I often wonder whether the prodigal son"
Today’s poem–from Lee’s new book, After Poems, Psalms–offers memory and the psalter as parallel texts for Lectio Divina. Happy reading.Lee’s book is backordered at US outlets like Bookshop.org, but is in stock at Barnes & Noble and can be acquired directly from Peepal Tree Press (or in digital format from the behemoth-that-shall-not-be-named). This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dailypoempod.substack.com/subscribe
