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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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
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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 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

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.

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.

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.

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.

working class Friday | poem

134 implied HN points • 13 May 23
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. The poem portrays the challenging life of a working-class individual on a Friday.
  2. It depicts a sense of exhaustion, isolation, and coping mechanisms like alcohol and writing poetry.
  3. The imagery captures the struggle and routine of daily life for the working class.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

red mist | poem

81 implied HN points • 04 Sep 23
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. The poem reflects on memories of a train ride from Praha to Moravia during a past time of political turmoil.
  2. The poet captures the atmosphere of anxiety and hope in the train carriage through vivid imagery and emotions.
  3. The post invites readers to subscribe for a free trial to access more poetry content and archives.

come back | poem

120 implied HN points • 21 Apr 23
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. The post is about a poem titled 'come back'
  2. The poem discusses presence and absence of love
  3. There is an option for a 7-day free trial to access more content

howl at starving writers | must reads

116 implied HN points • 28 Apr 23
📚 Literature Writing Books Travel Poetry Culture
  1. The author lived among rough men in a bedsit, observing their struggles and lack of communication.
  2. Moving into a new bedsit in the UK was easily done without a contract, showing the transient nature of such accommodations.
  3. Traveling and living on the road in America brought the author in contact with diverse individuals, fostering a deep sense of exploration and cultural immersion.

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.

tidal | poem

81 implied HN points • 22 Aug 23
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. The poem reflects on the author's childhood in a fishing community in Scotland
  2. It explores themes of local pride, hard work, and the connection to the sea
  3. The author's experience of leaving home, growing up, and reflecting on the past is a central theme

karma feels | fiction

120 implied HN points • 26 Mar 23
📚 Literature Fiction
  1. Karma can feel unfair at times, impacting people differently.
  2. Events that seem senseless can end up depicted as drama on media platforms.
  3. Therapy can help individuals understand that challenges are often out of their control.

riches of a poor man | poem

116 implied HN points • 08 Apr 23
📚 Literature Poetry Fiction
  1. The poem describes a poor man visiting the author nightly
  2. The man seeks solace and companionship after facing hardships
  3. Through symbolism, the poem explores themes of loneliness and societal struggles

drunk at twenty-two | poem

81 implied HN points • 11 Aug 23
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. The poem shares a personal experience of being highly intoxicated at a young age in a pub.
  2. The author reflects on the poor choices made and the company kept during the night.
  3. The writing evokes themes of regret, recklessness, and self-awareness.

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.

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

the unfinished | poem

84 implied HN points • 20 Jul 23
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. The poem reflects on feeling that goals are unattainable.
  2. It explores the struggle of making choices that feel good enough.
  3. The writer contemplates the cost of life and the persistence to keep going.

forgotten | poem

74 implied HN points • 25 Aug 23
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. The poem talks about the feeling of remembering the first time and the weight of emotions.
  2. It encourages the reader to think about empathy and understanding the pain of others.
  3. Subscription required to read the full post and access archives.

how they blew | must reads

102 implied HN points • 08 May 23
📚 Literature Books Authors
  1. The post discusses must-reads related to Shakespeare & Co in Paris.
  2. The author reflects on a night of excess and forgotten memories in a city with rising crime and unemployment.
  3. Readers are offered a 7-day free trial to subscribe to Tumbleweed Words and access full post archives.

land of the free | poem

99 implied HN points • 12 May 23
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. The poem 'land of the free' examines the concept of America and freedom.
  2. The author reflects on personal experiences with America starting from a young age.
  3. The post offers a 7-day free trial to access more content on Tumbleweed Words.

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

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.

cool | poem

88 implied HN points • 12 Jun 23
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. The post shares a poem titled 'cool | poem'
  2. The poem reflects on a memory of a mother multitasking and the narrator's actions
  3. The post includes a link to subscribe and share the poem