The Daily Poem

1258 Episodes

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Annie Dillard’s “How we spend our days”

2026-09-1702:36

Today we are remembering Annie Dillard. Her poem offers not only advice for living, but an approach to understanding a life in retrospect. 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

Algernon Charles Swinburne’s “Sestina”

2026-09-1603:55

Today’s poem heightened the form it’s named for by adding patterned rhyme. Even with the added complexity, this sometimes-rigid form strikes the ear as verse that is smooth and unassuming. 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

Scott Cairns’ “Chemo With Coleridge”

2026-09-1403:39

Today’s poem, from Cairns’ new Against Certainty, ponders the value of intravenous poetry. 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

Wendell Berry’s “Sabbath Poem III, 1994”

2026-09-1103:42

Today’s poem is, quite simply, one of my favorites. Berry uses Shakespeare to tell us we cannot see our life clearly until we have passed through death. 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

Wendell Berry’s “The Guest”

2026-09-0903:10

Today’s poem confesses the discomfort and undesirability of loving our neighbor. 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

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