The Concise Verse

Recent Episodes

Feb. 8, 2026

"Dusk" by Angelina Weld Grimké

Twin stars through my purpling pane, The shriveling husk Of a yellowing moon on the wane - And the dusk.
Feb. 1, 2026

"A Poison Tree" by William Blake

I was angry with my friend: I told my wrath, my wrath did end. I was angry with my foe: I told it not, my wrath did grow. And I watered it in fears, Night and morning with my tears; And I sunned it with smiles, And with soft ...
Jan. 25, 2026

"At Midnight" by Frank Dempster Sherman

See, yonder, the belfry tower That gleams in the moon’s pale light; Or is it a ghostly flower That dreams in the silent night? I listen and hear the chime Go quavering o’er the town, And out of this flower of Time Twelve peta...
Jan. 18, 2026

"A Cowboy's Prayer" by Badger Clark

Oh Lord, I've never lived where churches grow. I love creation better as it stood That day You finished it so long ago And looked upon Your work and called it good. I know that others find You in the light That's sifted down ...
Jan. 11, 2026

"Quatrain" by Gwendolyn Bennett

How strange that grass should sing— Grass is so still a thing . . . And strange the swift surprise of snow So soft it falls and slow.
Jan. 4, 2026

"All the World's a Stage" by William Shakespeare

All the world’s a stage, And all the men and women merely players; They have their exits and their entrances; And one man in his time plays many parts...