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 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
Dec 8, 2025 • 4min
Robert Frost's "Dust of Snow"
Robert Frost is having one of those days. 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 5, 2025 • 6min
Mary Mapes Dodge's "A Song for St. Nicholas"
Today’s poem is an appeal to the jolly giver of gifts. Happy reading!For more St. Nick poems, head over to the St. Nicholas Center. 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 4, 2025 • 2min
Luci Shaw's "Holding On"
Today’s poem is a tribute to the kind and lovely Luci Shaw, who died earlier this week. The poem–a contemplation of mortality–is a representative sample of her contemplative verse, and takes on new meaning after her passing. 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 3, 2025 • 6min
John Keats' "In drear nighted December"
Today’s poem speaks of speaking the unspeakable, and feeling the un-feelable. 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 1, 2025 • 3min
Jane Kenyon's "Let Evening Come"
Whether your burgeoning inter-holiday malaise needs pruning or a little low-key encouragement, today’s poem (on a Monday, no less!) might be just the thing. 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
