Tumbleweed Words

Tumbleweed Words is a Substack that explores themes of societal struggles, personal reflections, and cultural experiences through poetry, fiction, and must-read discussions. It often highlights the impact of class, love, technology, inequality, and personal growth, offering readers a blend of introspective and outward-looking perspectives.

Poetry Fiction Cultural Commentary Personal Reflections Societal Struggles Love and Relationships Technology and AI Cultural Experiences

The hottest Substack posts of Tumbleweed Words

And their main takeaways

a poet cries despair | poem

46 implied HN points • 12 Mar 24
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. The poet in the poem experiences despair, solitude, and lack of human interaction.
  2. Despite their struggles, the poet finds solace in the act of writing and expressing their thoughts.
  3. The poet's defiance against despair is evident as they navigate through loneliness and turn to writing for relief.

going home | poem

60 implied HN points • 01 Mar 24
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. In the poem, the speaker reflects on their childhood in a village and the changes over time.
  2. The speaker highlights the impact of economic shifts on the community, such as workers moving to cities to find better opportunities.
  3. Despite the changes, the speaker finds solace in returning to their hometown and reconnecting with familiar faces, emphasizing the sense of simplicity and honesty in the place.

fever dream | poem

53 implied HN points • 25 Feb 24
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. The poem 'Fever Dream' explores vivid imagery and sensations
  2. It delves into themes of longing, immersion, and sensory experiences
  3. The emotions and sensations described in the poem evoke a dream-like quality

away to Istanbul | poem

60 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
  1. Istanbul is a vibrant city filled with sights and sounds like fabric, bread, and fruit sellers captivating those passing by.
  2. In Istanbul, traditions like dawn prayers, feeding stray cats, and dressing up for the night blend seamlessly with modernity.
  3. The essence of Istanbul lies in its communal spirit, where individuals find connection and continuity amidst the chaos.
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about the one you love | poem

35 implied HN points • 03 Mar 24
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. The poem reflects on the calm and stillness felt in the presence of a loved one
  2. The imagery of waves and oceans symbolize the depth and evolution of the relationship
  3. The verses explore a deep connection and unity between two individuals

neighbourhood | poem

42 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. The type of dog people walk in a city reflects a neighborhood's character.
  2. Observing the streets for cleanliness and activity can reveal the atmosphere of an area.
  3. Seeking genuine human interactions and familiar faces among crowds is a universal desire.

the mad ones | poem

81 implied HN points • 13 Jan 24
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. The world is filled with madness and division.
  2. Ordinary people find solace in simple joys and relationships.
  3. Society's madness leaves some unable to have important conversations.

age of abundance | poem

31 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Poetry
  1. Governments and politicians may spread lies for personal gain, even at the cost of human lives and trust in the media.
  2. Social media and the internet have a powerful influence on society, possibly causing harm and spreading misinformation.
  3. An uprising of ordinary people who value honesty and truth can still make a difference by recognizing and speaking out against deception.

away to Paris | poem

60 implied HN points • 27 Jan 24
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. The poem is about a person's experience in Paris
  2. The poem touches on feelings of absence and memories
  3. The trip to Paris is portrayed as both enjoyable and reflective

a personal note of truthful expression | must reads

70 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
📚 Literature Non-fiction Biography Poetry Fiction Bookstores
  1. The author reflects on their three years on Substack and the preference for minimal self-sharing on social media.
  2. Reading 'On the Road' at sixteen inspired the author's love for writing and reading, shaping their literary journey.
  3. The author's travels to different places like Paris and America introduced them to various literary figures, fueling their passion for words.

proletarian father | poem

31 implied HN points • 26 Feb 24
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. The poem 'Proletarian Father' reflects on the hardships and memories of the father's past, including struggles with housing and work.
  2. The imagery in the poem paints a vivid picture of the father's life, from sharing a bed with siblings to dealing with industrialization's impact.
  3. The poem captures moments of vulnerability and strength, showcasing the interplay between faith, family, and societal challenges.

the sun will rise within your eyes again | poem

67 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. The poem 'the sun will rise within your eyes again' is featured on tumbleweedwords.substack.com
  2. The poem reflects on generational experiences and family legacies
  3. Interested readers can access the full post and archives with a 7-day free trial subscription

the late hour | poem

56 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. The poem 'the late hour' reflects on absence and secrets through poetic imagery.
  2. The hour before its time is highlighted in the poem, creating a mysterious atmosphere.
  3. Consider subscribing to Tumbleweed Words for more poetry and access to full post archives.

wake up call in the big smoke | fiction

35 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
  1. Gabriel wakes up in a strange room feeling disoriented and out of place.
  2. He receives a call from his brother who is in his house and discovers unexpected things about his living situation.
  3. Gabriel's interactions with the people around him reveal his chaotic lifestyle and troubled relationships.

between a man and a woman | poem

49 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
  1. The poem explores the complexities of relationships between a man and a woman.
  2. It touches on themes of emotion, touch, and unspoken truths.
  3. The imagery used conveys a sense of emptiness and longing.

doing well | poem

106 implied HN points • 14 Nov 23
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. The post shares a poem about moments of contentment and distraction in life.
  2. The poem mentions finding solace in simple moments like reading and taking a hot bath.
  3. It reflects on how interactions with strangers or small incidents can prompt reflection on existence.

back at it | poem

53 implied HN points • 03 Jan 24
  1. The poem reflects on starting a new day tired and disconnected.
  2. Details like showers in the rain create vivid imagery in the poem.
  3. Consider subscribing to Tumbleweed Words for more poetry like this.

growth spurt | poem

42 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
  1. The poem describes a scene of young people moving towards the future
  2. It highlights the image of a youthful migration facing education
  3. The post offers a 7-day free trial to subscribe and read more poetry

The State of the Union address was an insult to every American | article

14 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy Society Corruption Election
  1. The State of the Union address was seen as a disrespectful display by American politicians who seemed disconnected from real issues.
  2. The speech highlighted a lack of accountability and transparency in American politics, with concerns about spending, societal decline, and propaganda.
  3. The hope for future elections lies in the possibility of candidates with integrity and logical thinking, as current politics show little sign of positive change.

elusive dream | poem

67 implied HN points • 09 Dec 23
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. The post is a poem titled 'elusive dream.'
  2. The post is from the website tumbleweedwords.substack.com.
  3. The post offers a 7-day free trial for subscription.

on this day | poem

63 implied HN points • 14 Dec 23
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. The post is a poem titled 'on this day.'
  2. The poem describes memories of a past life filled with sugar and traditional toasts.
  3. Readers can access the full post by subscribing for a 7-day free trial.

about starving artist | poem

28 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
  1. The poem reflects on the struggles of a starving artist.
  2. It compares the artist's solitude to the companionship of lovers and parents of twins.
  3. The artist's name is carried away by the wind, symbolizing unread letters and isolation.

poor as a church mouse | poem

60 implied HN points • 30 Nov 23
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. The poem 'Poor as a Church Mouse' reflects on struggles and isolation.
  2. The imagery includes living on despair and crumbs, feeling rabid like a stray dog.
  3. The poet contemplates on the impact of anger and the process of personal growth over time.

the last space | poem

56 implied HN points • 04 Dec 23
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. The post is about a poem titled 'the last space'.
  2. The poem describes quiet and intimate moments in a room.
  3. There is an option to subscribe for more poetry content.

shame on you | poem

84 implied HN points • 25 Oct 23
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. The poem discusses people who are closed-minded and refuse to consider other viewpoints.
  2. It reflects on the unhappiness of those who believe they are always right in every situation.
  3. The poem encourages individuals not to get trapped in negativity and to avoid becoming like the closed-minded individuals described.

stain life | poetry

46 implied HN points • 19 Dec 23
  1. The poem discusses tattoos as imprints on the body and mind, lasting until they fade.
  2. It explores the concept of tattoos expressing abstract shapes and honest thoughts.
  3. The imagery in the poem highlights the impact of tattoos in a foreign language of expression.

no more absolutes | poem

67 implied HN points • 16 Nov 23
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. Loveless time affects the mind and body.
  2. Thoughts can weigh you down with fears of missed opportunities.
  3. Feelings linger in the absence of love and hope.

somewhere beyond a window view | fiction

28 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
  1. The story is about twin brothers spending time together in their bedroom
  2. Detention helps the boys reflect on their actions and appreciate their mother's lessons
  3. The boys' challenging environment outside home influences their behavior and feelings

a question | poem

56 implied HN points • 22 Nov 23
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. The poem reflects on questions about life and identity.
  2. It encourages not to worry about societal expectations.
  3. Embrace the questions that challenge you and let them shape your journey.

call for arms | poem

74 implied HN points • 19 Oct 23
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. The post is a call for arms poem published on tumbleweedwords.substack.com
  2. The poem touches on themes of grief, immigration, and motherhood
  3. Readers can access the full post with a 7-day free trial on Tumbleweed Words

what is it? | poem

46 implied HN points • 28 Nov 23
  1. The poem explores themes of loss, memory, and sacrifice in life.
  2. It reflects on the passage of time and the feeling of something missing as days go by.
  3. The poem prompts readers to question the intangible aspects of life and what truly matters in the end.

one day in Berlin | fiction

31 implied HN points • 29 Dec 23
  1. The story describes a day in Berlin with vivid details and reflections on the city life.
  2. The protagonist, Gabriel, feels lost and uncertain about his life in the city.
  3. The writing captures a sense of excess and disillusionment in the urban environment.

fight of the year | poem

38 implied HN points • 08 Dec 23
  1. The poem discusses a fight of the year with vivid imagery.
  2. The poem captures the intensity of a boxing match with descriptive language.
  3. The reader can access more poems by subscribing to Tumbleweed Words.

October floods | poem

56 implied HN points • 24 Oct 23
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. The post features a poem titled 'October floods'.
  2. The poem reflects on nature and changes caused by autumn winds and floods.
  3. To read the full poem, a subscription to Tumbleweed Words is required.

and still the heart beats | poem

53 implied HN points • 29 Oct 23
  1. The poem reflects on the idea of loveless individuals trying to find meaning through identity and online influencers.
  2. It discusses how the loveless seek connection through various substitutes like headphones and animals.
  3. The author highlights the struggle of those who feel unloved in a world focused on superficial images and quick distractions.

more than enough | poem

46 implied HN points • 12 Nov 23
  1. The poem reflects on the battles and responsibilities individuals face in their lives.
  2. External demands and tasks can sometimes distract us from what truly matters.
  3. Sometimes the obligations that give us purpose may not always be beneficial for us.