Opaque Hourglass

Opaque Hourglass is a Substack that blends poetry, critical essays, and speculative fiction to explore themes like capitalism, wisdom, dream dynamics, poetry's societal role, life's phases, water's personification, parenting, film appreciation, teaching philosophy, human existence, and political satire. It employs humor, surreal imagery, and reflective narratives to critique and ponder societal, existential, and personal topics.

Capitalism Wisdom and Philosophy Dream and Imagination Poetry and Society Life's Phases Humor and Satire Parenting Film Appreciation Education Existential Reflections Political Commentary

The hottest Substack posts of Opaque Hourglass

And their main takeaways

Complicit Poetry

399 implied HN points • 26 May 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Poetry Technology Capitalism Evil
  1. Poetry can challenge traditional notions by embracing superficiality and self-absorption.
  2. Exploring systemic evils in poetry can lead to unique and transparent expressions of societal behaviors.
  3. The concept of 'complicit poetry' questions the role of the poet in perpetuating materialism and individualism.

Frozen Spit

339 implied HN points • 02 Jun 24
📚 Literature Poetry Science fiction
  1. The post talks about a science-fiction revenge poem titled 'Frozen Spit'.
  2. It suggests a unique form of revenge for low-wage technicians in cryogenic facilities to spit on a client before they're frozen, creating a future inconvenience for the wealthy client when they wake up after 500 years.
  3. The idea is to leave a lasting impact on those who have outlived you due to their wealth or status.

Gnomic Utterances

519 implied HN points • 28 Apr 24
📚 Literature Poetry Publications
  1. Wisdom may come from unexpected places like the Swamps of Sadness.
  2. Love is described as a waveform - continuously changing and evolving.
  3. Certain truths may not require formal education to understand, like the value of experience and relationships.

How I Met My Wife and Business Partner

259 implied HN points • 19 May 24
📚 Literature Relationships Writing
  1. The post talks about a unique and interesting meet-cute scenario involving a dagger and a paintbrush.
  2. The story emphasizes the unexpected and oddly poetic nature of the encounter in the narrative.
  3. It highlights the idea of shared fate or destiny, where the protagonists unknowingly select a brush and blade attached to a single handle from a barrel.
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The Miracle of the Novel

239 implied HN points • 12 May 24
📚 Literature Novels Power Reflection Art
  1. Reading powerful novels can awaken reflective thoughts and emotions in individuals
  2. Self-absorption can blind individuals to the empathy and complexities of others
  3. Novels have the potential to inspire profound reflection and positive change in individuals

Dream Plagiarism

419 implied HN points • 17 Mar 24
📚 Literature Poetry Dreams Copyright Writing Metaphysical
  1. Dreamt lines of poetry belonging to another poet in your dream are considered plagiarism.
  2. Dreaming of poetry is seen as a unique act of copyright infringement.
  3. Belief in the connection between dreams and copyright can lead to complex ethical dilemmas.

Little Children Riding Dogs

359 implied HN points • 24 Mar 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Poetry Creativity
  1. The image of little children riding dogs is interesting to imagine - like a nostalgic and whimsical idea where kids bond with their pets in a unique way.
  2. The concept of 'Elementalism' in poetry is highlighted, showing how simple yet powerful imagery can leave a lasting impact on the reader.
  3. The poem captures a sense of innocence and beauty, portraying a lovely scene of children and dogs in a school setting, evoking a feeling of nostalgia and wonder.

Eclipse Poem

279 implied HN points • 14 Apr 24
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. An eclipse can be seen with fresh perspective and is just a natural way of moistening our eyes.
  2. Eclipses can serve as a way to refresh and renew, much like a baptism from the origins of life.
  3. The act of blinking could be compared to a mini eclipse, contributing to moistness and clarity in our vision.

Underground Auctioneer Classes

199 implied HN points • 05 May 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Creative Writing Visual art
  1. Learn to speak like a seasoned auctioneer at Mark Leidner's underground classes, where you can develop skills to speak eight times faster than average people.
  2. A limited-time deal offering an eight-week course for $399 instead of $699 is available, providing a $300 discount. This opportunity includes two meals a day and a blanket bundle.
  3. Joining the course promises a transformative experience in a unique setting, filled with dark beauty and secrets, all taught by Mark Leidner who delivers information quickly and clearly.

It’s Harder than You Think Not to Think Like This

319 implied HN points • 25 Feb 24
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. The struggle to balance work, money, leisure, and family time is highlighted in the poems.
  2. Exploring the irony of idolizing guns using the Second Amendment instead of focusing on the Second Commandment.
  3. The idea of a 'skip button' for thoughts is introduced, allowing a way to fast-forward through one's own mental processes.

Lord of Light

299 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Poetry
  1. The author recounts a personal moment involving his wife's pregnancy and a memorable scene from Game of Thrones, highlighting the emotional connection to a TV show.
  2. The description delves into the characters of The Hound and Beric Dondarrion, reflecting on their roles, actions, and the impact of their duel.
  3. The narrative ties the intense fight scene to the author's real-life experience of feeling his baby kick for the first time, showcasing a powerful and emotional connection.

Things to Call Water

359 implied HN points • 04 Feb 24
📚 Literature Poetry Books Writer
  1. The post explores amusing names for water, like 'idiot's vodka' and 'tap wine'.
  2. Water is playfully personified in various ways such as 'Dances with Eels' and 'The Artist Formerly Known as Ice'.
  3. The text showcases creative and whimsical descriptions for water that evoke vivid imagery and humor.

My Best Friend at Harvard

339 implied HN points • 28 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Friendship Psychology Education
  1. Willie created 'The Egypt Test' to analyze personalities based on initial responses like 'Pyramids' or 'The Nile'.
  2. The test results in categories like those partial to artifice and geometry, or favoring nature and the organic.
  3. The narrator was unique as they couldn't choose between 'Pyramids' or 'The Nile', leading Willie to acknowledge their ability to see beyond dualities.

What If God Is a Snowflake?

259 implied HN points • 18 Feb 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality
  1. Three brief poems explore religious inquiry through a unique lens, contemplating the nature of God and divinity.
  2. The concept of a vulnerable, powerless God portrayed in a newborn at Christmas is seen as universally appealing and inclusive.
  3. A creative and imaginative scenario is presented where shoes from a famous short story are placed on the Savior's feet in the manger, highlighting the complexity of historical reinterpretation.

Don't Tell Me the Truth

299 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
📚 Literature Poetry Short Stories
  1. A poem about a sister's colorful response to her brother's dental advice.
  2. A poetic scene on Christmas Eve with a twist of reindeer teeth marks.
  3. An amusing tale of finding and replacing a chewed up Lego Baby Jesus in a Nativity Set.

Oscars for Corporations

139 implied HN points • 07 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Film Entertainment Art
  1. Corporations often act like they prioritize health, environment, and justice, which can make us feel connected to something bigger than ourselves.
  2. Good corporate acting can allow us to engage with their products without feeling gullible or complicit in negative impacts.
  3. The idea of having 'Oscars for Corporations' is proposed to celebrate exceptional corporate behavior that positively impacts society, similar to how film performances are recognized.

After the Heist

319 implied HN points • 17 Dec 23
📚 Literature Creative Writing Fiction
  1. The narrator describes riding a giant monarch butterfly after a heist, feeling rich and content despite the physical strain.
  2. The leaky bag of coins dropping from the butterfly smooths out its flight over time, attracting a crowd of crows following the coins.
  3. The imagery in the text compares the burden of holding money bags to the burden of philosophical truth, intertwined with themes of grace and richness.

Tetris Sequence

359 implied HN points • 06 Nov 23
📚 Literature Poetry Prose Imagery Themes Symbolism
  1. Life can be compared to Tetris and Jenga, with the first half as Tetris and the second as Jenga, emphasizing different stages.
  2. The text offers deep, poetic imagery related to Tetris, blending themes of nostalgia, surrealism, and existential reflection.
  3. By reflecting on the falling objects in Tetris, the text explores themes of acceptance, interconnectedness, and the inevitability of change and endings.

The Art of Teaching

339 implied HN points • 12 Nov 23
🚌 Education Teaching Learning
  1. Observing students' behavior can reveal their engagement and understanding in the classroom.
  2. Teaching should focus on empowering students with critical thinking skills rather than imposing one's own views.
  3. Effective teaching involves a delicate balance of authenticity, imagination, and adaptability to maximize student learning.

Presidential Frontrunners

299 implied HN points • 03 Dec 23
⚔ Fiction Poem
  1. The text features a creative list of whimsical and unconventional descriptions of presidential frontrunners.
  2. The author uses surreal and imaginative imagery to depict a diverse group of candidates, providing a unique perspective on politics.
  3. The writing style blends humor and absurdity to offer a fresh take on the concept of presidential candidates.

Watching Football with Friends

239 implied HN points • 01 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Sports Philosophy Friendship Communication Ethics
  1. Expressing complex thoughts or feelings can be challenging, especially when others may not understand.
  2. Articulating your viewpoints through writing can help clarify your ideas and potentially facilitate better communication with others.
  3. Seeking to convey deeper meanings behind your beliefs or emotions, even if not fully reciprocated, can lead to a sense of connection and understanding.

Grand Spaces ~ Spanned Graces

219 implied HN points • 14 Jan 24
📚 Literature Poetry Artistry Creativity Expression
  1. Spoonerisms, like rhyming transpositions, are considered a low form of literary art, creating an illusion of meaning through coincidental sounds.
  2. The poem consists of numerous spoonerisms arranged in a creative manner, showcasing the fun and playful aspect of wordplay.
  3. The text explores various themes and concepts through the use of spoonerisms, demonstrating the versatility of this linguistic technique.

Praise for a Film

339 implied HN points • 29 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Film Cinema Artistry Experience Sound design
  1. Many people found a particular unnamed movie to be a deeply impactful and unforgettable cinematic experience, often expressing regret for not seeing it in theaters.
  2. The film's soundtrack and sound design were highlighted as exceptional, with some viewers praising the auditory experience as transcendent and on par with classical music greats.
  3. Some individuals appreciated watching the film alone in theaters, believing it enhanced their personal connection with the story and the overall emotional impact.

Poems about Parenting Young Children

339 implied HN points • 15 Oct 23
  1. Parenting young children often involves humorous and challenging moments, like kids changing their minds frequently.
  2. Children's perspectives and actions can lead to unexpected and precious moments, like the whimsical view of touching hummingbirds.
  3. Through the intense and complex bond between parent and child, profound emotions and connections can be experienced, shaping each other's lives.

The Snow Man

159 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
📚 Literature Poetry Writing
  1. The author reflects on a poem written while driving through a snowstorm, contemplating the concept of nothingness in poetry
  2. The poem captures the chaotic and risky act of trying to immortalize art or humor while driving in dangerous conditions
  3. Despite uncertainties about the poem's quality, the author finds validation when a respected poet quotes a line from it in a different context

A Cold Journey

199 implied HN points • 07 Jan 24
📚 Literature Short Story
  1. The post describes a cold and challenging journey through a snowy landscape, filled with references to popular TV shows to create vivid imagery.
  2. The narrative highlights themes of struggle, uncertainty, and introspection, drawing parallels to various characters and situations from well-known TV series.
  3. Despite the harsh conditions and introspective moments, the story culminates in a tragic end, reflecting on the inevitability of certain outcomes even amidst turmoil.

The Paschal Second

259 implied HN points • 20 Nov 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Poetry Time
  1. Time is broken down into different seconds, minutes, and hours with unique characteristics and designations.
  2. The concept of the 'king second' and 'paschal second' involve intricate ideas about memory and the passing of time.
  3. The relationship between minutes, hours, and the passage of time is portrayed in a poetic and metaphorical manner.

Medieval Parkour

239 implied HN points • 26 Nov 23
😂 Humor Satire Parody Comedy
  1. Trying parkour in the Middle Ages led to disastrous consequences.
  2. The impact of one's actions may ripple through history, even in unexpected ways.
  3. Art and legacy can be reshaped and reinterpreted over time, losing connection to the original intentions.

Everyone Dies at the Same Time

299 implied HN points • 10 Sep 23
📖 Philosophy Death Time Reincarnation
  1. When we die, time stops for us, and all moments after that are the same.
  2. The universe may cycle through endless iterations of expansion and contraction, potentially leading to reincarnation.
  3. Reincarnation could be plausible, with the universe recycling itself until the circumstances that led to our existence repeat, all happening instantly post-death.

A Love Letter I'm Glad I Never Sent

279 implied HN points • 09 Oct 23
📚 Literature Love Surgery Honesty Betrayal Mystery
  1. The story reflects on the consequences of radical honesty after undergoing a brain surgery that prevented lying
  2. Navigating a complicated murder investigation without the ability to lie required strategic patience and honesty
  3. The importance of contending with truths, accepting responsibility, and the complexities of love and communication

I'm Tom Hanks

279 implied HN points • 21 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Celebrity Film Self-discovery Dreams Acting
  1. A chance encounter with a celebrity like Tom Hanks can lead to unexpected opportunities and self-reflection.
  2. Sometimes in life, we regret missed opportunities and wish we had acted differently in the moment.
  3. Celebrity encounters and dreams can make us reflect on our own identity and the nature of self-perception.

The Of of Of

259 implied HN points • 22 Oct 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Poetry Silence Gardening Literature
  1. Haiku poems emphasize the power of silence and the impact of what is left unsaid.
  2. Writing a haiku requires appreciating the importance of silence and mastering the art of restraint in words.
  3. The difficulty in creating a good haiku lies in the challenge of balancing what is said and what is left unsaid.

Emailing the Dead

239 implied HN points • 20 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Communication Digital Grief
  1. Consider emailing a deceased person with a simple hello or a request, as a way to reach out and possibly connect with their surviving loved ones.
  2. The act of sending an email to the deceased could offer a small but meaningful connection between the sender, the departed, and those left behind.
  3. Although the recipient may not physically receive the message, it might provide a gateway for emotional connection and remembrance for those grieving.

Ground Beef Ashtray

199 implied HN points • 23 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Art & Illustration Humor Literature
  1. Sculpting an ashtray from ground beef fulfilled a need for unsanctioned belief through a unique and drastic act.
  2. The ground beef ashtray, though initially disgusting, became a feature to be protected as a symbol of creative power and cultural uniqueness.
  3. The final act of giving the meat ashtray an elaborate pagan burial in the grease bin symbolized letting go but also respecting the unique creation.

Share the Good News While the News Is Still Good

199 implied HN points • 27 Aug 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Gratitude Photography Emotional Healing
  1. Share good news while it's still good, like acts of kindness and donations that bring positivity to the world.
  2. Giving and organ donation can have powerful impacts, from saving lives to offering a unique way to remember loved ones.
  3. Small gestures, like photography or helping others financially, can create connections and spread joy, highlighting the beauty in everyday moments.

Skydiving is Enough

179 implied HN points • 30 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Adventure
  1. Sometimes, it's best to appreciate an already amazing experience for what it is, like skydiving, without trying to make it even more extraordinary.
  2. Setting unrealistic expectations for an experience can lead to disappointment and self-disgust when it doesn't meet those expectations.
  3. It's important to recognize when 'enough' is truly 'enough' and to not risk tarnishing a great experience by seeking unnecessary additions.

Gnomic Utterances

179 implied HN points • 17 Sep 23
📚 Literature Poetry Irony Tragedy
  1. Youth can feel like a fugitive and a hostage at the same time.
  2. Love can reshape your entire perspective instantly.
  3. Irony can soften the blow of tragedy by suggesting a pattern, mitigating the fear of randomness.

TV Writer

159 implied HN points • 06 Aug 23
⚔ Fiction AI Collaboration
  1. A professional TV writer collaborates with an AI to write scripts and pitch to producers in a bid to advance in the industry.
  2. The fear of AI replacing human TV writers drives the decision-making process for the writer.
  3. The writer's motivation for collaboration is more about self-advancement than ethical concerns.