The hottest Poetry Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Literature Topics

2nd Annual Fiction Issue

Soaring Twenties • 139 implied HN points • 24 Dec 24
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. The annual fiction issue is a special tradition that celebrates creative writing during the holiday season. It aims to offer readers an escape from negative online trends.
  2. Readers are encouraged to appreciate quality art and storytelling, moving away from the low-quality content often found on the internet.
  3. There is a sense of freedom in choosing what to engage with, and the importance of supporting meaningful creative work is emphasized.

Going Broke and Getting Rich

The False Consensus Effect • 59 implied HN points • 31 Dec 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Poetry
  1. The author plans to maintain expenses below the U.S. poverty level for a year, challenging themselves to make under $399 profit, showcasing a unique thought/action experiment.
  2. There is a focus on living frugally and embracing a minimalistic lifestyle as a form of protest against government systems and societal norms.
  3. The author emphasizes the importance of stories and rare artifacts as valuable remnants of past resistance and cultural significance.

It's My Birthday!

The Fairest Writer • 139 implied HN points • 26 Jun 23
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. It's someone's birthday and they are using it as an opportunity to support Electric Literature. They believe literature is important and can help people during tough times.
  2. Electric Literature needs small donations to keep going, especially as many literary venues are closing. These donations help nurture new talent and make writing accessible.
  3. The writer is proud of their work with Electric Literature and emphasizes that grassroots support from the community is essential for continuing to promote literature.

A Story That Says: "Yes, This is How Things Sometimes Are."

Story Club with George Saunders • 42 implied HN points • 27 Jul 25
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. The story 'Light Breathing' reflects the idea that life can sometimes be difficult, and it's okay to acknowledge that reality. It reminds us that facing hard truths is part of the human experience.
  2. Being happy and sad at the same time is completely normal. We can celebrate our successes while still being aware of the struggles happening around us.
  3. Life is filled with mixed emotions, and it's important to hold space for both joy and sorrow in our lives. This balance helps us stay connected to the world and each other.

The Stone at Fimmvörðuháls

Orbis Tertius • 417 implied HN points • 09 Nov 23
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. The Stone at Fimmvörðuháls holds a mysterious inscription in Icelandic.
  2. Icelandic language remains pure and unchanged from Medieval times.
  3. Jón's recitation reveals a profound translation of the stone's message.
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Good Luck / Grasshopper

Nice Try • 39 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. It's okay to feel nervous and unsure about what to say sometimes. Everyone experiences those moments.
  2. Sharing stories can be a great way to connect with others and express yourself.
  3. Taking a chance, like performing or speaking in public, can lead to new experiences and opportunities.

"Demon" by Mikhail Lermontov

The Ha'penny Papers • 39 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. The post discusses a free translation of the poem "Demon" by Mikhail Lermontov, focusing on the first part.
  2. The poem describes a saddened demon reminiscing about past days of purity and joy.
  3. The Demon's journey shows a contrast between his past happiness and present state of oblivion and weakness.

Allusions, Franchises, and "To 'Jaws,' or not to 'Jaws?'"

Story Club with George Saunders • 48 implied HN points • 26 Jun 25
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. Using literary allusions can feel tricky because they depend on readers knowing those references. Sometimes, relying on them can make a story feel weak instead of strong.
  2. Creating a unique world in writing is important. Using specific names or details can help make the story feel real and engaging, instead of just swapping familiar brands or places.
  3. Finding new ways to express common feelings or experiences can make writing more powerful. It's about capturing the beauty and uniqueness of every moment.

The Poetic Plant

To Asra • 39 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. Wordsworth's poetry focuses on the connection between the natural world and human emotions, portraying nature as a source of solace and vitality.
  2. Hardy's work presents a melancholic and tragic image of nature and plants, emphasizing themes of universal loss and the frailty of existence.
  3. Both Wordsworth and Hardy depict the poetic plant differently, with Wordsworth highlighting vibrancy and independence, while Hardy explores decay and mortality.

51. Joy

Spyderdoc Newsletter • 49 implied HN points • 14 Jun 25
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. Joy is a feeling that's deeply connected to our hearts and can brighten our everyday lives. It's something we all long for during tough times.
  2. Nature expresses joy in many ways, from rivers flowing to birds singing. These moments remind us to appreciate the beauty around us.
  3. Taking time to pause and feel gratitude is important. It helps us recognize the joy and good things in our lives.

fruits of labour | poem

Tumbleweed Words • 7 implied HN points • 18 Dec 25
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. The care you received as a child stays with you, and when love is missing it leaves a lasting emptiness.
  2. Loneliness is made worse by fear and social pressure, so people hide their pain while harmful forces and nonstop bad news wear them down.
  3. Change needs more than private suffering — it requires collective responsibility and breaking destructive habits like doomscrolling instead of waiting for empty promises.

The Dilemma of Writing

Uneasy’s Substack • 19 implied HN points • 27 Apr 24
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. Starting to write can be difficult and filled with self-doubt. It's common to feel discouraged when seeing others succeed in their writing journey.
  2. Having a passion for language and writing comes naturally, but exploring it deeply can take time and effort. Writing should be an expression that flows from within, not just learned from books.
  3. Life experiences and personal challenges can inspire meaningful writing. Sharing these stories can help others and provide hope to those who may feel lost.

The Appalachian Nature Poetry of P.E.B.C.

To Asra • 78 implied HN points • 15 Feb 23
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. The grandmother was deeply connected to nature, teaching her granddaughter to appreciate and respect the natural world.
  2. The grandmother's love for writing and poetry was a significant part of her life, leaving behind a legacy of beautiful nature poems.
  3. The Appalachian Nature Poetry of P.E.B.C. reflects a deep love and devotion to the mountains and the land.

Blue Skies

Nice Try • 19 implied HN points • 25 Apr 24
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. Looking up at the sky can remind us to appreciate the simple things in life. It's a healthy practice to slow down and notice what's around us.
  2. Taking time to breathe and reflect can bring peace and clarity. We often forget to pause and enjoy the moment amidst our busy lives.
  3. Setting small, personal goals, like looking at clouds more often, can lead to greater happiness. It's about finding joy in our everyday experiences.

A Story, Refined

Story Club with George Saunders • 46 implied HN points • 22 Jun 25
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. George Saunders highlights the beauty of storytelling and invites readers to discuss it. It's great to share thoughts on what makes a story resonate.
  2. He emphasizes the importance of Grace Paley's work and how it influences storytelling. Appreciating other writers can deepen our understanding of stories.
  3. The post encourages interaction and discussion among readers. Engaging with others about a story can lead to new insights and ideas.

Thomas Hardy, Genius

Autoscriptorium • 99 implied HN points • 02 Feb 23
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. Poetry involves sound and requires a voice. Thomas Hardy believed in conveying meaningful messages through poetry, not just elegant words.
  2. Thomas Hardy, a talented architect turned poet, had a diverse range of influences and taught himself various languages. He was known for his unique style inspired by folk music and rhythm.
  3. Hardy's poem 'The Voice' beautifully conveys deep emotions and longing through its poetic language and structure. Each line reveals layers of complexity and evokes strong emotions.

A Case Study in Revision

Story Club with George Saunders • 42 implied HN points • 29 Jun 25
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. Revising your work is important. It can help you improve the final product and connect better with your audience.
  2. Listening to how others react to your writing can be eye-opening. It gives you new perspectives and can inspire your revisions.
  3. Your writing journey is personal, but sharing it with others can lead to growth. Engaging with a community can offer valuable insights.

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

Meaning || Matter • 19 implied HN points • 16 Apr 24
📚 Literature Poetry
  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.

Poetry Book Club SUNDAY 19.00 UK TIME

The Common Reader • 106 implied HN points • 07 Dec 24
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. There will be a Poetry Book Club meeting on Sunday, December 8th at 7 p.m. UK time. Everyone interested is invited to join the discussion.
  2. The focus of the meeting will be on Seventeenth Century Poetry. Participants can prepare by reading recommended materials.
  3. Attendees are encouraged to share their questions or topics for discussion in the comments before the meeting.

AirPods

The Elbow • 39 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Poetry
  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.

The Dusk of Decadence

Soaring Twenties • 77 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Poetry
  1. There's a growing need for more poetry in our lives, especially in this digital age where everything feels fast and overwhelming. It's good to take a moment to appreciate the beauty of words.
  2. The post reflects on how indulgence and materialism have changed our perceptions of value in things like clothes and food. What once held meaning can now feel empty when surrounded by excessive consumption.
  3. People are longing for authentic connections and experiences, as many feel isolated by modern living. It's important to remember the value of sharing moments together, rather than just displaying possessions.

I have a new muse

The Edge of Practice • 39 implied HN points • 31 Dec 23
📚 Literature Poetry
  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
  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 Poetry
  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.

Libertarian Poems

David Friedman’s Substack • 107 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. Libertarian values emphasize personal freedom and individual rights. This means people should be able to live their lives as they choose.
  2. Poetry can be a powerful way to express political ideas and feelings. It helps share important messages in a creative way.
  3. The writings of famous authors contribute to the understanding of libertarian themes, showing how these ideas have been explored in literature.

Homer's Parents, Country, and True Name

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 59 implied HN points • 29 Sep 23
📚 Literature 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
  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 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.

Describe a Mind, Running

Story Club with George Saunders • 72 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. Tolstoy shows characters reacting to death in a cold way. This makes us think about how people can be selfish during tough times.
  2. Thought is complex and can show different levels at once. Writers often have to choose which thoughts to share.
  3. Tolstoy's choice to focus on the characters' selfish reactions serves a purpose. It makes us question why he chose to present them this way.

To Look on Nature

To Asra • 58 implied HN points • 13 Jul 23
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. Wordsworth and Hardy's poetry reflect different perspectives on nature and humanity
  2. Wordsworth's view of plant life emphasizes its agency and connection to human existence
  3. Hardy's portrayal of nature is more tragic and melancholic, contrasting with Wordsworth's celebration of life

How sugaring feeds my soul

The Recovering Academic • 59 implied HN points • 17 Feb 23
📚 Literature Poetry
  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.

said it | poem

Tumbleweed Words • 21 implied HN points • 22 Aug 25
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. It's tough to keep pretending when things get hard. Sometimes, we need to face our true feelings instead of hiding them.
  2. Love can change over time and may not always stay sweet. Misunderstandings can make trust hard to rebuild.
  3. In today's world, mental health issues are common, but we often forget how to truly feel and connect with others.

A Closer Look

Story Club with George Saunders • 24 implied HN points • 03 Aug 25
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. Bunin's story 'Light Breathing' explores deep emotions and difficult themes. It's a powerful reminder of how fiction can impact readers.
  2. The reactions to the story highlight its ability to provoke thought and feelings. People connect strongly with the characters and their struggles.
  3. This discussion shows that literature can have a significant effect on us. It's amazing how stories can resonate and spark conversation.

Casting a Wide Net

Story Club with George Saunders • 67 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. The story focuses on the theme of life and death, encouraging readers to reflect on their own lives. It's about understanding what really matters as we face inevitable change.
  2. Through the character of Ivan Ilyich, readers are invited to explore the emptiness of a life lived solely for societal expectations. It shows the struggle between personal happiness and social pressures.
  3. The discussion emphasizes the importance of connecting deeply with our experiences. It suggests that true fulfillment comes from being authentic and valuing our own unique journeys.

When you dream, what do you dream about?

Soaring Twenties • 61 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. Dreaming about love can feel very real and personal. It's a chance to think about what we truly desire in life.
  2. Fear often holds us back from chasing our dreams and expressing our feelings. Recognizing this fear is the first step to overcoming it.
  3. Living in the present is just as important as dreaming about the future. Enjoying today can lead to meaningful moments and connections.