Transistor (https://transistor.fm) https://feeds.transistor.fm/the-poetry-fix Description ... © 2026 Erika Kyba 8e5b6b6a-95a4-5eb2-98ed-c22eeef7f78b yes en Tue, 31 Mar 2026 10:26:55 -0400 Tue, 31 Mar 2026 10:27:06 -0400 https://img.transistorcdn.com/l1Wh5dJsIkWvUTe2EIl-JcM18Fm8L1hMfouiD4vr4FU/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS84YTQ0/MWI4MTliZTA4NGU4/NGQ0ZDMzNWJmMWFm/ZDA2OC5qcGc.jpg episodic Erika Kyba Description ... Description .... Erika Kyba No No 79 79 The Dream of the Rood: The Journey Heavenward full f95fc17c-9901-480b-b43b-bcf22f888454 https://share.transistor.fm/s/c6e6307b Join Erika Kyba for a celebration of Easter in the conclusion of The Dream of the Rood. She analyzes how the Passion, in the poet's vision, exceeds the boundaries of history and continues to move our lives.

]]> Join Erika Kyba for a celebration of Easter in the conclusion of The Dream of the Rood. She analyzes how the Passion, in the poet's vision, exceeds the boundaries of history and continues to move our lives.

]]> Tue, 31 Mar 2026 10:17:19 -0400 Erika Kyba Erika Kyba 270 Join Erika Kyba for a celebration of Easter in the conclusion of The Dream of the Rood. She analyzes how the Passion, in the poet's vision, exceeds the boundaries of history and continues to move our lives.

]]> Lent, Crucifixion, Christ, Jesus, Old English, medieval, glory, tragedy, tragicomedy, poetry, literary analysis, retelling, the Passion, suffering, Cross, death, imagery, salvation, motion, static, history, Heaven No 78 78 The Dream of the Rood: Mary and the Cross full 6ec68bd2-e1a6-47da-84f0-a98cfb093dd8 https://share.transistor.fm/s/8b1edbed Join Erika Kyba and continue your Lenten journey through the medieval Crucifixion poem, "The Dream of the Rood." In today's excerpt, the poet crafts a parallel between the Cross of Christ and Mary, His mother. Erika analyzes why the poet has chosen to link these two figures together, and what this poetic image says about suffering and glory.

]]> Join Erika Kyba and continue your Lenten journey through the medieval Crucifixion poem, "The Dream of the Rood." In today's excerpt, the poet crafts a parallel between the Cross of Christ and Mary, His mother. Erika analyzes why the poet has chosen to link these two figures together, and what this poetic image says about suffering and glory.

]]> Tue, 24 Mar 2026 09:42:52 -0400 Erika Kyba Erika Kyba 271 Join Erika Kyba and continue your Lenten journey through the medieval Crucifixion poem, "The Dream of the Rood." In today's excerpt, the poet crafts a parallel between the Cross of Christ and Mary, His mother. Erika analyzes why the poet has chosen to link these two figures together, and what this poetic image says about suffering and glory.

]]> Lent, Crucifixion, Christ, Jesus, Old English, medieval, glory, tragedy, poetry, literary analysis, shield partners, medieval battle, retelling, the Passion, anachronism, battle, suffering, glory, Mary, Cross, birth, death, parallel, imagery, apocalypse, Judgement, salvation No 77 77 The Dream of the Rood: A Tale for All Times full 4f8c86bc-4590-481f-8fbf-eccaad5cd564 https://share.transistor.fm/s/eff4affc Join Erika Kyba and continue your Lenten journey through the medieval Crucifixion poem, "The Dream of the Rood." In today's excerpt, the poet begins to pull in more and more anachronistic medieval imagery to describe the Crucifixion. What is the significance of this artistic choice? Get your weekly poetry fix and find out!

]]> Join Erika Kyba and continue your Lenten journey through the medieval Crucifixion poem, "The Dream of the Rood." In today's excerpt, the poet begins to pull in more and more anachronistic medieval imagery to describe the Crucifixion. What is the significance of this artistic choice? Get your weekly poetry fix and find out!

]]> Tue, 10 Mar 2026 09:56:28 -0400 Erika Kyba Erika Kyba 273 Join Erika Kyba and continue your Lenten journey through the medieval Crucifixion poem, "The Dream of the Rood." In today's excerpt, the poet begins to pull in more and more anachronistic medieval imagery to describe the Crucifixion. What is the significance of this artistic choice? Get your weekly poetry fix and find out!

]]> Lent, Crucifixion, Christ, Jesus, Old English, medieval, glory, tragedy, poetry, literary analysis, shield partners, medieval battle, retelling, the Passion, anachronism, thanes, battle No 76 76 The Dream of the Rood: Suffering is not the Enemy full 04f5de79-8bc6-4d9f-82b1-9496ec9eea7c https://share.transistor.fm/s/a3d55c70 Today, we continue our Lenten reflections on The Dream of the Rood. Join Erika Kyba as she discusses how the poet imagines the Cross as Christ's shield partner in battle. The poet leads us away from identifying suffering as the villain of the Passion, showing us the bigger picture: the Passion was always a battle against sin. And the Cross is our ally in this battle, not our enemy.

]]> Today, we continue our Lenten reflections on The Dream of the Rood. Join Erika Kyba as she discusses how the poet imagines the Cross as Christ's shield partner in battle. The poet leads us away from identifying suffering as the villain of the Passion, showing us the bigger picture: the Passion was always a battle against sin. And the Cross is our ally in this battle, not our enemy.

]]> Tue, 03 Mar 2026 10:53:38 -0500 Erika Kyba Erika Kyba 269 Today, we continue our Lenten reflections on The Dream of the Rood. Join Erika Kyba as she discusses how the poet imagines the Cross as Christ's shield partner in battle. The poet leads us away from identifying suffering as the villain of the Passion, showing us the bigger picture: the Passion was always a battle against sin. And the Cross is our ally in this battle, not our enemy.

]]> Lent, Crucifixion, Christ, Jesus, Old English, medieval, glory, tragedy, poetry, literary analysis, shield partners, medieval battle, retelling, the Passion No 75 75 The Dream of the Rood: The Tragedy and the Glory full 32738db1-274e-42dd-aaf2-e65102b1a3fc https://share.transistor.fm/s/4020bc0a Today, we enter into the Lenten season by reading The Dream of the Rood. Join Erika Kyba to meditate on the poet's reframing of the Crucifixion's tragedy.

]]> Today, we enter into the Lenten season by reading The Dream of the Rood. Join Erika Kyba to meditate on the poet's reframing of the Crucifixion's tragedy.

]]> Tue, 24 Feb 2026 10:34:27 -0500 Erika Kyba Erika Kyba 275 Today, we enter into the Lenten season by reading The Dream of the Rood. Join Erika Kyba to meditate on the poet's reframing of the Crucifixion's tragedy.

]]> Lent, Crucifixion, Christ, Jesus, Old English, medieval, glory, tragedy, poetry, literary analysis No 74 74 The Legend of the Knight of the Red Cross: The Road to Error full a0239d30-53f4-4d51-a31e-aaf58e797728 https://share.transistor.fm/s/76ae849d Today, we continue our journey through Spencer's Faerie Queene. Join Erika Kyba to analyze the forest symbolism that Spencer uses to set up the themes that will pervade this canto, and strap in as the Knight of the Red Cross seeks his first battle in the Den of Error.

]]> Today, we continue our journey through Spencer's Faerie Queene. Join Erika Kyba to analyze the forest symbolism that Spencer uses to set up the themes that will pervade this canto, and strap in as the Knight of the Red Cross seeks his first battle in the Den of Error.

]]> Tue, 17 Feb 2026 10:19:50 -0500 Erika Kyba Erika Kyba 271 Today, we continue our journey through Spencer's Faerie Queene. Join Erika Kyba to analyze the forest symbolism that Spencer uses to set up the themes that will pervade this canto, and strap in as the Knight of the Red Cross seeks his first battle in the Den of Error.

]]> poetry, Edmund Spencer, epic, heroic, Red Cross, Una, symbolism, Error, allegory, imagery, analysis, literature, Renaissance, British literature, drama No 73 73 The Legend of the Knight of the Red Cross: What's Up With Una? full 88b5f949-f843-421d-a7dd-229aa1859ebf https://share.transistor.fm/s/d9492e11 Today, we continue our journey through Spencer's Faerie Queene. Join Erika Kyba as she analyzes how Spencer draws a connection between the poem's female lead, Una, and the symbol of the Lamb of God. We talk about the importance of not judging Una as your typical damsel in distress too quickly; she's a character that might surprise you.

]]> Today, we continue our journey through Spencer's Faerie Queene. Join Erika Kyba as she analyzes how Spencer draws a connection between the poem's female lead, Una, and the symbol of the Lamb of God. We talk about the importance of not judging Una as your typical damsel in distress too quickly; she's a character that might surprise you.

]]> Tue, 10 Feb 2026 10:12:03 -0500 Erika Kyba Erika Kyba 271 Today, we continue our journey through Spencer's Faerie Queene. Join Erika Kyba as she analyzes how Spencer draws a connection between the poem's female lead, Una, and the symbol of the Lamb of God. We talk about the importance of not judging Una as your typical damsel in distress too quickly; she's a character that might surprise you.

]]> poetry, Edmund Spencer, The Legend of the Knight of the Red Cross, Arthurian legend, fairy tale, damsel in distress, Christology, symbolism, archetypes, storytelling, twist, literature, literary analysis, epic poetry No 72 72 The Legend of the Knight of the Red Cross: An Untried Knight and a Lovely Maiden full 0d4714be-ed03-451f-a93b-c59fd4579e4a https://share.transistor.fm/s/dd90fa41 Today, we continue our journey through Spencer's Faerie Queene. Erika Kyba discusses some of Spencer's typical conventions, such as introducing characters by their appearances and actions, allowing the reader to judge their behavior before the poet names them.

]]> Today, we continue our journey through Spencer's Faerie Queene. Erika Kyba discusses some of Spencer's typical conventions, such as introducing characters by their appearances and actions, allowing the reader to judge their behavior before the poet names them.

]]> Tue, 03 Feb 2026 10:32:23 -0500 Erika Kyba Erika Kyba 271 Today, we continue our journey through Spencer's Faerie Queene. Erika Kyba discusses some of Spencer's typical conventions, such as introducing characters by their appearances and actions, allowing the reader to judge their behavior before the poet names them.

]]> poetry, Edmund Spencer, Faerie Queene, Knight of the Red Cross, Una, appearances, poetic conventions, poetic epic, in medias res, Renaissance literature, analysis, verse No 71 71 Prologue to the Legend of the Knight of the Red Cross: Choose Your Fighters full 79606c6a-3751-471d-ab0d-964de269463f https://share.transistor.fm/s/32b1d03c Today, Erika Kyba introduces you to Spencer's Faerie Queene. In this episode, we read the Prologue to the Legend of the Knight of the Red Cross (narrated by the lovely Sophia Kyba), and discuss Spencer's intriguing choice of Greek gods to invoke as his muses.

]]> Today, Erika Kyba introduces you to Spencer's Faerie Queene. In this episode, we read the Prologue to the Legend of the Knight of the Red Cross (narrated by the lovely Sophia Kyba), and discuss Spencer's intriguing choice of Greek gods to invoke as his muses.

]]> Tue, 27 Jan 2026 09:43:40 -0500 Erika Kyba Erika Kyba 271 Today, Erika Kyba introduces you to Spencer's Faerie Queene. In this episode, we read the Prologue to the Legend of the Knight of the Red Cross (narrated by the lovely Sophia Kyba), and discuss Spencer's intriguing choice of Greek gods to invoke as his muses.

]]> allegory, poetry, Edmund Spencer, epic poem, invocation to the muse, The Faerie Queen, Legend of the Knight of the Red Cross, Venus, Mars, Cupid, war, love, virtue, vice, Arthurian legend No 70 70 The Milk-Maid and the Milk-Pail: Of Daydreams and Lost Opportunities full ad62d7da-8424-4d28-8138-348ed53c79c3 https://share.transistor.fm/s/bd7ae56b Today, Erika Kyba reads La Fontaine's "The Milk-Maid and the Milk-Pail," a witty and practical French fable about the danger of getting carried away in a daydream.

]]> Today, Erika Kyba reads La Fontaine's "The Milk-Maid and the Milk-Pail," a witty and practical French fable about the danger of getting carried away in a daydream.

]]> Tue, 20 Jan 2026 10:21:53 -0500 Erika Kyba Erika Kyba 285 Today, Erika Kyba reads La Fontaine's "The Milk-Maid and the Milk-Pail," a witty and practical French fable about the danger of getting carried away in a daydream.

]]> poetry, French, La Fontaine, fable, practical wisdom No 69 69 We Should not Mind so Small a Flower: Restoring the Kingdom full fe2a9666-b568-4daf-a628-f30eabdae83f https://share.transistor.fm/s/191c8d77 Today, Erika Kyba reads Emily Dickinson's "We Should not Mind so Small a Flower," in which poet uses the flower of a mustard seed as a metaphor for God instantiating the Kingdom of Heaven through the smallest and most easily overlooked means.

]]> Today, Erika Kyba reads Emily Dickinson's "We Should not Mind so Small a Flower," in which poet uses the flower of a mustard seed as a metaphor for God instantiating the Kingdom of Heaven through the smallest and most easily overlooked means.

]]> Tue, 13 Jan 2026 11:11:26 -0500 Erika Kyba Erika Kyba 286 Today, Erika Kyba reads Emily Dickinson's "We Should not Mind so Small a Flower," in which poet uses the flower of a mustard seed as a metaphor for God instantiating the Kingdom of Heaven through the smallest and most easily overlooked means.

]]> poetry, Emily Dickinson, Kingdom of Heaven, Christianity No 68 68 Architect's Watercolor: Each Minute is Encounter full 0964e84f-6b3c-4b60-9c94-65a9c67f15c6 https://share.transistor.fm/s/ab9ea570 Today, Erika Kyba reads Arthur Sze's "Architect's Watercolor." This is a poem that toes the line between potentiality and reality.

]]> Today, Erika Kyba reads Arthur Sze's "Architect's Watercolor." This is a poem that toes the line between potentiality and reality.

]]> Thu, 11 Dec 2025 13:04:36 -0500 Erika Kyba Erika Kyba 233 Today, Erika Kyba reads Arthur Sze's "Architect's Watercolor." This is a poem that toes the line between potentiality and reality.

]]> poetry, Arthur Sze, modern poetry, potentiality, possibility, reality No 67 67 Comus: To Quench the Draught of Pheobus full c79a2f45-629d-4895-968d-188d9bbf9f6c https://share.transistor.fm/s/664c6725 Today, Erika Kyba continues to analyze Milton's "Comus," and we learn what makes the wicked spirit, Comus so dangerous: he menaces the rational faculties of men, and tempts them, through inordinate pleasure, to animality and indignity. Alexandra Comus joins us once again to narrate the part of the Attendant Spirit.

]]> Today, Erika Kyba continues to analyze Milton's "Comus," and we learn what makes the wicked spirit, Comus so dangerous: he menaces the rational faculties of men, and tempts them, through inordinate pleasure, to animality and indignity. Alexandra Comus joins us once again to narrate the part of the Attendant Spirit.

]]> Thu, 04 Dec 2025 10:54:26 -0500 Erika Kyba Erika Kyba 270 Today, Erika Kyba continues to analyze Milton's "Comus," and we learn what makes the wicked spirit, Comus so dangerous: he menaces the rational faculties of men, and tempts them, through inordinate pleasure, to animality and indignity. Alexandra Comus joins us once again to narrate the part of the Attendant Spirit.

]]> poetry, Comus, John Milton, animality, rationality, temptation No 66 66 Comus: The Rank Vapors of this Sin-Worn Mold full 9d01b3be-d14d-4e6d-b0f5-40650bcfc1c5 https://share.transistor.fm/s/812363c7 Today, Erika Kyba introduces Milton's "Comus," a purported morality masque which is perhaps not what it seems to be. Alexandra Comus narrates the part of the Attendant Spirit.

]]> Today, Erika Kyba introduces Milton's "Comus," a purported morality masque which is perhaps not what it seems to be. Alexandra Comus narrates the part of the Attendant Spirit.

]]> Thu, 20 Nov 2025 10:38:52 -0500 Erika Kyba Erika Kyba 274 Today, Erika Kyba introduces Milton's "Comus," a purported morality masque which is perhaps not what it seems to be. Alexandra Comus narrates the part of the Attendant Spirit.

]]> poetry, John Milton, Comus, Attendant Spirit, masque, morality tale, virtue, vice, Manichean, gnostic, literary analysis No 65 65 Sic Transit Gloria Mundi: Accept this "Bonnie Doon" full 2b358f1a-f2a3-40a4-9085-2c4a2313ef2b https://share.transistor.fm/s/f6ce11ed Today, Erika Kyba reads through the end of "Sic Transit Gloria Mundi," by Emily Dickinson. We begin to tie together the themes of moral bankruptcy, surface versus substance, and modernity, served with a slice of devilry.

]]> Today, Erika Kyba reads through the end of "Sic Transit Gloria Mundi," by Emily Dickinson. We begin to tie together the themes of moral bankruptcy, surface versus substance, and modernity, served with a slice of devilry.

]]> Thu, 13 Nov 2025 18:41:30 -0500 Erika Kyba Erika Kyba 443 Today, Erika Kyba reads through the end of "Sic Transit Gloria Mundi," by Emily Dickinson. We begin to tie together the themes of moral bankruptcy, surface versus substance, and modernity, served with a slice of devilry.

]]> poetry, Dickinson, Sic Transit Gloria Mundi, modernity, values, ideology, substances, reality No 64 64 Sic Transit Gloria Mundi: Insolvency, Sublime! full 3ac276df-92f3-4f5d-af9c-7f7365c0bc4f https://share.transistor.fm/s/cabe917b Today, Erika Kyba reads "Sic Transit Gloria Mundi," by Emily Dickinson, a witty societal critique dashed with a commentary how certain astronomical discoveries have altered the way we understand and behave towards the universe around us.

]]> Today, Erika Kyba reads "Sic Transit Gloria Mundi," by Emily Dickinson, a witty societal critique dashed with a commentary how certain astronomical discoveries have altered the way we understand and behave towards the universe around us.

]]> Thu, 06 Nov 2025 10:43:38 -0500 Erika Kyba Erika Kyba 271 Today, Erika Kyba reads "Sic Transit Gloria Mundi," by Emily Dickinson, a witty societal critique dashed with a commentary how certain astronomical discoveries have altered the way we understand and behave towards the universe around us.

]]> poetry, Emily Dickinson, scientific revolution, astronomy, societal critique, gentility, symbolism No 63 63 The Abyss: Above, Below, On Every Side full a0b263ad-cdc2-4171-bdca-4154a7dcb04b https://share.transistor.fm/s/a66a44e4 Today, Erika Kyba reads "The Abyss," by Baudelaire, and attempts to explore the poet's terror of the infinite.

]]> Today, Erika Kyba reads "The Abyss," by Baudelaire, and attempts to explore the poet's terror of the infinite.

]]> Thu, 30 Oct 2025 11:24:18 -0400 Erika Kyba Erika Kyba 271 Today, Erika Kyba reads "The Abyss," by Baudelaire, and attempts to explore the poet's terror of the infinite.

]]> poetry, Baudelaire, Pascal, philosophy, theology, despair, infinite No 62 62 The Benefactors: The Pinch of Pain and Fear full df2d2121-47e9-4ce7-8016-44ed4343c693 https://share.transistor.fm/s/c8c62bf0 Today, Erika Kyba reads "The Benefactors" by Rudyard Kipling. Kipling mediates on how all innovation springs from the "pinch of pain and fear" that drives man.

]]> Today, Erika Kyba reads "The Benefactors" by Rudyard Kipling. Kipling mediates on how all innovation springs from the "pinch of pain and fear" that drives man.

]]> Thu, 23 Oct 2025 10:47:12 -0400 Erika Kyba Erika Kyba 260 Today, Erika Kyba reads "The Benefactors" by Rudyard Kipling. Kipling mediates on how all innovation springs from the "pinch of pain and fear" that drives man.

]]> poetry, Rudyard Kipling, survival, innovation, literary analysis, literature No 61 61 Adam's Curse: As Weary-Hearted as that Hollow Moon full 997ffbdc-78e6-40a0-be05-daa039cf5217 https://share.transistor.fm/s/c29a5684 Today, Erika Kyba reads "Adam's Curse" by William Butler Yeats. Yeats muses on how all beautiful and lovely things require labor...and how this laboring after the beautiful has become an "idle trade" in the hollow age of modernity.

]]> Today, Erika Kyba reads "Adam's Curse" by William Butler Yeats. Yeats muses on how all beautiful and lovely things require labor...and how this laboring after the beautiful has become an "idle trade" in the hollow age of modernity.

]]> Thu, 16 Oct 2025 10:43:57 -0400 Erika Kyba Erika Kyba 271 Today, Erika Kyba reads "Adam's Curse" by William Butler Yeats. Yeats muses on how all beautiful and lovely things require labor...and how this laboring after the beautiful has become an "idle trade" in the hollow age of modernity.

]]> poetry, W. B Yeats, modernity, love, beauty, meaning, literary analysis, literature No 60 60 The Boston Evening Transcript: Who Are You, When Evening Falls? full 6f29ba8f-65a3-4f4c-94b1-1873750070aa https://share.transistor.fm/s/30d3ee56 Today, Erika Kyba reads "The Boston Evening Transcript," by T. S. Eliot. Much in the same vein as Henry David Thoreau, Eliot mediates on our constant obsession with the news, and what that does to the human person.

]]> Today, Erika Kyba reads "The Boston Evening Transcript," by T. S. Eliot. Much in the same vein as Henry David Thoreau, Eliot mediates on our constant obsession with the news, and what that does to the human person.

]]> Thu, 09 Oct 2025 13:03:45 -0400 Erika Kyba Erika Kyba 271 Today, Erika Kyba reads "The Boston Evening Transcript," by T. S. Eliot. Much in the same vein as Henry David Thoreau, Eliot mediates on our constant obsession with the news, and what that does to the human person.

]]> poetry, Henry David Thoreau, T. S. Eliot, news, activity, passivity, carpe diem No 59 59 Safe in Their Alabaster Chambers: A Meditation on Legacy full 47e6711b-f045-4c37-b263-3fec51dfb6fa https://share.transistor.fm/s/c7f8090a Today, Erika Kyba reads "Safe in Their Alabaster Chambers," by Emily Dickinson. In this poem, Dickinson plays with the image of a tomb acting as a lamp, and she meditates on legacy, death, and history.

]]> Today, Erika Kyba reads "Safe in Their Alabaster Chambers," by Emily Dickinson. In this poem, Dickinson plays with the image of a tomb acting as a lamp, and she meditates on legacy, death, and history.

]]> Thu, 02 Oct 2025 10:31:37 -0400 Erika Kyba Erika Kyba 272 Today, Erika Kyba reads "Safe in Their Alabaster Chambers," by Emily Dickinson. In this poem, Dickinson plays with the image of a tomb acting as a lamp, and she meditates on legacy, death, and history.

]]> poetry, Emily Dickinson, imagery, polyvalence, literature, literary analysis, English, American literature, Christianity, death, legacy, history No 58 58 As Kingfishers Catch Fire: Lovely in Eyes not His full 9f414146-9038-4a3f-9f23-b8d6682695b1 https://share.transistor.fm/s/88eed4e5 Today, Erika Kyba reads "As Kingfishers Catch Fire," by Gerard Manley Hopkins. In this poem, Hopkins explores the natural image of kingfishers and dragonflies reflecting the sun's light, and he uses it to portray how God's glory shines forth in every single person, with all their particularities.

]]> Today, Erika Kyba reads "As Kingfishers Catch Fire," by Gerard Manley Hopkins. In this poem, Hopkins explores the natural image of kingfishers and dragonflies reflecting the sun's light, and he uses it to portray how God's glory shines forth in every single person, with all their particularities.

]]> Thu, 25 Sep 2025 09:36:54 -0400 Erika Kyba Erika Kyba 271 Today, Erika Kyba reads "As Kingfishers Catch Fire," by Gerard Manley Hopkins. In this poem, Hopkins explores the natural image of kingfishers and dragonflies reflecting the sun's light, and he uses it to portray how God's glory shines forth in every single person, with all their particularities.

]]> poetry, Gerard Manley Hopkins, nature, images, spiritual, God, Christianity, sonnet, individuality No 57 57 On Time: The Temporal and the Eternal full ea818d86-9679-4890-8bc3-6e93985a92ef https://share.transistor.fm/s/8d02cff5 Today, Erika Kyba reads John Milton's "On Time." This is a poem that echoes the themes John Donne's "Holy Sonnet X," asserting the triumph of believers over death and temporal decay.

]]> Today, Erika Kyba reads John Milton's "On Time." This is a poem that echoes the themes John Donne's "Holy Sonnet X," asserting the triumph of believers over death and temporal decay.

]]> Thu, 18 Sep 2025 09:29:34 -0400 Erika Kyba Erika Kyba 271 Today, Erika Kyba reads John Milton's "On Time." This is a poem that echoes the themes John Donne's "Holy Sonnet X," asserting the triumph of believers over death and temporal decay.

]]> poetry, time, John Milton, John Donne, Holy Sonnet X, Christianity, death, triumph, literary analysis No 56 56 Demain dès l'aube: Facing the Unspeakable full f6b185a1-fcab-44d9-91f7-04b34134cd15 https://share.transistor.fm/s/f27bdb78 Today, Erika Kyba reads Victor Hugo's "Demain dès l'aube," a poem about a man who has delayed facing his grief for far too long.

]]> Today, Erika Kyba reads Victor Hugo's "Demain dès l'aube," a poem about a man who has delayed facing his grief for far too long.

]]> Thu, 11 Sep 2025 10:25:43 -0400 Erika Kyba Erika Kyba 270 Today, Erika Kyba reads Victor Hugo's "Demain dès l'aube," a poem about a man who has delayed facing his grief for far too long.

]]> poetry, Victor Hugo, tragedy, Leopoldine Hugo, grief, mourning, French poetry, literature, analysis No 55 55 America: Perennial With the Earth full 3921e646-34c1-4581-ae64-27aaefaff166 https://share.transistor.fm/s/7693a899 Today, Erika Kyba reads Walt Whitman's "America," a distillation of the patriotic spirit that infuses much of Whitman's poetic corpus.

]]> Today, Erika Kyba reads Walt Whitman's "America," a distillation of the patriotic spirit that infuses much of Whitman's poetic corpus.

]]> Thu, 04 Sep 2025 10:43:17 -0400 Erika Kyba Erika Kyba 275 Today, Erika Kyba reads Walt Whitman's "America," a distillation of the patriotic spirit that infuses much of Whitman's poetic corpus.

]]> poetry, America, Walt Whitman, patriotism, equality, soil, United States No 54 54 Break, Break, Break: When Tragedy Paralyzes full 8c977c8e-3f82-482e-9e1a-a5b8a5bf9bda https://share.transistor.fm/s/1233fabb Today, Erika Kyba reads Tennyson's "Break, Break, Break," an intimate portrait of loss and grief. The poem conveys the deadening effect of great sorrow, as the poet observes life going on for others while remaining paralyzed by tragedy.

]]> Today, Erika Kyba reads Tennyson's "Break, Break, Break," an intimate portrait of loss and grief. The poem conveys the deadening effect of great sorrow, as the poet observes life going on for others while remaining paralyzed by tragedy.

]]> Thu, 28 Aug 2025 10:38:19 -0400 Erika Kyba Erika Kyba 258 Today, Erika Kyba reads Tennyson's "Break, Break, Break," an intimate portrait of loss and grief. The poem conveys the deadening effect of great sorrow, as the poet observes life going on for others while remaining paralyzed by tragedy.

]]> poetry, tragedy, Tennyson, Arthur Hallam, grief, sorrow, loss, life, death No 53 53 The Ballad of Blasphemous Bill: The Dark Twist full 99a3ffed-5a74-49e0-a929-1d9eb1aa31d7 https://share.transistor.fm/s/550ff9b0 Today, Erika Kyba reads the eerie conclusion of Robert W. Service's "The Ballad of Blasphemous Bill," and proposes some possible interpretations to its mysterious ending.

]]> Today, Erika Kyba reads the eerie conclusion of Robert W. Service's "The Ballad of Blasphemous Bill," and proposes some possible interpretations to its mysterious ending.

]]> Fri, 22 Aug 2025 06:00:00 -0400 Erika Kyba Erika Kyba 275 Today, Erika Kyba reads the eerie conclusion of Robert W. Service's "The Ballad of Blasphemous Bill," and proposes some possible interpretations to its mysterious ending.

]]> poetry, Robert W Service, Yukon, Grateful Dead, folktale, eerie, death, literature, interpretation No 52 52 The Ballad of Blasphemous Bill: The Grateful Dead full e1701e9b-e55c-4cdf-85fe-a5a85481325c https://share.transistor.fm/s/544f9a34 Today, Erika Kyba reads an excerpt from Robert W. Service's "The Ballad of Blasphemous Bill," a poet's take on the Grateful Dead archetype.

]]> Today, Erika Kyba reads an excerpt from Robert W. Service's "The Ballad of Blasphemous Bill," a poet's take on the Grateful Dead archetype.

]]> Fri, 15 Aug 2025 02:00:00 -0400 Erika Kyba Erika Kyba 270 Today, Erika Kyba reads an excerpt from Robert W. Service's "The Ballad of Blasphemous Bill," a poet's take on the Grateful Dead archetype.

]]> poetry, podcast, Robert W Service, the grateful dead, folk tale, archetype, Canadian poet, Yukon No 51 51 Aunt Helen: A Damning Silence full 1e9b8267-a2db-48ce-94d7-ae8b03abd685 https://share.transistor.fm/s/4fe9dfd2 Today, Erika Kyba reads T. S. Eliot's "Aunt Helen," a dark meditation on the futility of earthly affairs, and the danger of leaving behind an empty legacy.

]]> Today, Erika Kyba reads T. S. Eliot's "Aunt Helen," a dark meditation on the futility of earthly affairs, and the danger of leaving behind an empty legacy.

]]> Fri, 08 Aug 2025 17:00:00 -0400 Erika Kyba Erika Kyba 259 Today, Erika Kyba reads T. S. Eliot's "Aunt Helen," a dark meditation on the futility of earthly affairs, and the danger of leaving behind an empty legacy.

]]> poetry, legacy, T. S. Eliot, death, "Aunt Helen" No 50 50 Holy Sonnet X: Death be not Proud full 359ec753-92f5-47fd-ac22-2665c4c3618d https://share.transistor.fm/s/6d610943 Today, Erika Kyba reads John Donne's glorious vaunt against death itself: Holy Sonnet X.

]]> Today, Erika Kyba reads John Donne's glorious vaunt against death itself: Holy Sonnet X.

]]> Fri, 27 Jun 2025 12:00:00 -0400 Erika Kyba Erika Kyba 272 Today, Erika Kyba reads John Donne's glorious vaunt against death itself: Holy Sonnet X.

]]> poetry, John Donne, death, life, rebirth, Christianity, sonnet No 49 49 At a Solemn Music: Milton vs the Puritans full cb011ad2-d442-4762-8b05-65d550f5bcd7 https://share.transistor.fm/s/65403b3e Today, Erika Kyba reads John Milton's "At a Solemn Music," which subtly engages with Puritan arguments portraying music as evil. Instead, Milton extols song as something that has the power to sanctify.

]]> Today, Erika Kyba reads John Milton's "At a Solemn Music," which subtly engages with Puritan arguments portraying music as evil. Instead, Milton extols song as something that has the power to sanctify.

]]> Fri, 20 Jun 2025 11:00:00 -0400 Erika Kyba Erika Kyba 273 Today, Erika Kyba reads John Milton's "At a Solemn Music," which subtly engages with Puritan arguments portraying music as evil. Instead, Milton extols song as something that has the power to sanctify.

]]> poetry, John Milton, music, God, Christianity, Puritans No 48 48 Down by the Salley Gardens: The One that Got Away full 0de5b4d4-b2a2-4292-be88-b6b7e219c7fc https://share.transistor.fm/s/16bd6f14 Today, Erika Kyba reads W. B. Yeats's "Down by the Salley Gardens," a wistful meditation on lost love and innocence.

]]> Today, Erika Kyba reads W. B. Yeats's "Down by the Salley Gardens," a wistful meditation on lost love and innocence.

]]> Fri, 13 Jun 2025 05:00:00 -0400 Erika Kyba Erika Kyba 274 Today, Erika Kyba reads W. B. Yeats's "Down by the Salley Gardens," a wistful meditation on lost love and innocence.

]]> poetry, W. B. Yeats, Irish, romance, tragic, bittersweet No 47 47 The Good-Morrow: Love so Alike full dc27589c-4341-4692-8464-7b5883ef4a75 https://share.transistor.fm/s/5255934a Today, Erika Kyba reads John Donne's "The Good-Morrow," which meditates on the unity of lovers, as well as the virtues needed for romantic love to endure.

]]> Today, Erika Kyba reads John Donne's "The Good-Morrow," which meditates on the unity of lovers, as well as the virtues needed for romantic love to endure.

]]> Fri, 06 Jun 2025 11:00:00 -0400 Erika Kyba Erika Kyba 254 Today, Erika Kyba reads John Donne's "The Good-Morrow," which meditates on the unity of lovers, as well as the virtues needed for romantic love to endure.

]]> poetry, love, Donne, unity, romance No 46 46 An Inner Happiness is Absolutely of my World: A Door to the Soul full 1cd62faa-94b8-43ec-88e7-2ed778375e2d https://share.transistor.fm/s/871bb1aa Today, Erika Kyba reads Salvador Espriu's "An Inner Happiness is Absolutely of my World," a self-reflective meditation on poetry as a door to the soul of the poet.

]]> Today, Erika Kyba reads Salvador Espriu's "An Inner Happiness is Absolutely of my World," a self-reflective meditation on poetry as a door to the soul of the poet.

]]> Fri, 30 May 2025 08:00:00 -0400 Erika Kyba Erika Kyba 273 Today, Erika Kyba reads Salvador Espriu's "An Inner Happiness is Absolutely of my World," a self-reflective meditation on poetry as a door to the soul of the poet.

]]> soul, poetry, Salvador Espriu, self-disclosure, meta No 45 45 Holy Sonnet XII: A Greater Wonder full 3147b0e1-d1b3-4824-8e63-5a331967b049 https://share.transistor.fm/s/6001583f Today, Erika Kyba reads John Donne's Holy Sonnet XII, which offers a frame for looking at nature with new eyes.

]]> Today, Erika Kyba reads John Donne's Holy Sonnet XII, which offers a frame for looking at nature with new eyes.

]]> Fri, 23 May 2025 14:30:00 -0400 Erika Kyba Erika Kyba 276 Today, Erika Kyba reads John Donne's Holy Sonnet XII, which offers a frame for looking at nature with new eyes.

]]> poetry, Donne, Creation, Christianity, chain of being, humility, gratitude, wonder No 44 44 Ode to the West Wind: Beyond the Grave full cedc4340-e799-4c47-85da-f0b496076c55 https://share.transistor.fm/s/e5a641f9 Today, Erika Kyba reads the conclusion of Percy Shelley's Ode to the West Wind. We see the poet recognize his mortality and surrender himself and his work to the autumnal spirit. However, he hopes that the wind's destruction will ultimately bring renewal.

]]> Today, Erika Kyba reads the conclusion of Percy Shelley's Ode to the West Wind. We see the poet recognize his mortality and surrender himself and his work to the autumnal spirit. However, he hopes that the wind's destruction will ultimately bring renewal.

]]> Fri, 16 May 2025 12:00:00 -0400 Erika Kyba Erika Kyba 264 Today, Erika Kyba reads the conclusion of Percy Shelley's Ode to the West Wind. We see the poet recognize his mortality and surrender himself and his work to the autumnal spirit. However, he hopes that the wind's destruction will ultimately bring renewal.

]]> poetry, Shelley, Ode to the West Wind, romanticism, death, life, renewal, change No 43 43 Ode to the West Wind: Destruction and Renewal full 6d91da65-a7a6-43d5-81e1-052dd82c3167 https://share.transistor.fm/s/fa9cc57e Today, Erika Kyba reads an excerpt from Percy Shelley's Ode to the West Wind, which celebrates the destructive spirit of the West Wind as a harbinger of renewal.

]]> Today, Erika Kyba reads an excerpt from Percy Shelley's Ode to the West Wind, which celebrates the destructive spirit of the West Wind as a harbinger of renewal.

]]> Fri, 09 May 2025 15:00:00 -0400 Erika Kyba Erika Kyba 260 Today, Erika Kyba reads an excerpt from Percy Shelley's Ode to the West Wind, which celebrates the destructive spirit of the West Wind as a harbinger of renewal.

]]> poetry, Percy Shelley, Ode to the West Wind, destruction, renewal, inspiring No 42 42 Holy Sonnet IX: A Heavenly, Lethean Flood full e49780f0-a4c6-47d0-b356-4ff8322194a2 https://share.transistor.fm/s/321d8c3c Today, Erika Kyba reads John Donne's Holy Sonnet IX, in which the poet wrestles with the themes of sin, guilt, and forgiveness.

]]> Today, Erika Kyba reads John Donne's Holy Sonnet IX, in which the poet wrestles with the themes of sin, guilt, and forgiveness.

]]> Fri, 02 May 2025 09:53:06 -0400 Erika Kyba Erika Kyba 274 Today, Erika Kyba reads John Donne's Holy Sonnet IX, in which the poet wrestles with the themes of sin, guilt, and forgiveness.

]]> poetry, John Donne, Holy Sonnet IX, Lethe, sin, guilt, forgiveness, Christ, Christianity, Crucifixion, mercy, repentance No 41 41 Love (III): When Love Bids You Welcome full 1a9eb1d5-b72f-4ac6-85bc-a9f0b4255938 https://share.transistor.fm/s/12b57c67 Today, Erika Kyba reads Love (III), the conclusion of George Herbert's Love series. This poem portrays the beautiful way in which Love crosses over the boundaries of guilt and sin to reach the human soul.

]]> Today, Erika Kyba reads Love (III), the conclusion of George Herbert's Love series. This poem portrays the beautiful way in which Love crosses over the boundaries of guilt and sin to reach the human soul.

]]> Fri, 25 Apr 2025 09:50:05 -0400 Erika Kyba Erika Kyba 273 Today, Erika Kyba reads Love (III), the conclusion of George Herbert's Love series. This poem portrays the beautiful way in which Love crosses over the boundaries of guilt and sin to reach the human soul.

]]> poetry, Love (III), George Herbert, Christianity, guilt, sin, original sin, Easter, atonement, forgiveness, grace No 40 40 The Sacrifice: "Was Ever Grief Like Mine?" full 5468a84d-21b9-4edf-8c72-3862ec7a24cc https://share.transistor.fm/s/dae0d7f0 Today, Erika Kyba reads an excerpt from George Herbert's The Sacrifice, a beautiful meditation on the Passion.

]]> Today, Erika Kyba reads an excerpt from George Herbert's The Sacrifice, a beautiful meditation on the Passion.

]]> Mon, 14 Apr 2025 14:57:54 -0400 Erika Kyba Erika Kyba 272 Today, Erika Kyba reads an excerpt from George Herbert's The Sacrifice, a beautiful meditation on the Passion.

]]> poetry, George Herbert, The Sacrifice, Easter, Passion, Crucifixion, Christ, Messiah, suffering No 39 39 Love (II): Such True Desires full ab6bd7b7-ddb3-4f23-b5b1-b256be2da714 https://share.transistor.fm/s/12bb0724 Today, Erika Kyba reads George Herbert's Love (II), in which the poet turns to correct the problems of disordered love that he raised in Love (I).

]]> Today, Erika Kyba reads George Herbert's Love (II), in which the poet turns to correct the problems of disordered love that he raised in Love (I).

]]> Fri, 11 Apr 2025 09:45:22 -0400 Erika Kyba Erika Kyba 274 Today, Erika Kyba reads George Herbert's Love (II), in which the poet turns to correct the problems of disordered love that he raised in Love (I).

]]> poetry, love, George Herbert, God, Christianity, ordo amoris, Saint Augustine No 38 38 Love (I): Thou Standing By full 53cf3496-73bb-417d-b678-1b0ab3545eb3 https://share.transistor.fm/s/275faa7e Today, Erika Kyba reads George Herbert's Love (I). Join her to unpack his beautiful ode to a forgotten Creator.

]]> Today, Erika Kyba reads George Herbert's Love (I). Join her to unpack his beautiful ode to a forgotten Creator.

]]> Fri, 04 Apr 2025 09:41:34 -0400 Erika Kyba Erika Kyba 273 Today, Erika Kyba reads George Herbert's Love (I). Join her to unpack his beautiful ode to a forgotten Creator.

]]> poetry, love, God, Christianity, George Herbert, ode, eros, agape, ephemeral, eternal No 37 37 Little Brother: The Wrath to Come full 2f001782-e1a5-45f3-bd48-5e57a9ad9f0d https://share.transistor.fm/s/155c8c6a Today, Erika Kyba reads Robert W. Service's darkly enthralling "Little Brother." Together, we explore the truth of the poet's bleak vision, as well as looking for avenues of hope.

]]> Today, Erika Kyba reads Robert W. Service's darkly enthralling "Little Brother." Together, we explore the truth of the poet's bleak vision, as well as looking for avenues of hope.

]]> Fri, 28 Mar 2025 09:59:33 -0400 Erika Kyba Erika Kyba 272 Today, Erika Kyba reads Robert W. Service's darkly enthralling "Little Brother." Together, we explore the truth of the poet's bleak vision, as well as looking for avenues of hope.

]]> poetry, apocalypse, Robert W Service, despair, Christianity, Revelation, Armageddon No 36 36 The Hollow Men: This is the Dead Land full 6112f2f4-49d5-462c-9792-bb56d8f97315 https://share.transistor.fm/s/6e85ed9f Today, Erika Kyba reads the conclusion of T. S. Eliot's "The Hollow Men." Eliot continues to paint a picture of the dark, deathly kingdom that the hollow men find themselves in, entrenched in the shadow of World War I.

]]> Today, Erika Kyba reads the conclusion of T. S. Eliot's "The Hollow Men." Eliot continues to paint a picture of the dark, deathly kingdom that the hollow men find themselves in, entrenched in the shadow of World War I.

]]> Fri, 21 Mar 2025 10:43:58 -0400 Erika Kyba Erika Kyba 268 Today, Erika Kyba reads the conclusion of T. S. Eliot's "The Hollow Men." Eliot continues to paint a picture of the dark, deathly kingdom that the hollow men find themselves in, entrenched in the shadow of World War I.

]]> T. S. Eliot, The Hollow Men, relativism, poetry, meaning, religion, World War I No 35 35 Beggar to Beggar Cried: Driven by the Itch full f3006c6f-4c19-48bb-a5f9-a80e7aebb43d https://share.transistor.fm/s/f02e458e Today, we explore "Beggar to Beggar Cried," by the Irish poet, William Butler Yeats. This is a poem about the desire for peace and security, juxtaposed with a restlessness of spirit.

]]> Today, we explore "Beggar to Beggar Cried," by the Irish poet, William Butler Yeats. This is a poem about the desire for peace and security, juxtaposed with a restlessness of spirit.

]]> Fri, 07 Mar 2025 09:32:07 -0500 Erika Kyba Erika Kyba 266 Today, we explore "Beggar to Beggar Cried," by the Irish poet, William Butler Yeats. This is a poem about the desire for peace and security, juxtaposed with a restlessness of spirit.

]]> poetry, William Butler Yeats, restlessness, yearning, peace No 34 34 The Hollow Men: When Life and Death Mean Nothing full 4dfc20fd-e7e2-4422-a9a2-406aaeeb79bb https://share.transistor.fm/s/2eb20559 Today, I am joined by Alexandra Comus to read an excerpt from "The Hollow Men," by T. S. Eliot. This is a poem that warns about the consequences of living without meaning, as the shadow of death continually hangs over the world.

]]> Today, I am joined by Alexandra Comus to read an excerpt from "The Hollow Men," by T. S. Eliot. This is a poem that warns about the consequences of living without meaning, as the shadow of death continually hangs over the world.

]]> Fri, 28 Feb 2025 09:09:04 -0500 Erika Kyba Erika Kyba 262 Today, I am joined by Alexandra Comus to read an excerpt from "The Hollow Men," by T. S. Eliot. This is a poem that warns about the consequences of living without meaning, as the shadow of death continually hangs over the world.

]]> poetry, T. S. Eliot, nihilism, death, meaning, life No 33 33 The Nativity Ode: When Wisest Fate Says No full 4365b45e-1428-4b5d-ae2e-95340e4bf774 https://share.transistor.fm/s/036e4b56 Today, we continue exploring Milton's "On the Morning of Christ's Nativity." In this excerpt, we see that the joy of the Nativity sparks a longing and a hope for an Edenic golden age. However, the poet reminds us that all things must be harrowed before they can be remade.

]]> Today, we continue exploring Milton's "On the Morning of Christ's Nativity." In this excerpt, we see that the joy of the Nativity sparks a longing and a hope for an Edenic golden age. However, the poet reminds us that all things must be harrowed before they can be remade.

]]> Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:29:39 -0500 Erika Kyba Erika Kyba 274 Today, we continue exploring Milton's "On the Morning of Christ's Nativity." In this excerpt, we see that the joy of the Nativity sparks a longing and a hope for an Edenic golden age. However, the poet reminds us that all things must be harrowed before they can be remade.

]]> poetry, John Milton, apocalypse, Eden, Nativity, Christmas, Christ, Messiah, eschaton No 32 32 The Nativity Ode: Such Music Sweet full 1676e9af-def9-4369-8ad1-deecfb2b653c https://share.transistor.fm/s/a5226884 Today, we continue exploring Milton's "On the Morning of Christ's Nativity." In this excerpt, we witness Creation move from hushed awe to jubilant songs of praise.

]]> Today, we continue exploring Milton's "On the Morning of Christ's Nativity." In this excerpt, we witness Creation move from hushed awe to jubilant songs of praise.

]]> Fri, 14 Feb 2025 10:29:24 -0500 Erika Kyba Erika Kyba 275 Today, we continue exploring Milton's "On the Morning of Christ's Nativity." In this excerpt, we witness Creation move from hushed awe to jubilant songs of praise.

]]> poetry, John Milton, Nativity, Christmas, Christianity, praise No 31 31 The Nativity Ode: With Wonder Whist full ed426aea-c6ae-4c2b-a59c-7feac347ab66 https://share.transistor.fm/s/b3530466 Today, we continue exploring Milton's "On the Morning of Christ's Nativity." In this excerpt, Milton meditates on the cosmic awe that the Christ child's surpassing power inspires.

]]> Today, we continue exploring Milton's "On the Morning of Christ's Nativity." In this excerpt, Milton meditates on the cosmic awe that the Christ child's surpassing power inspires.

]]> Fri, 07 Feb 2025 09:47:16 -0500 Erika Kyba Erika Kyba 241 Today, we continue exploring Milton's "On the Morning of Christ's Nativity." In this excerpt, Milton meditates on the cosmic awe that the Christ child's surpassing power inspires.

]]> Milton, On the Morning of Christ's Nativity, Christ, Christianity, poetry, wonder, awe, classical tradition, analysis No 30 30 The Nativity Ode: When Light Comes to Darkness full 0161450a-5801-41e2-a8e7-6480f3edd20f https://share.transistor.fm/s/d229555a Today, we explore Milton's "On the Morning of Christ's Nativity," which ponders the cosmic effects of Christ's coming into the world.

]]> Today, we explore Milton's "On the Morning of Christ's Nativity," which ponders the cosmic effects of Christ's coming into the world.

]]> Fri, 31 Jan 2025 10:52:26 -0500 Erika Kyba Erika Kyba 275 Today, we explore Milton's "On the Morning of Christ's Nativity," which ponders the cosmic effects of Christ's coming into the world.

]]> Milton, poetry, Christianity, Christmas, Nativity, muse, classical tradition No 29 29 The Windhover: A Christological Kestrel full 7233f61c-d43c-4685-af24-cda86bb0669a https://share.transistor.fm/s/3c9c8ab8 Today, we explore Hopkins's "The Windhover," a meditation on the flight of a kestrel. Hopkins opens our eyes to the wonder of a natural world that is richly layered with meaning.

]]> Today, we explore Hopkins's "The Windhover," a meditation on the flight of a kestrel. Hopkins opens our eyes to the wonder of a natural world that is richly layered with meaning.

]]> Fri, 24 Jan 2025 09:49:28 -0500 Erika Kyba Erika Kyba 265 Today, we explore Hopkins's "The Windhover," a meditation on the flight of a kestrel. Hopkins opens our eyes to the wonder of a natural world that is richly layered with meaning.

]]> poetry, Gerard Manley Hopkins, nature, symbolism, Christ, sonnet No 28 28 The World is Too Much With Us: Bethink Your Creed full fd3d544e-a741-4a65-b719-82c23d351153 https://share.transistor.fm/s/d49af627 "Creed" is a concept that's often neglected in our day and age, as many nonreligious thinkers consider the idea of creed archaic or limiting. However, everyone has one; your creed is the set of principles that governs your life, whether you recognize it or not. Wordsworth's "The World is Too Much With Us" indicts his generation's creed of materialism, which drives them to pursue gain and forget their origin: Nature.

]]> "Creed" is a concept that's often neglected in our day and age, as many nonreligious thinkers consider the idea of creed archaic or limiting. However, everyone has one; your creed is the set of principles that governs your life, whether you recognize it or not. Wordsworth's "The World is Too Much With Us" indicts his generation's creed of materialism, which drives them to pursue gain and forget their origin: Nature.

]]> Fri, 17 Jan 2025 10:56:34 -0500 Erika Kyba Erika Kyba 276 "Creed" is a concept that's often neglected in our day and age, as many nonreligious thinkers consider the idea of creed archaic or limiting. However, everyone has one; your creed is the set of principles that governs your life, whether you recognize it or not. Wordsworth's "The World is Too Much With Us" indicts his generation's creed of materialism, which drives them to pursue gain and forget their origin: Nature.

]]> poetry, William Wordsworth, romanticism, sonnet, materialism, spirituality, creed, Nature No 27 27 Guigemar: The Confession full ad26f23d-b131-493a-b86d-99099d128349 https://share.transistor.fm/s/5efbb77c This final installment of Guigemar that we will read portrays Guigemar and his lady as they finally come to terms with their love for one another, and as Guigemar is sped on to declare his love for her.

]]> This final installment of Guigemar that we will read portrays Guigemar and his lady as they finally come to terms with their love for one another, and as Guigemar is sped on to declare his love for her.

]]> Fri, 06 Dec 2024 08:49:24 -0500 Erika Kyba Erika Kyba 274 This final installment of Guigemar that we will read portrays Guigemar and his lady as they finally come to terms with their love for one another, and as Guigemar is sped on to declare his love for her.

]]> poetry, medieval, chivalric romance, Guigemar, Marie de France, love No 26 26 Guigemar: Cupid's Ambush full 0f81178c-010d-46ea-b3d7-37299d6a57d5 https://share.transistor.fm/s/907d291f In this installment of Guigemar, the incandescent, fierce flame of desire begins to consume Guigemar and his lady.

]]> In this installment of Guigemar, the incandescent, fierce flame of desire begins to consume Guigemar and his lady.

]]> Fri, 22 Nov 2024 08:43:39 -0500 Erika Kyba Erika Kyba 254 In this installment of Guigemar, the incandescent, fierce flame of desire begins to consume Guigemar and his lady.

]]> poetry, medieval, chivalric, romance, Marie de France, legend No 25 25 Guigemar: The Hospitality full ee15aede-55d4-4b43-8a6d-4c57aa84d0a5 https://share.transistor.fm/s/2d503a64 This installment of Guigemar portrays the lady's reply to the wounded knight and illuminates aspects of her character, such as her hospitality and virtue. However, the lady is not without her discontents, as she reveals to Guigemar.

]]> This installment of Guigemar portrays the lady's reply to the wounded knight and illuminates aspects of her character, such as her hospitality and virtue. However, the lady is not without her discontents, as she reveals to Guigemar.

]]> Fri, 15 Nov 2024 08:05:49 -0500 Erika Kyba Erika Kyba 272 This installment of Guigemar portrays the lady's reply to the wounded knight and illuminates aspects of her character, such as her hospitality and virtue. However, the lady is not without her discontents, as she reveals to Guigemar.

]]> poetry, Marie de France, medieval, chivalric romance No 24 24 Guigemar: The Encounter full 3dffb831-7580-40da-a6b9-1bd1e06ffc78 https://share.transistor.fm/s/fb7fe5f3 This installment of Guigemar portrays the first encounter between Guigemar and the imprisoned young lady. The poet brings some interesting elements to the forefront in their encounter, including the focus on his heartbeat and his dependence on the lady's hospitality.

]]> This installment of Guigemar portrays the first encounter between Guigemar and the imprisoned young lady. The poet brings some interesting elements to the forefront in their encounter, including the focus on his heartbeat and his dependence on the lady's hospitality.

]]> Fri, 08 Nov 2024 10:22:02 -0500 Erika Kyba Erika Kyba 273 This installment of Guigemar portrays the first encounter between Guigemar and the imprisoned young lady. The poet brings some interesting elements to the forefront in their encounter, including the focus on his heartbeat and his dependence on the lady's hospitality.

]]> poetry, medieval, Marie de France, Guigemar, chivalric romance No 23 23 Guigemar: The Caged Lady full 72690b41-8bfe-4e44-885f-29618ca37efe https://share.transistor.fm/s/e7164c27 This installment of Guigemar introduces some important new characters into the story. Most important of these is a young lady, imprisoned by her jealous and much older husband. A portrait of Venus hanging in the young lady's chamber contains some clues as to what the poet intends to do with her character.

]]> This installment of Guigemar introduces some important new characters into the story. Most important of these is a young lady, imprisoned by her jealous and much older husband. A portrait of Venus hanging in the young lady's chamber contains some clues as to what the poet intends to do with her character.

]]> Fri, 01 Nov 2024 08:59:41 -0400 Erika Kyba Erika Kyba 286 This installment of Guigemar introduces some important new characters into the story. Most important of these is a young lady, imprisoned by her jealous and much older husband. A portrait of Venus hanging in the young lady's chamber contains some clues as to what the poet intends to do with her character.

]]> poetry, Marie de France, Guigemar, mythology, medieval, lais, chivalric tale, story No 22 22 Guigemar: The Voyage full 938f6819-a861-4ec3-93e5-c86be3fa4b6c https://share.transistor.fm/s/496a8998 This installment of Guigemar takes our protagonist to a magical ship that sets sail without any prompting of his. Guigemar falls fast asleep in a room that bears strong associations to King Solomon and is likely meant to evoke the Song of Songs. This may or may not foreshadow what Guigemar will find upon waking up.

]]> This installment of Guigemar takes our protagonist to a magical ship that sets sail without any prompting of his. Guigemar falls fast asleep in a room that bears strong associations to King Solomon and is likely meant to evoke the Song of Songs. This may or may not foreshadow what Guigemar will find upon waking up.

]]> Fri, 18 Oct 2024 09:34:55 -0400 Erika Kyba Erika Kyba 276 This installment of Guigemar takes our protagonist to a magical ship that sets sail without any prompting of his. Guigemar falls fast asleep in a room that bears strong associations to King Solomon and is likely meant to evoke the Song of Songs. This may or may not foreshadow what Guigemar will find upon waking up.

]]> poetry, Guigemar, Marie de France, medieval, literature, Arthurian legend, lais No 21 21 Guigemar: The Curse full c204b272-0055-41a1-bcef-ed1b3a11df08 https://share.transistor.fm/s/35abbb72 This installment of Guigemar portrays our protagonist's fateful hunt of a white hind with a stag's antlers. Considering the supernatural legends associated with the white stag, you might think that Guigemar would take heed of the creature. The question is...will he?

]]> This installment of Guigemar portrays our protagonist's fateful hunt of a white hind with a stag's antlers. Considering the supernatural legends associated with the white stag, you might think that Guigemar would take heed of the creature. The question is...will he?

]]> Fri, 11 Oct 2024 09:02:00 -0400 Erika Kyba Erika Kyba 277 This installment of Guigemar portrays our protagonist's fateful hunt of a white hind with a stag's antlers. Considering the supernatural legends associated with the white stag, you might think that Guigemar would take heed of the creature. The question is...will he?

]]> poetry, chivalric tale, medieval, legend, Marie de France, Guigemar, magic, adventure, folklore, literature No 20 20 Guigemar: The Hunt full ed1050b9-7d0e-490e-800e-58029c6ccc52 https://share.transistor.fm/s/7d12ec69 Today, we read an opening excerpt from Marie de France's Guigemar, a medieval tale of curses, courtly intrigue, and forbidden love. We examine the poet's characterization of the knight, Guigemar, and how his lack of tenderness foreshadows the dramatic events to follow.

]]> Today, we read an opening excerpt from Marie de France's Guigemar, a medieval tale of curses, courtly intrigue, and forbidden love. We examine the poet's characterization of the knight, Guigemar, and how his lack of tenderness foreshadows the dramatic events to follow.

]]> Fri, 04 Oct 2024 11:52:59 -0400 Erika Kyba Erika Kyba 271 Today, we read an opening excerpt from Marie de France's Guigemar, a medieval tale of curses, courtly intrigue, and forbidden love. We examine the poet's characterization of the knight, Guigemar, and how his lack of tenderness foreshadows the dramatic events to follow.

]]> No 19 19 The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock: Do I Dare to Eat a Peach? full f4859e81-174b-406a-b03b-5297b10db857 https://share.transistor.fm/s/86b4b7bb Today, we finish out "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock," watching the final analysis of our narrator's life play out.  The narrator asks himself a seemingly bizarre yet poignant question: Do I dare to eat a peach? The way we choose to answer that question for ourselves might be more impactful than you would think at first glance.

]]> Today, we finish out "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock," watching the final analysis of our narrator's life play out.  The narrator asks himself a seemingly bizarre yet poignant question: Do I dare to eat a peach? The way we choose to answer that question for ourselves might be more impactful than you would think at first glance.

]]> Fri, 27 Sep 2024 09:18:57 -0400 Erika Kyba Erika Kyba 271 Today, we finish out "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock," watching the final analysis of our narrator's life play out.  The narrator asks himself a seemingly bizarre yet poignant question: Do I dare to eat a peach? The way we choose to answer that question for ourselves might be more impactful than you would think at first glance.

]]> No 18 18 The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock: The Perils of Communication full e807bc5e-1845-46ba-abf4-14947eb59ed2 https://share.transistor.fm/s/99b6328e This installment of T. S. Eliot's "Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" shows our narrator justifying his decision not to pursue his beloved by pointing out the perils of relationships and frustrated communication. Instead of confronting the problem, Prufrock chooses cynicism and avoidance...perhaps a choice we have all made at one point or another.

]]> This installment of T. S. Eliot's "Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" shows our narrator justifying his decision not to pursue his beloved by pointing out the perils of relationships and frustrated communication. Instead of confronting the problem, Prufrock chooses cynicism and avoidance...perhaps a choice we have all made at one point or another.

]]> Fri, 20 Sep 2024 09:40:17 -0400 Erika Kyba Erika Kyba 270 This installment of T. S. Eliot's "Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" shows our narrator justifying his decision not to pursue his beloved by pointing out the perils of relationships and frustrated communication. Instead of confronting the problem, Prufrock chooses cynicism and avoidance...perhaps a choice we have all made at one point or another.

]]> No 17 17 The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock: When Death Itself Mocks Us full 9c7082b1-9e72-41a5-93bc-cacc19a4a212 https://share.transistor.fm/s/265e416f This installment of T. S. Eliot's "Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" begins to unravel the dark consequences of our narrator's failure to courageously pursue that which he loves most.

]]> This installment of T. S. Eliot's "Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" begins to unravel the dark consequences of our narrator's failure to courageously pursue that which he loves most.

]]> Fri, 13 Sep 2024 09:27:05 -0400 Erika Kyba Erika Kyba 266 This installment of T. S. Eliot's "Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" begins to unravel the dark consequences of our narrator's failure to courageously pursue that which he loves most.

]]> No 16 16 The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock: How Should I Presume? full bdfe2836-01d6-41cf-a023-c87668ccaa21 https://share.transistor.fm/s/c2b43ba1 This installment of T. S. Eliot's "Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" reintroduces our narrator's fruitless longing for romance, as he is paralyzed by beauty rather than inspired by it.

]]> This installment of T. S. Eliot's "Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" reintroduces our narrator's fruitless longing for romance, as he is paralyzed by beauty rather than inspired by it.

]]> Fri, 06 Sep 2024 08:44:56 -0400 Erika Kyba Erika Kyba 272 This installment of T. S. Eliot's "Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" reintroduces our narrator's fruitless longing for romance, as he is paralyzed by beauty rather than inspired by it.

]]> No 15 15 The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock: To Dare or Not to Dare? full 9e314790-71b3-469f-a214-a77301bfa023 https://share.transistor.fm/s/e6c54bb0 This installment of T. S. Eliot's "Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" takes our narrator right up to the entrance of a social engagement, where he wavers between entering and running away. Faced with an anxiety common to the human experience, Prufrock must decide whether or not he will expose himself to the possible judgement of others.

]]> This installment of T. S. Eliot's "Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" takes our narrator right up to the entrance of a social engagement, where he wavers between entering and running away. Faced with an anxiety common to the human experience, Prufrock must decide whether or not he will expose himself to the possible judgement of others.

]]> Sun, 01 Sep 2024 21:34:22 -0400 Erika Kyba Erika Kyba 289 This installment of T. S. Eliot's "Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" takes our narrator right up to the entrance of a social engagement, where he wavers between entering and running away. Faced with an anxiety common to the human experience, Prufrock must decide whether or not he will expose himself to the possible judgement of others.

]]> No 14 14 The Poetry Fix: The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock, Part 2 full a975b590-8ff4-4bb2-a64e-12e82237cd1d https://share.transistor.fm/s/3342482e In this episode of The Poetry Fix, we revisit T. S. Eliot's Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock.

]]> In this episode of The Poetry Fix, we revisit T. S. Eliot's Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock.

]]> Mon, 06 May 2024 15:55:01 -0400 Erika Kyba Erika Kyba 278 In this episode of The Poetry Fix, we revisit T. S. Eliot's Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock.

]]> No 13 13 The Poetry Fix: Bavarian Gentians full c7611c64-f4ce-4d8d-b001-f6f0b5fa9d97 https://share.transistor.fm/s/0283ba8b In this episode of The Poetry Fix, we explore one of D. H. Laurence's final works: "Bavarian Gentians."

]]> In this episode of The Poetry Fix, we explore one of D. H. Laurence's final works: "Bavarian Gentians."

]]> Mon, 29 Apr 2024 11:53:39 -0400 Erika Kyba Erika Kyba 281 In this episode of The Poetry Fix, we explore one of D. H. Laurence's final works: "Bavarian Gentians."

]]> No 12 12 The Poetry Fix: On This Island full 09df84c9-81c8-4572-8b9f-5b5a4bf7b120 https://share.transistor.fm/s/b93cc2bf In this episode of "The Poetry Fix," we pause from the rush of life and experience W. H. Auden's "On This Island."

]]> In this episode of "The Poetry Fix," we pause from the rush of life and experience W. H. Auden's "On This Island."

]]> Thu, 25 Apr 2024 21:21:39 -0400 Erika Kyba Erika Kyba 278 In this episode of "The Poetry Fix," we pause from the rush of life and experience W. H. Auden's "On This Island."

]]> No 11 11 The Poetry Fix: The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock full c37f1ca0-835f-434e-a129-5c36cfcfdec0 https://share.transistor.fm/s/54035880 In this episode of The Poetry Fix, we explore the first part of T. S. Eliot's "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock."

]]> In this episode of The Poetry Fix, we explore the first part of T. S. Eliot's "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock."

]]> Thu, 25 Apr 2024 21:16:04 -0400 Erika Kyba Erika Kyba 278 In this episode of The Poetry Fix, we explore the first part of T. S. Eliot's "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock."

]]> No 10 10 The Poetry Fix: Easter, 1916 full 6d5c2a6c-80ef-43d0-80a6-f06835735d5c https://share.transistor.fm/s/98d4dd05 In this episode of The Poetry Fix, we explore Easter, 1916, by William Butler Yeats.

]]> In this episode of The Poetry Fix, we explore Easter, 1916, by William Butler Yeats.

]]> Thu, 25 Apr 2024 21:15:10 -0400 Erika Kyba Erika Kyba 294 In this episode of The Poetry Fix, we explore Easter, 1916, by William Butler Yeats.

]]> No 9 9 The Poetry Fix: Spring full b1fe67c5-9499-4917-a791-62e7da29be35 https://share.transistor.fm/s/b9e65caf In this episode of The Poetry Fix, we read "Spring," by Gerard Manley Hopkins.

]]> In this episode of The Poetry Fix, we read "Spring," by Gerard Manley Hopkins.

]]> Thu, 25 Apr 2024 20:52:01 -0400 Erika Kyba Erika Kyba 278 In this episode of The Poetry Fix, we read "Spring," by Gerard Manley Hopkins.

]]> No 8 8 The Poetry Fix: A Knife of Pure Blade full c5fe97cd-0c81-4f24-b573-538a933fd1db https://share.transistor.fm/s/67845a30 In this episode of The Poetry Fix, we read "A Knife of Pure Blade," by Joao Cabral do Melo Neto.

]]> In this episode of The Poetry Fix, we read "A Knife of Pure Blade," by Joao Cabral do Melo Neto.

]]> Thu, 25 Apr 2024 20:51:06 -0400 Erika Kyba Erika Kyba 281 In this episode of The Poetry Fix, we read "A Knife of Pure Blade," by Joao Cabral do Melo Neto.

]]> No 7 7 The Poetry Fix: My Essence is Exhaustion full 992f5922-0699-4eda-be42-5efd0a72f63d https://share.transistor.fm/s/f2ae06cc In this episode of The Poetry Fix, we explore Fernando Pessoa's "My Essence is Exhaustion." No, this is not the lament of a tired college student- it's something a little darker.

]]> In this episode of The Poetry Fix, we explore Fernando Pessoa's "My Essence is Exhaustion." No, this is not the lament of a tired college student- it's something a little darker.

]]> Thu, 25 Apr 2024 20:49:58 -0400 Erika Kyba Erika Kyba 272 In this episode of The Poetry Fix, we explore Fernando Pessoa's "My Essence is Exhaustion." No, this is not the lament of a tired college student- it's something a little darker.

]]> No 6 6 The Poetry Fix: Voices From a Tomb full 48c91b83-9f71-4a88-aa18-5c04c7a134dd https://share.transistor.fm/s/3a39981d In this episode of The Poetry Fix, we explore the darkly mysterious "Voices From a Tomb," by Augusto dos Anjos.

]]> In this episode of The Poetry Fix, we explore the darkly mysterious "Voices From a Tomb," by Augusto dos Anjos.

]]> Thu, 25 Apr 2024 20:48:49 -0400 Erika Kyba Erika Kyba 274 In this episode of The Poetry Fix, we explore the darkly mysterious "Voices From a Tomb," by Augusto dos Anjos.

]]> No 5 5 The Poetry Fix: Episode 5 full 0585fbc6-be30-4ab1-9d31-43fa5093553c https://share.transistor.fm/s/6ade2774 In this episode of The Poetry Fix, we continue our journey through "In Memoriam A. H. H."

]]> In this episode of The Poetry Fix, we continue our journey through "In Memoriam A. H. H."

]]> Thu, 25 Apr 2024 20:47:55 -0400 Erika Kyba Erika Kyba 300 In this episode of The Poetry Fix, we continue our journey through "In Memoriam A. H. H."

]]> No 4 4 The Poetry Fix: Episode 4 full ac07619a-57d2-4890-a197-68c306c9e143 https://share.transistor.fm/s/5bab46bf In this episode of the Poetry Fix, we explore the beginning of Tennyson's "In Memoriam A. H. H."

]]> In this episode of the Poetry Fix, we explore the beginning of Tennyson's "In Memoriam A. H. H."

]]> Thu, 25 Apr 2024 20:46:44 -0400 Erika Kyba Erika Kyba 278 In this episode of the Poetry Fix, we explore the beginning of Tennyson's "In Memoriam A. H. H."

]]> No 3 3 The Poetry Fix: Episode 3 full 8e25e500-0879-4060-8ec3-f516a8ae1e61 https://share.transistor.fm/s/0ecade6f In this episode of The Poetry Fix, we explore Charles Baudelaire's "Correspondences."

]]> In this episode of The Poetry Fix, we explore Charles Baudelaire's "Correspondences."

]]> Thu, 25 Apr 2024 20:45:23 -0400 Erika Kyba Erika Kyba 284 In this episode of The Poetry Fix, we explore Charles Baudelaire's "Correspondences."

]]> No 2 2 The Poetry Fix: Episode 2 full 1d91330d-d2e5-4213-8ee6-80f8592de024 https://share.transistor.fm/s/1ded6e1e In this episode of The Poetry Fix, we explore Elizabeth Barrett Browning's famous "Sonnet 43."

]]> In this episode of The Poetry Fix, we explore Elizabeth Barrett Browning's famous "Sonnet 43."

]]> Thu, 25 Apr 2024 20:43:35 -0400 Erika Kyba Erika Kyba 267 In this episode of The Poetry Fix, we explore Elizabeth Barrett Browning's famous "Sonnet 43."

]]> No 1 1 The Poetry Fix: Pilot full 01fbd029-d69f-4801-997c-e6750124969f https://share.transistor.fm/s/abfc6f53 In this episode of The Poetry Fix, we explore Tennyson's enigmatic "Mariana."

]]> In this episode of The Poetry Fix, we explore Tennyson's enigmatic "Mariana."

]]> Thu, 25 Apr 2024 20:41:49 -0400 Erika Kyba Erika Kyba 246 In this episode of The Poetry Fix, we explore Tennyson's enigmatic "Mariana."

]]> No