The hottest Poetry Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Literature Topics

Word Homicide

Desk Notes by Charles Schifano • 72 implied HN points • 11 Jul 25
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. Cutting out words in writing is often necessary, even if it feels sad. It helps create a smoother piece, like making sure all parts fit together.
  2. Sometimes writings feel like lost thoughts or orphans, waiting for a place they belong. These words may have value, but not every idea finds a home in the final draft.
  3. Feeling empty after achieving goals can be common. It's sometimes better to fail because at least you have a reason for that emptiness.

Resonance

johan’s substack • 19 implied HN points • 10 Jun 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Poetry
  1. Resonance in human-AI collaboration can create new, hybrid structures of meaning that transcend individual limitations.
  2. Resonance involves emotional connections, cognitive harmonies, and creative synergies between human and AI.
  3. Resonance blurs lines of authorship as text becomes a multi-dimensional space of shared meanings in the semioscape.

Thirty-One: Week Three

lettersonbeing • 137 implied HN points • 18 May 23
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. The author reflects on the cyclical nature of life and the comfort of routines.
  2. Taking breaks and finding peace in small moments is important for mental well-being.
  3. Acknowledging feelings of exhaustion and the need for rest and self-care.

Acknowledging Simple Truths

lettersonbeing • 137 implied HN points • 16 Jul 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Poetry
  1. Acknowledge simple truths in your life, even if they are not poetic or romanticized.
  2. Allow yourself to embrace change and experimentation, even if it's with something as simple as your hairstyle.
  3. Don't be afraid to express what you like or want, regardless of others' opinions or expectations.
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TITAA #48: Magic Mirrors and Radios

Things I Think Are Awesome • 117 implied HN points • 31 Oct 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Poetry
  1. Jean Cocteau's film Orpheus explores themes of inspiration and creativity through tech signals and mirror portals.
  2. Mirrors serve as symbols and characters in Cocteau's film, representing death and reflection.
  3. The post also includes recommendations for AI/art creativity, narrative research, and TV shows like Our Flag Means Death and The Terror.

Inspiration, Indolence, and the Torment of Toilet Texting

Litverse • 239 implied HN points • 26 Oct 22
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. Many people use their phones on the toilet, but this habit may be robbing us of valuable inspiration. Finding moments of boredom can actually lead to creative breakthroughs.
  2. In a culture obsessed with measuring every aspect of our lives, we often overlook the value of unquantifiable activities like relaxation and creativity. Embracing unmediated moments can bring joy and inspiration.
  3. Constant phone use can hinder our ability to relax and be creative. We need to find a balance between hustle and leisure to truly tap into our potential and avoid missing out on life's deeper experiences.

Getting bored and what I did!

Uneasy’s Substack • 19 implied HN points • 05 Jun 24
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. Boredom can lead to creativity. When feeling bored, one might discover new ideas or art, like writing a poem.
  2. It's easy to get distracted by things like YouTube, which can make us feel unproductive. Recognizing this can help us refocus on our goals.
  3. Writing random thoughts as a way to cope with emotions can be valuable. It can provide a sense of release and help organize chaotic feelings.

Hope this finds you well

Austin Kleon • 799 implied HN points • 19 Nov 21
🎭️ Culture Poetry
  1. Creating collages from magazine type can be a fun and creative activity. It's a great way to express yourself using found text.
  2. Reading is a wonderful escape, and a novel about medieval nuns can be a perfect choice for late-night adventures. It’s engaging and might resonate with anyone who’s ever struggled with sleepless nights.
  3. There’s always interesting news in music, from unexpected collaborations to quirky music platforms. Keeping up with music can be a fun way to discover new sounds and artists.

Two or Three Sides of Caledonia

Euro Desk Paris • 79 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. Robert Burns, Scotland's national poet, was a complex figure with contradictory elements in his life and work.
  2. Burns was known for his poetry, including love songs and political commentary, while also exploring the rebellious side of working-class life.
  3. To become a national poet, one may need to come from humble beginnings, engage in heavy physical work, have interest in politics, and embrace risky positions.

Exhumations and Resolutions

The Lifeboat • 149 implied HN points • 01 Feb 25
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. Art is a way to express our feelings and ideas, even if it feels abstract or confusing. It's important to keep creating, no matter the medium.
  2. Writing music and poetry can be a fun challenge. It’s good to learn the skills needed to improve and enjoy the process.
  3. Setting resolutions helps to focus on creative goals, like finishing a project or getting others to read your work. Sharing those goals can motivate you and others.

A Doublet Disposed

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 59 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. The death of Euphorbus in Homer's Iliad serves to resolve narrative tension and bring order to the story, illustrating how loose ends are handled in epic poetry.
  2. Homeric similes in stories like the Iliad engage with thematic elements, advancing the plot while also providing insight into the tension between the overall narrative and specific details.
  3. The brief life and death of Euphorbus in the Iliad can be seen as a way to resolve a narrative paradox, showcasing how Homer's poetry works within the boundaries of established narrative traditions.

Dante's Medieval Transhumanist Fantasy

Banana Peel Pirouette • 118 implied HN points • 16 Aug 23
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. Dante's vision of heaven in 'Paradise' shares similarities with contemporary transhumanist ideas like digital immortality and superhuman knowledge.
  2. Both Dante's medieval perspective and modern transhumanist ideas emphasize the urgency of living to secure a better future, whether in heaven or in a digital afterlife.
  3. Dante and transhumanist engineers are committed rationalists but diverge in their approach to ideal futures, with bookish utopias focusing on intellectual bliss.

2025 Year in Books

From the Desk • 9 implied HN points • 23 Dec 25
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. Thirty-three books were read in 2025, more than in 2024 and 2023, and the year had the highest average rating so far.
  2. Libraries and Little Free Libraries were a big part of the reading life—twelve books came from the library and seven from Little Free Libraries—encouraging serendipity, saving money, and cutting down on shelf clutter.
  3. There was a clear reading strategy: abandon books that aren’t working, follow impulse picks when they catch interest, and curate favorites across fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and a small did-not-finish list.

The Shades of the Gothic Sublime

To Asra • 117 implied HN points • 17 Apr 23
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. Both Poe and Dickinson explored themes of death and loss in their poetry, embodying the Gothic genre.
  2. The poets paid particular attention to color in their poems, inspired by Burke's concept of the sublime evoked by certain colors.
  3. Colors like purple, black, and white were used by both poets to represent the sublime and mystery, reflecting the Gothic tradition in their work.

Anyone can be Batman

Austin Kleon • 699 implied HN points • 17 Dec 21
🎭️ Culture Poetry
  1. Anyone can embrace their inner superhero, just like Batman. It means believing in yourself and taking action.
  2. The writings of bell hooks deeply influenced many people. Her ideas on love and creativity inspire us to think differently.
  3. Joining a book club or a poetry newsletter is a great way to discover new literature and find what you enjoy. It can spark your creativity!

Good Luck / Episode Ten

Nice Try • 59 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. The writer talks about how their cacti need support, showing how sometimes we all need a little help in life.
  2. There are quirky decorations in their living space, suggesting that personal items can make a place feel more like home.
  3. A funny moment at a red light highlights how everyday experiences can bring laughter and joy.

What is English meter?

The Common Reader • 389 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. Traditional concepts of metrical feet like iambs and trochees may not fully capture the complexity of English meter in poetry.
  2. Defining meter in English poetry, especially iambic pentameter, involves understanding the varying degrees of stress in syllables and challenging traditional rules.
  3. While exceptions exist, the majority of English poetry adheres to metrical patterns, showcasing the importance of common sense in analyzing poetic meter.

An Exciting Announcement

Story Club with George Saunders • 51 implied HN points • 31 Jul 25
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. George Saunders will be speaking at the New Yorker Festival this fall with Zadie Smith, and he's really excited about it.
  2. He praised Zadie Smith's recent novel as a powerful piece of writing that renewed his faith in literature.
  3. Saunders also congratulated his colleague Bruce Smith on his new poetry book, highlighting Bruce's talent and achievements.

⬜ Fragments on Connecticut

One Thing • 79 implied HN points • 12 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Poetry
  1. Connecticut is seen as a blank canvas for projecting insecurities and lacks a strong independent identity.
  2. Local media in Connecticut is thriving and provides insight into the local culture and community dynamics.
  3. Discussions around Connecticut often revolve around gentrification, evolving identities, and unique local experiences.

Audio Dispatch for paid subscribers (7)

The Joyous Struggle • 98 implied HN points • 03 Nov 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Poetry
  1. The post discusses the idea of selling the future using a love poem and the impact of revolution and existence.
  2. The writing touches on themes of injustice, humanity, and the connection between love and revenge.
  3. There's a reflection on the fragility of life, the endurance of love, and the commitment to following love even in times of extinction.

cool | poem

Tumbleweed Words • 10 implied HN points • 16 Dec 25
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. Repetition of "3 2 1" creates a countdown-like rhythm and a minimalist beat.
  2. Images and an avatar give the piece a visual focus, making appearance as important as the words.
  3. Subscribe, share, and comment prompts make interaction and distribution part of the experience, not just the writing.

The Dreamer Who Wanted to Touch Grass

Soaring Twenties • 61 implied HN points • 02 Jul 25
⚔ Fiction Poetry
  1. The Dreamer represents a being who exists in a state of eternal perfection but longs for real experiences, like touching grass. He creates a universe to experience life through different characters in his dreams.
  2. The Divider keeps dream characters unaware that they are part of The Dreamer to sustain the dream. This part wants to prolong the dream so it can maintain control.
  3. Eventually, some characters awaken to their true nature, realizing they are connected to The Dreamer. This leads to a cycle of love and reunion, as they understand their shared existence and purpose.

Fast writers and generous readers

Thoughts on Writing • 339 implied HN points • 17 Aug 22
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. Writing at speed in modern life is common, but it's crucial to balance it with thoughtful reading to avoid rushing to judgment.
  2. Language can be complex and sometimes betray us, so it's important to consider the context and medium in which statements are made before reacting.
  3. Being a generous reader, avoiding snap judgments, and nurturing media literacy skills are essential in today's world of diverse content and opinions.

From Chautauqua

Story Club with George Saunders • 56 implied HN points • 13 Jul 25
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. Visiting the Chautauqua Institute was a wonderful experience. The atmosphere was inspiring and uplifting.
  2. I attended a workshop on the opera adaptation of 'Lincoln in the Bardo'. It was fascinating to see how literature can transform into performance.
  3. I have some insights and photos from my visit that I want to share with others. It's always nice to connect and reflect on creative experiences.

A New Widow and Her Orphan

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 39 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. Andromache's lament in the Iliad for Hektor showcases the profound grief of a widow and her orphaned child, expressing the devastating impact of loss on families and communities.
  2. Andromache's speeches highlight themes of trauma and projected pain, emphasizing the tragic fate awaiting her son Astyanax as a symbol of lost potential and unfulfilled promise.
  3. The epic portrays the horrors of war through the lens of violence against children like Astyanax, revealing the irrevocable destruction violence brings to cities and the emptiness of glory in the face of irreparable loss.

Good Luck

Nice Try • 79 implied HN points • 30 Nov 23
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. Life starts with a mix of hope and uncertainty, like when a baby is born and everyone says 'good luck.'
  2. Family members can offer both warmth and caution, showing how different perspectives on luck and superstition can shape our lives.
  3. Childhood is filled with imagination and innocence, where simple moments, like seeing a butterfly, bring joy and a sense of magic.

/

Nice Try • 239 implied HN points • 04 Feb 23
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. Sharing and connecting with people through writing can be a great experience. It allows for creativity and community building.
  2. Joining a subscription plan might offer extra benefits and exclusive content. This can enhance your reading and engagement with the content.
  3. Starting your own publication can be easy and rewarding. It gives you a platform to express yourself and share your thoughts with others.

Like a sprat in a pickle jug.

The Common Reader • 708 implied HN points • 20 Mar 23
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. Close reading in literature involves analyzing form and structure at a detailed level.
  2. To become proficient in close reading, read anthologies and delve into the classics.
  3. Utilize resources like critics' analyses and dictionaries while practicing close reading to deepen understanding.

Fogwill

The Leftovers • 99 implied HN points • 02 May 23
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. Fogwill's _Cuentos completos_ is recommended for its range of writing styles and deep character exploration
  2. Fogwill's complete works offer insight into his transition from successful market executive to acclaimed writer
  3. Personal exchanges with Fogwill reflected his mischievous nature and highlighted the impact of his work on the author

Poetry Writing and Me

Soaring Twenties • 170 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. Poetry writing can feel strange and uncertain, especially without clear feedback. It's common to question if one is really a poet after vague responses to their work.
  2. Enjoying poetry as a reader can inspire someone to try writing it. Taking a class can help improve skills, but a supportive environment is crucial.
  3. Listening to talented poets can spark motivation to create. Sometimes, personal artistic pursuits like music or poetry can fill a gap and connect with others.

A Slightly Urgent Warning...

Story Club with George Saunders • 43 implied HN points • 04 Aug 25
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. Beware of fake messages pretending to be from trusted people. One member received a suspicious message claiming to be from someone's mother.
  2. Always suspect fraud if you get requests for money or unusual offers. The real person will not ask for fees outside of what you normally pay.
  3. If you encounter any suspicious messages, report them right away. It's important to alert the person and help stop the fraud.

The Salt and the Women

Cybernetic Forests • 139 implied HN points • 22 Jan 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Poetry
  1. The film 'The Salt and the Women' is an experimental exploration of AI tools and creativity, blending themes of mushrooms, AI, and generative cinema to tell a unique narrative.
  2. By working with AI tools to create art, the artist can steer emergent themes and create complex interactions between images, text, and music, resulting in a rich storytelling experience.
  3. Pairing AI-generated images and text can lead to stochastic resonance, where noise in the data aligns to amplify a signal, allowing artists to craft new stories by combining different elements.