The hottest Poetry Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Literature Topics

Box #3

What Is Called Thinking? • 24 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. Many students at top colleges struggle to read whole books, which raises questions about education standards. This seems surprising since getting into these schools is harder than ever.
  2. Happiness often comes from focusing on relationships instead of chasing it directly. Helping others and being there for them can lead to your own happiness.
  3. Understanding complex topics, like philosophy or ethics, requires deep thinking over many years. The journey can be challenging, but it offers a chance to make insightful contributions.

D is for Daumal

Castalia • 39 implied HN points • 19 Dec 22
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. Réné Daumal was a curious thinker who explored life and consciousness through unique experiments, seeking to understand deeper truths. He believed there was more to existence beyond everyday life, similar to experiences reported by those who have near-death experiences.
  2. Daumal had a strong connection with Eastern philosophies and sought knowledge from various spiritual teachings. His dedication led him to create and engage in groups that focused on exploring consciousness and self-discovery.
  3. His book, _Mount Analogue_, symbolizes a journey towards understanding higher truths. It mixes reality with imaginative adventures, showing his belief that through exploration, both physical and spiritual, we can find meaning in life.

On the Geography of Hell

Autoscriptorium • 19 implied HN points • 19 Feb 23
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. Certain human principles like justice may seem inevitable, and there is a satisfaction in poetic justice.
  2. Dante's _Commedia_ intricately weaves together theology, history, and philosophy, creating a unique map of Hell and a spiritual journey.
  3. The medieval model of the universe, as seen in Dante's work, portrays Earth at the center surrounded by celestial spheres, demonstrating a cosmic order and divine influence.
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red mist | poem

Tumbleweed Words • 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.

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

truth is we all have it | poem

Tumbleweed Words • 24 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. Everyone has their own struggles and burdens in life. It's important to recognize what those are for yourself.
  2. Many people get overwhelmed by their needs and desires, almost like a deep hunger.
  3. Understanding who you are and why you make certain choices can help you deal with your personal challenges better.

land of the free | poem

Tumbleweed Words • 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.

on the evening of my birth | poem

Tumbleweed Words • 21 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. The poem reflects on childhood memories in a garden, connecting personal growth with nature.
  2. It highlights the importance of simple wishes for safety, food, and shelter in raising a family.
  3. The imagery of climbing trees and counting stars emphasizes a journey of discovery and belonging.

Anne Carson's Mosaic Verse

Autoscriptorium • 19 implied HN points • 13 Feb 23
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. Poetry organizes human breath and events through rhythm and meter, reflecting a sense beyond what we usually sense
  2. Anne Carson's work crosses genres, blending translation, poetry, and essay in a unique and unclassifiable way
  3. In 'The Autobiography of Red,' Carson creates a complex narrative around the myth of Geryon and Herakles, exploring themes of love, cruelty, and identity

tidal | poem

Tumbleweed Words • 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

Just a poem!

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 7 implied HN points • 19 Jul 25
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. The poem explores deep feelings and experiences that connect us to both our bodies and emotions.
  2. It touches on themes of community and belonging, emphasizing the importance of ties to our roots.
  3. There is a reflection on existence and the cosmos, inviting readers to think about life, death, and everything in between.

batwrite is write now !! link within

Both Are True • 6 implied HN points • 06 Aug 25
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. The phrase 'batwrite is write now' plays with words in a fun way. It's a catchy phrase that combines humor and creativity.
  2. This post seems to be focused on being entertaining for its audience. It emphasizes engaging writing and playful language.
  3. The content is meant specifically for paid subscribers, suggesting a special connection with the audience. It creates a sense of exclusivity and value.

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.

drunk at twenty-two | poem

Tumbleweed Words • 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.

the unfinished | poem

Tumbleweed Words • 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.

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

cool | poem

Tumbleweed Words • 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

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.

Tolkien on Machines, Power, Language, Love, War, and Everything Else

Nothing Human • 23 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. Tolkien believed that technology and machines can create more problems than they solve, leading to endless labor and new evils. He saw a deep connection between power and the fall of humanity.
  2. The themes of love and relationships in Tolkien's writings reveal the complexities and challenges in human connections, especially concerning sexuality and friendship. He emphasized that true love requires self-denial and understanding.
  3. Tolkien wanted to create epic stories that reflected deeper truths about life, death, and morality, including the idea that all stories revolve around a fall, highlighting human struggles and the search for meaning.

People will call any poetry terrible

Philosophy bear • 85 implied HN points • 29 Jun 23
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. Poetry is inherently pretentious as it elevates the commonplace in a stilted way.
  2. Public perception often leads to criticism of even the greatest poetry if not known beforehand.
  3. In a world where all poetry is criticized, it's important to accept and acknowledge mediocrity to allow for the growth of new great poets.

It grows | poem

Tumbleweed Words • 21 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. The poem talks about something that grows strong even without roots. It suggests resilience and strength in being different.
  2. There's a mention of a 'monster' that goes unnoticed but still makes its presence felt. This could mean that some things have a big impact even if they're not seen.
  3. It feels like the poem is encouraging us to accept things that don't fit in, showing that they can have their own importance and meaning.

too much | poem

Tumbleweed Words • 84 implied HN points • 19 Jun 23
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. The poem 'too much' explores themes of time and existence
  2. The poet reflects on the concepts of presence and the uncertainty of time
  3. Consider subscribing for more access to poetry like this

forgotten | poem

Tumbleweed Words • 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.

poor as a church mouse | poem

Tumbleweed Words • 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.

Emigrant

KERFUFFLE • 19 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. Traveling at night can be essential in tough environments, like deserts, where daytime heat is unbearable. It allows explorers to avoid the worst conditions and push on.
  2. Survival often depends on reaching resources like water and food as quickly as possible. Delaying for comfort could lead to danger or death.
  3. The journey can be all-consuming, making it difficult to think about anything except immediate survival. The past and future fade away, focusing only on the present challenges.

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.

idle | poem

Tumbleweed Words • 70 implied HN points • 17 Aug 23
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. Build your days on consequence and actions you take.
  2. Challenges to achieving goals can test self-belief.
  3. In tough times, remember the importance of smiling and staying strong.

Spring in February

Thinking about... • 94 implied HN points • 14 Feb 23
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. Valentine's Day initially was connected to birds and the concept of spring by Chaucer.
  2. Chaucer's poem suggests that the celebration was linked to the transition into a hopeful spring.
  3. February, the month in which Valentine's Day falls, marked the beginning of various agricultural activities signaling the start of spring.

a question | poem

Tumbleweed Words • 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.

black swan | poem

Tumbleweed Words • 63 implied HN points • 19 Sep 23
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. The post features a poem titled 'black swan.'
  2. The content touches on themes of consumption and dissatisfaction.
  3. There is an invitation to subscribe for a 7-day free trial to read more poetry.

Letter to Rebecca #25-10

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 6 implied HN points • 09 Jul 25
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. Libraries have become social hubs, but some believe they've forgotten their main purpose of providing access to classic literature.
  2. The book 'Hard Rain Falling' is a classic that explores serious themes and is written in a straightforward style, making it engaging.
  3. Teaching can be challenging, but with humor and open discussion, students can become more engaged and interested in learning.

May day in Berlin | poem

Tumbleweed Words • 70 implied HN points • 25 Jul 23
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. The poem reflects on a grandmother with dreadlocks and the cross-cultural family she belongs to.
  2. The dream sequence in the poem evokes feelings of connection and unfamiliarity.
  3. The writing captures the shared experiences and differences between the narrator and the grandmother.