The hottest Poetry Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Literature Topics

how to make the slush pile | poem

Tumbleweed Words • 77 implied HN points • 01 Jun 23
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. The poem 'how to make the slush pile' is featured on tumbleweedwords.substack.com.
  2. The poem addresses individuals from elite backgrounds, particularly those from prestigious universities and private schools.
  3. Readers can access the full post and archives with a 7-day free trial on Tumbleweed Words.

Killed Somebody

Nice Try • 99 implied HN points • 09 Jun 21
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. The story is about a dream where someone kills a person in a fancy dress and then tries to hide the evidence.
  2. As the dream continues, the character finds many of their belongings scattered around, suggesting a connection to their past.
  3. In the end, the police arrive, but instead of arresting the character, they ask them to solve the case, leading to a surprising twist.

a message of hope | must reads

Tumbleweed Words • 14 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. Reading can offer hope and inspiration. It's important to explore and find new perspectives through literature.
  2. Helping others, like poets and writers, can create a supportive community. Everyone can contribute to lifting each other up.
  3. A free trial can give you a taste of great content. It's a good way to see if you'd like to continue reading more.

Spin art

Austin Kleon • 99 implied HN points • 21 May 21
🎭️ Culture Poetry
  1. Centripetal and centrifugal forces are important in our creative work. They help balance how we gather ideas and how we put them into action.
  2. Having a good indexing and filing system is crucial for keeping track of ideas. If you can’t find your ideas, they won’t be useful.
  3. Seeing new growth outside can bring hope. It reminds us that even in difficult times, there can be signs of renewal and positivity.
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October floods | poem

Tumbleweed Words • 56 implied HN points • 24 Oct 23
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. The post features a poem titled 'October floods'.
  2. The poem reflects on nature and changes caused by autumn winds and floods.
  3. To read the full poem, a subscription to Tumbleweed Words is required.

coupling | poem

Tumbleweed Words • 14 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. The poem explores deep connections between lovers and memories. It highlights how we understand experiences through others, even if we haven't lived them ourselves.
  2. There is a theme of not wanting to be alone, which binds the lovers together despite any conflicts. This shows how love can create strong emotional ties.
  3. The poem also emphasizes a connection to nature and our roles in the world. It reflects on being part of the larger picture, like being children of the earth.

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.

autumn waves | poem

Tumbleweed Words • 56 implied HN points • 29 Sep 23
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. The poem 'Autumn Waves' captures a beautiful moment by the ocean involving a brother's son.
  2. The imagery in the poem paints a vivid picture of joy and exploration along the coast.
  3. The poem evokes a sense of wonder and pride through the connection between man and boy as they explore the beach.

Life And Poetry Of James Clifford

The Lifeboat • 80 implied HN points • 01 Mar 23
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. James Clifford, an English poet, was famous in the Soviet Union but unknown in his homeland.
  2. Vladimir Lifshitz translated Clifford's poems, which were praised for their freedom and precision.
  3. Soviet authors like Lifshitz valued Clifford's work for offering a fresh perspective on reality and bypassing censorship.

at parlour with permanent ink | poem

Tumbleweed Words • 67 implied HN points • 16 Jun 23
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. The poem 'at parlour with permanent ink' talks about getting tattoos and the deeper meanings behind them.
  2. The poem emphasizes the importance of relationships, trust, and reflection on oneself.
  3. There's a theme of togetherness, entitlement, and introspection present throughout the poem.

a self-help guide | poem

Tumbleweed Words • 67 implied HN points • 14 Jun 23
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. The poem discusses being welcomed into homes and conversations by others.
  2. It mentions not being able to afford the means to reach far-off places.
  3. The post encourages readers to subscribe for more content and offers a free trial.

war cry | poem

Tumbleweed Words • 63 implied HN points • 15 Jul 23
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. The poem discusses the consequences of war on children, highlighting how they may become killers at a young age.
  2. It reflects on the impact of war, suggesting that children forced into violence may not have a chance to grow up.
  3. The poem evokes a sense of sadness and loss, painting a bleak picture of youth affected by conflict.

a lifelong partnership | poem

Tumbleweed Words • 14 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. Long-term relationships often carry a sense of stability and permanence. It's nice to grow old together and reflect on life's journey.
  2. As couples age, they start to ponder deeper questions about their lives. They might think more about what really matters to them.
  3. Even after many years, love can feel fresh and impactful. The bond formed can leave lasting impressions, like a swan gliding gracefully on water.

How to eat a book

Austin Kleon • 99 implied HN points • 05 Mar 21
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. You can enjoy books more by engaging with them deeply, like thinking of them as something to 'eat'.
  2. Finding creativity can come from unexpected places, like trash or common experiences.
  3. It's important to keep practicing and challenging yourself to improve your skills, no matter how small the steps are.

a 90s night out in the UK | poem

Tumbleweed Words • 14 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. Feeling hungover and regretful is a common experience after a wild night out. It's normal to worry about what you did when you can't remember everything.
  2. Friends often share stories the next day, which can be funny but also a bit embarrassing. These conversations remind us of the craziness of the night before.
  3. Even after a rough morning, the idea of going out again can be tempting. It's easy to forget the bad parts when the excitement of night life calls again.

bittersweet | poem

Tumbleweed Words • 56 implied HN points • 04 Aug 23
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. The poem 'bittersweet' reflects on love and relationships.
  2. The imagery in the poem captures themes of change and tension.
  3. Consider subscribing to Tumbleweed Words for more poetry like this.

process of ours | poem

Tumbleweed Words • 70 implied HN points • 19 Mar 23
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. The poem 'process of ours' emphasizes the creative process of writing.
  2. The poet encourages exploring emotions and consistency in writing.
  3. The poem highlights the importance of narrative voice and storytelling techniques.

about the one you love | poem

Tumbleweed Words • 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

Return of the Old Gods

Reactionary Feminist • 12 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Poetry
  1. People often seek deeper meaning and joy in a world that feels disenchanted. They're looking for something to believe in amidst the chaos.
  2. The rise in fantasy writing reflects our desire to reconnect with a sense of enchantment that we feel has been lost. It's like finding old gods in new stories.
  3. Many individuals express a longing for love and loyalty as they navigate their emotional journeys, similar to themes found in classic poetry.

મૃગજળ

Poems, Short stories and other things.. • 14 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. What we see can sometimes be clear and real, but often it's influenced by our thoughts and feelings. It's important to question what we truly perceive.
  2. Happiness and sadness can both be misinterpretations of our experiences. Understanding these emotions can help us find deeper meaning in life.
  3. Searching for truth can be confusing, as we might get caught up in our illusions. It's essential to separate reality from our assumptions to see things clearly.

two | poems

Tumbleweed Words • 56 implied HN points • 06 Jun 23
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. The post features two poems by David from Tumbleweed Words.
  2. The poems reflect on the uncertainty and beauty found in the world.
  3. Readers can subscribe for a 7-day free trial to access more content.

What I read in 2024

Get Down and Shruti • 12 implied HN points • 01 Jan 25
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. Classics remain timeless. It's often the older books, like George Orwell's and Orhan Pamuk's works, that resonate deeply and teach us about human struggle and society.
  2. Trade and economics books can provide clarity on complex issues. Understanding the history of trade policies helps us navigate present challenges in global economics.
  3. Identity and culture shape our perspectives. Exploring themes of identity through various lenses, like literature and history, enhances our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

Aidan Walker: Gossip Girl Memes And Elizabethan Court Poetry

Do Not Research • 19 implied HN points • 15 Oct 22
🎭️ Culture Poetry
  1. Gossip Girl Title Remixes meme trend began during the early weeks of the first coronavirus lockdown spring of 2020, sparking various creative iterations while following a set of formal rules.
  2. Both memes and Elizabethan court poetry relied on informal (non-monetary) modes of content transmission, like copying manuscripts or circulating poems in commonplace books, reflecting a similar shared need for clout or influence over money.
  3. Memes, like the Gossip Girl Title Remixes, thrive when adhering to established formal rules and patterns but risk degradation and decline when creativity strays too far, emphasizing the importance of consistency for survival.

‘De Beauvoir, my heroine’

Euro Desk Paris • 19 implied HN points • 12 Apr 23
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. Simone de Beauvoir's 'Memoirs of a Dutiful Daughter' had a deep impact on the writer, who identified with her.
  2. Marguerite Duras's 'The Lover' is a favorite book about love for its intimate portrayal.
  3. Choderlos De Laclos' 'Dangerous Liaisons' stands out as a provocative and scathing piece of work.

age of abundance | poem

Tumbleweed Words • 31 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Poetry
  1. Governments and politicians may spread lies for personal gain, even at the cost of human lives and trust in the media.
  2. Social media and the internet have a powerful influence on society, possibly causing harm and spreading misinformation.
  3. An uprising of ordinary people who value honesty and truth can still make a difference by recognizing and speaking out against deception.

proletarian father | poem

Tumbleweed Words • 31 implied HN points • 26 Feb 24
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. The poem 'Proletarian Father' reflects on the hardships and memories of the father's past, including struggles with housing and work.
  2. The imagery in the poem paints a vivid picture of the father's life, from sharing a bed with siblings to dealing with industrialization's impact.
  3. The poem captures moments of vulnerability and strength, showcasing the interplay between faith, family, and societal challenges.

Box #6

What Is Called Thinking? • 10 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Poetry
  1. Tyler Cowen and Ross Douthat discuss religion, highlighting the difference between viewing it as psychological vs. recognizing genuine experiences of the divine. They agree that our deeper longing for meaning persists even in a scientific world.
  2. Katherine Boyle mentions that aesthetics in business are important today, as people value intangibles like talent and style over just physical assets. She points out that companies like Apple thrive on a strong aesthetic, unlike others that focus on frugality.
  3. John Ashbery's poetry suggests that creativity comes from making mistakes, not avoiding them. This idea shows that wandering or 'erring' can lead to valuable creative outcomes.

she kicks in her sleep | poem

Tumbleweed Words • 56 implied HN points • 01 May 23
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. The post is about a poem titled "she kicks in her sleep".
  2. The poem describes a song hummed in the shower by a woman with wet lips.
  3. The post mentions an option to subscribe with a 7-day free trial to access full post archives.

a defender of people | poem

Tumbleweed Words • 10 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. The poem reflects on the bond between friends, showing how shared experiences are important in friendship. It captures moments of connection, like watching each other and being present in tough times.
  2. There's a sense of nostalgia and growth as the speaker mentions their friend changing over time, from youth to maturity. This highlights how friendships evolve as we age and experience life together.
  3. The imagery used in the poem illustrates the beauty of observation and deep insight into another person’s life. It shows that just witnessing someone can create a powerful impact and foster understanding.

Experiment in style: Testing times

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 10 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
📚 Literature Poetry
  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.

long breath of winter | poem

Tumbleweed Words • 10 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. Winter can be harsh, with icy winds and difficult conditions. It makes us feel cold and uncomfortable, often stuck indoors.
  2. People seek warmth and comfort during winter. Many gather around fires and enjoy hot drinks to feel cozy.
  3. Despite the challenges of winter, there's a sense of community when people come together. We share warmth and connection even in the cold.