The hottest Poetry Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Literature Topics

Paid Writing Opportunities with "The Rialto Books Review"

The Ha'penny Papers • 39 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
📚 Literature Writing Submissions Journal Prose Poetry
  1. The Rialto Books Review is seeking submissions for their April issue including prose, poetry, and plays.
  2. Prose writers can receive $200 per accepted piece, playwrights receive $150 per dramatic excerpt, and poets get a minimum of $30 per poem.
  3. Submission deadline for all pieces is February 25th, so make sure to send your work before then.

Who Birds Are: How Ornithologist J. Drew Lanham Unites Poetry and Science

Meaning || Matter • 19 implied HN points • 16 Apr 24
📚 Literature Poetry Nature Science Philosophy Art
  1. J. Drew Lanham combines poetry and science to deepen our understanding of nature. He believes that science and poetry both come from the same curiosity about the world.
  2. Lanham's poems invite us to feel connected to the animals he studies, showing that there's more to nature than just facts and observations. He encourages us to empathize with nature and see ourselves in it.
  3. He promotes a view of nature as a spiritual experience, where understanding life, death, and renewal can bring comfort and insight. His approach challenges us to engage with the natural world fully.

doing well | poem

Tumbleweed Words • 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.

AirPods

The Elbow • 39 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Poetry Visual art Creative Writing
  1. The post discusses the disappointment in technological promises versus the reality of AirPods.
  2. There is a contemplative moment on a film about orcas and a personal love-hate relationship with AirPods.
  3. The author expresses a desire for deeper connections and experiences beyond technology.
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I have a new muse

The Edge of Practice • 39 implied HN points • 31 Dec 23
📚 Literature Poetry Dreams Inspiration
  1. The author shifted from recording dreams to expressing them through poetry, finding it more empowering and meaningful
  2. Poetry became a new source of inspiration after the author believed their past trauma was their only muse
  3. Exploring a new creative outlet like poetry can be a way to discover fresh perspectives and artistic expressions

Elizabeth Bishop, an Eye

Autoscriptorium • 79 implied HN points • 11 Feb 23
📚 Literature Poetry Author Analysis Symbolism
  1. Elizabeth Bishop was a genius American poet known for her attention to detail and devotion to her craft.
  2. Bishop's work often reflects her outward focus and meticulous observation of the world around her, without delving much into personal details.
  3. In her poem 'The Fish,' Bishop showcases her rhythmic precision, imagery doubling, and symbolic references like the rainbow and the fish as a Christ symbol.

House Sitting in Kiev—Or Why I Read

Vremya • 479 implied HN points • 02 Jul 21
📚 Literature Fiction Non-fiction Poetry Classics Reading Culture
  1. House sitting in Kiev gave me a chance to explore the city and enjoy time alone. It was during this time that I rekindled my love for reading.
  2. I realized that reading is about personal freedom and self-discovery. The books we choose help shape who we are.
  3. It's important to choose what we read for ourselves rather than letting others dictate it. Everyone should have the freedom to explore different ideas and authors, even if they can be controversial.

going home | poem

Tumbleweed Words • 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.

Homer's Parents, Country, and True Name

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 59 implied HN points • 29 Sep 23
📚 Literature Classics Mythology Scholarship Ancient Greece Poetry
  1. Homer's parentage and birthplace were subjects of debate in antiquity, with various conflicting claims made about his lineage, including being the son of different figures or from different regions.
  2. Homer's name is believed to have origins linked to tense political situations, where he was named after being a hostage or because he provided inspired war advice.
  3. Homeric poems were not necessarily composed as complete works but were performed in parts by rhapsodes, later compiled and ordered by various individuals, including Pisistratus the tyrant of Athens.

Short Thoughts on Purgatory

Autoscriptorium • 59 implied HN points • 25 Apr 23
📚 Literature Poetry Philosophy Analysis
  1. In Dante's Purgatorio, each terrace is structured to purify a vice from the souls, paired with its opposite virtue, progressing upward in a cleansing manner.
  2. The formulation of each terrace in Purgatory aims to break the soul's habit found on that terrace, allowing the soul to move towards freedom.
  3. The terrace of Sloth in Dante's Purgatorio reflects an insufficiency of love, leading to profound discussions on love and poetry.

The Sweet Spot

The Recovering Academic • 59 implied HN points • 31 Mar 23
📚 Literature Fiction Memoir Poetry
  1. The author's love for baseball and the connection with his father shines through the memoir. Baseball became a bonding activity between them and a way for the author to feel close to his father.
  2. The author's experience in baseball and the pursuit of finding the 'sweet spot' on the bat is paralleled with his spiritual journey. The 'sweet spot' represents more than just a physical connection with the game, but also a sense of purpose and truth.
  3. Baseball serves as a metaphor for the author's internal struggles and search for validation and redemption. The game becomes a canvas where he grapples with guilt, faith, and the pursuit of meaning.

In the Morning / Full of Sighs and Wonder

The Elbow • 58 implied HN points • 13 Feb 23
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. The poem 'In the Morning' describes a moment on a precipice with emotional depth.
  2. The author explains that the poem is a fictionalized pastiche of real and imagined experiences.
  3. The piece conveys a sense of surrealism and longing through vivid imagery.

a personal note of truthful expression | must reads

Tumbleweed Words • 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.

How sugaring feeds my soul

The Recovering Academic • 59 implied HN points • 17 Feb 23
📚 Literature Fiction Memoir Poetry History Culture
  1. Maple sugaring is not just a culinary tradition but a cultural practice that connects people to nature and history.
  2. The process of syruping serves as a way to mark the changing of seasons and fosters community through shared experiences like tapping trees with friends.
  3. Syruping holds the potential to create lasting memories and connections to a sense of place, offering a way to anchor personal identity in a rapidly changing world.

fever dream | poem

Tumbleweed Words • 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

shame on you | poem

Tumbleweed Words • 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

Tumbleweed Words • 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.

Witch Hazel and $9 Bud Light

Splattern • 39 implied HN points • 17 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Art Poetry Food Social Documentary
  1. Taking care of yourself is important for being a good leader and team player. It's easy to get stressed out by responsibilities and forget to listen to others.
  2. Nikki Giovanni is a talented poet and storyteller who uses humor and vulnerability in her work. Her approach to art is about connecting with people rather than just delivering messages.
  3. Dancing and having fun are great ways to socialize and connect with others. Sharing tips with friends can make the experience even better.

the late hour | poem

Tumbleweed Words • 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.

Exceptional Tree

Into the Hedge • 39 implied HN points • 16 Nov 23
📚 Literature Poetry Nature
  1. The story of the Exceptional Tree illustrates the transformation from loss and decay to new life and growth.
  2. Despite experiencing winter and appearing lifeless, the tree eventually reveals new growth, showcasing forces of decay and growth shaping its exceptional form.
  3. The constant cycle of seasons highlights the ever-evolving nature of the tree and how change doesn't erase the essence of what once was.

working class Friday | poem

Tumbleweed Words • 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.

A Winter’s Tangerine

Critic at Large • 19 implied HN points • 02 Mar 24
📚 Literature Poetry Short Stories Visual art Photography Artistic expression
  1. Winter Tangerine was a short-lived magazine created by a young African poet to amplify unheard voices through poetry, short stories, and visual art.
  2. The magazine showcased the evolution of poems through a section called 'Shedding Skins' and featured exceptional visual art alongside literary works.
  3. Winter Tangerine provided a platform for emerging writers and artists, particularly from marginalized communities, offering imaginative language and unique perspectives.

Seamus Heaney, Fortuna Major

Autoscriptorium • 59 implied HN points • 16 Feb 23
📚 Literature Poetry Imagery
  1. Poetry can shift our perception, revealing new angles and insights. It has the power to redress injustices and correct our views.
  2. Seamus Heaney, an Irish poet, skillfully blends sight and sound in his work. His poems reflect a deep sense of connection to the land and the sea.
  3. Heaney's poems like 'Lightenings' offer profound insights and emotions. His verses explore themes of mortality, infinity, and the marvels of existence.

Experiment in style: Testing times

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 10 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
📚 Literature Writing Genres Narrative Poetry Criticism
  1. Trying different writing styles can help improve your writing skills. It’s fun to see how changing the style can change the story's tone.
  2. Reworking a text into something like an exam can be a creative exercise. This approach encourages deeper thinking about the content.
  3. Using humor and different literary techniques can make writing more engaging. Experiments like these help explore the balance between seriousness and playfulness.

on this day | poem

Tumbleweed Words • 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.

Typewriter interview with Elisa Gabbert

Austin Kleon • 1 HN point • 27 Aug 24
📚 Literature Interviews Writing Books Essays Poetry Reading
  1. Reading can be more enjoyable if you have different books around you. If a book isn't capturing your attention, it's okay to set it down and choose something else.
  2. Elisa Gabbert enjoys singing and finds karaoke a fun way to express herself. She feels connected to music and has a lot of favorite songs that always lift her mood.
  3. Elisa suggests that instead of seeing reading and writing as chores, we should turn our interests into enjoyable activities. She believes in following fleeting obsessions as they can enrich your knowledge and creativity.

A. R. Ammons Goes For a Walk

Autoscriptorium • 59 implied HN points • 04 Feb 23
📚 Literature Poetry Authors Criticism Form Nature
  1. Poetry is about the line, which contains thoughts spilling beyond; the breaks and movements are perceived differently by the eye than by the ear.
  2. A.R. Ammons was a prolific American poet who had a unique background outside of the typical academic path, with origins in rural North Carolina.
  3. In Ammons' poem 'Hymn,' he explores themes of seeking unity with something beyond oneself, incorporating precise scientific language into his work.

Better than our Fathers!

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 39 implied HN points • 03 Nov 23
📚 Literature Epic Mythology Poetry Tradition Narrative
  1. In Homer's epic poetry, rivalry and competition between heroes play a significant role, shaping the narratives and relations between characters.
  2. The comparison between generations in Homer's work challenges the idea of valuing the past over the present, showcasing a dynamic of improvement and advancement.
  3. The Theban epic tradition, though not directly preserved in extant Homer texts, had a significant impact on the Homeric world, contributing to themes of heroism and conflict.

First, the burning sandalwood

Nick Merrill • 39 implied HN points • 31 Oct 23
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. The speaker reflects on moments of awakening and awareness in daily life.
  2. Nature imagery and sensory experiences are used to evoke a sense of presence.
  3. The poem explores themes of sleep, realization, and the beauty of the natural world.

call for arms | poem

Tumbleweed Words • 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

neighbourhood | poem

Tumbleweed Words • 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.