The hottest Poetry Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Literature Topics

When you dream, what do you dream about?

Soaring Twenties • 61 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
📚 Literature Fiction Short Stories Poetry Narrative Creative Writing
  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.

14 Poems

Tao Lin • 1079 implied HN points • 06 Jul 24
📚 Literature Poetry Creative Writing Publishing Book Reviews Literary Criticism
  1. A chapbook called '14 Poems' was published in June 2023 and quickly sold out. This shows that there is interest in the poems.
  2. The author has made changes to the poems and now has 13 instead of 14. This suggests that they are really committed to perfecting their work.
  3. They are currently writing a full-length poetry book, which will include these poems. This indicates ongoing creativity and growth in their writing.

Aenean Age or American Eschaton?

Contemplations on the Tree of Woe • 3031 implied HN points • 28 Dec 24
📚 Literature Fiction Poetry Drama History Mythology
  1. Struggles can lead to new beginnings. Just like in ancient stories, facing hard times can give way to rebirth and new civilizations.
  2. Accepting failure without trying isn't the best choice. It's better to strive for a better future, even if it seems tough.
  3. Innovation can help us overcome challenges. Finding new ways, like using different materials, could lead to building a stronger society.

The Decline Will Occur Incrementally

Story Club with George Saunders • 50 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25
📚 Literature Fiction Poetry Essays Biography Classics
  1. Change happens slowly over time, it's not always sudden. You might not notice it day to day, but over the years, things can shift a lot.
  2. Understanding someone's struggles can come from their relationships, like in stories where personal lives influence their work. It shows how feelings and experiences shape creativity.
  3. Literature often reflects personal experiences, and authors might use their own lives in their stories. This can lead to some interesting insights about their characters.

On hype, and the unbearable banality of ChatGPT’s poetry

Marcus on AI • 4466 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🕹 Technology AI Poetry Literature Critique Research
  1. A recent study claims that ChatGPT's poetry is similar to Shakespeare's, but it's important to be skeptical of such bold claims. Many experts believe the poetry is just a poor imitation, lacking genuine creativity.
  2. The critique of the AI poetry highlights that it often reads like the work of an unskilled poet who doesn't truly understand the style they're trying to emulate. This raises questions about the quality of AI-generated content.
  3. It's essential to approach AI-generated work with caution and to not get swayed by hype, as popular claims may not always reflect the true abilities of the technology.
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Thought bubble: I am pleased to report that AI is now a better poet than William McGonagall

Wyclif's Dust • 1877 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
📚 Literature Poetry AI History Creative Writing Technology
  1. AI has improved a lot in writing poetry and can now create impressive pieces that rival some human authors. This means anyone can reach a decent level of poetic skill using AI.
  2. Different AI models produce varying quality in poetry, with some showing more creativity and better structure than others. It's interesting to compare how each AI interprets and writes about the same topic.
  3. The development of AI in creative fields could raise the overall skill level in those areas, making it easier for everyone to write poetry well, but true expert poets will still stand out.

How good is AI at literary criticism?

The Common Reader • 2374 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
📚 Literature Literary Criticism Poetry Classics Narrative Theory
  1. AI is getting better at understanding and analyzing literary texts. It can now discuss themes and characters with more clarity than before.
  2. While AI still struggles with some complex questions, it is moving away from vague and fluffy talk about feelings and the human condition.
  3. Good literary criticism should be specific and informed. As AI improves, it is becoming a more useful tool for readers seeking to enhance their understanding of literature.

An interview with Mary Ruefle

Austin Kleon • 3337 implied HN points • 26 Mar 24
📚 Literature Poetry Interviews Creative Writing Authors Book Reviews
  1. Mary Ruefle loves to create poetry by painting over old texts, which makes her work unique and interesting. It's a fun way for her to express creativity.
  2. She prefers to communicate through typewriter and postal mail instead of using technology like computers or Zoom. This shows her love for traditional methods.
  3. Ruefle believes in doing things simply because they are enjoyable, like her erasure poetry. This perspective encourages people to pursue what they love.

The Mystery of Mary Oliver

Tom Ryan, Author • 9276 implied HN points • 23 Sep 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Poetry Literature Autumn
  1. The post discusses the mystery surrounding the moves of poet Mary Oliver towards the end of her life.
  2. The author reflects on the idea of famous poets living away from their well-known locations.
  3. The text highlights the author's curiosity and interest in the mystery, drawing comparisons to other renowned literary figures.

Enjoy the Honey Heavy Dew of Slumber

The Fry Corner • 2997 implied HN points • 29 Mar 24
📚 Literature Poetry Drama Prose Essays Classic
  1. Sleep is important for our well-being and should not be overlooked. It helps us recharge and feel our best.
  2. Shakespeare's works often capture the essence of human experiences, like sleep, in a way that's relatable and profound.
  3. Everyone has different views on Shakespeare and his relevance, but sleep is a universal need that connects us all.

My Year in Reading

The Audacity. • 5188 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
📚 Literature Fiction Memoir Poetry Novel
  1. Favorite book: _All the Sinners Bleed_ by S.A. Cosby - a gripping Southern noir.
  2. Second favorite: _Family Meal_ by Bryan Washington - a poignant story of grief and finding love.
  3. Not every book is great - it's okay to have differing opinions on what you read.

love is a complicated business | poem

Tumbleweed Words • 24 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
📚 Literature Poetry Fiction Essays Drama Prose
  1. Love can be both beautiful and risky. It's like catching a falling star but can also hurt like a knife.
  2. Acceptance is a big part of love. Sometimes it means dealing with difficult feelings and waiting for something that may never come.
  3. Love is also shown in little moments, like unexpected kisses, and even in the stubbornness over who is right or wrong.

Japanese Death Poems

Secretum Secretorum • 1742 implied HN points • 18 Jan 25
📚 Literature Poetry Philosophy Cultural Studies
  1. In Japan, there is a long tradition of writing 'death poems' called jisei, especially among Zen monks. These poems express their thoughts and feelings about dying in their last moments.
  2. These poems often reflect deep insights about life and death, showing a peaceful acceptance of mortality. They convey emotions and wisdom that can inspire others.
  3. Each poet's final words can reveal their personal journeys and beliefs, highlighting a connection to nature, existence, and the essence of life that resonates across cultures.

Substack Reads: Beatrix Potter’s notes, and the dark side to high-growth business

read • 8294 implied HN points • 15 Apr 23
📚 Literature Memoir Poetry Artificial Intelligence
  1. Beatrix Potter's fascination with mushrooms led to groundbreaking scientific discoveries.
  2. The relationship between European countries and their food reputation is complex and tied to historical influences.
  3. Poetry can be deeply inspired by personal stories and historical events, leading to powerful expressions of emotions and experiences.

a brief history of poetry | poem

Tumbleweed Words • 38 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
📚 Literature Poetry Prose Essays Drama Criticism
  1. Poetry has a long and complicated history with many famous poets facing struggles in their lives. They often dealt with personal issues, fame, or political problems that affected their work.
  2. Some poets achieve great recognition and success, while others remain unknown but still create meaningful art. The value of poetry isn't always tied to fame.
  3. The experiences of poets can help connect with deeper feelings in people. Those who feel abandoned or outcast often have powerful insights that shine through in their writing.

Describe a Mind, Running

Story Club with George Saunders • 72 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
📚 Literature Fiction Non-fiction Poetry Writing Reading
  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.

Context Collapse is a very bad poem.

The Common Reader • 2657 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
📚 Literature Poetry Criticism Modernism Literary theory Historical context
  1. The poem _Context Collapse_ lacks real poetic qualities, reading more like flat prose than verse. It doesn't have rhythm or flow, making it hard to see it as true poetry.
  2. Many lines in the poem are filled with clichés and tired phrases, which stifle creativity. The use of overly familiar language takes away from any potential wit or originality.
  3. The poem seems to take itself too seriously despite claiming to be a 'mock-academic' work. It ends up being more of a pastiche than a clever commentary.

The rareness of good readers?

The Common Reader • 2197 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24
📚 Literature Fiction Non-fiction Poetry Literary Criticism Memoir
  1. Good readers are very rare, just like good writers. It's hard to find people who truly understand and appreciate a book.
  2. Writers often believe their good writing will attract good readers, but that's not always the case. Many times, books end up in the hands of readers who may not grasp their true value.
  3. Sometimes, writers who aren't very good can become famous because their work is misunderstood in a way that people interpret as greatness.

⤴✊ The techno-optimism of a 1970s Black Power activist and poet

Faster, Please! • 456 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Activism Poetry History Society
  1. Nikki Giovanni was a prominent poet and activist known for her strong views on race and social justice. She wrote about significant issues such as politics and love with a unique voice.
  2. Her work was influenced by the Civil Rights and Black Power movements, making her a key figure in the Black Arts Movement. This helped her gain recognition as the 'Poet of the Black Revolution.'
  3. Giovanni's perspective encouraged a sense of optimism and hope in the 1970s, contrasting with some of today's social justice narratives which may feel more negative.

Winter traditions

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie • 4652 implied HN points • 02 Dec 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Spiritual Practice Poetry
  1. The author celebrates Winter Solstice more than Christmas or New Year, finding meaning in its connection to nature and the shifting seasons.
  2. The author emphasizes taking breaks to reflect and connect with oneself, especially during the festive season, for personal growth and clarity.
  3. The author offers special subscriber discounts for courses and subscriptions, encouraging engagement with their content on living meaningfully and exploring folklore.

Shakespeare's stirring world.

The Common Reader • 1204 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
📚 Literature Drama Poetry Shakespeare Critique History
  1. The plays in Shakespeare's Henry VI trilogy are often seen as dull and filled with excessive speeches that could be shortened.
  2. Characters in these plays rarely show deep self-reflection, which is a hallmark of Shakespeare's more famous works.
  3. Despite some poetic moments, the writing in Henry VI lacks the emotional depth seen in Shakespeare's later plays.

Casting a Wide Net

Story Club with George Saunders • 67 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
📚 Literature Fiction Non-fiction Poetry Essays Literary Criticism
  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.

J.R.R. Tolkien the poet in search of lost time.

The Common Reader • 1736 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
📚 Literature Poetry Books Authors Literary Analysis Cultural Studies
  1. J.R.R. Tolkien's poetry often explores the theme of lost time, reflecting on beauty and grief during the First World War.
  2. Despite being a poet with unique style, Tolkien's work shows connections to his contemporaries and the literary trends of his time.
  3. The recent collection of his poems is a valuable insight into his development as a writer and offers interesting historical context.

Words of love

Austin Kleon • 2537 implied HN points • 13 Feb 24
📚 Literature Poetry Quotes Essays Love
  1. Love can be seen as an ongoing action, like making bread. It's something we need to keep nurturing and renewing over time.
  2. Our connections with others transform us. The people we love shape who we are and who we become.
  3. Each person's experience of love is unique. No two loves are the same, so comparing them doesn't really make sense.

Bored in an exam

Obvious Bicycle • 526 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
📚 Literature Poetry Writing Education Creativity Expression
  1. Students often feel bored during exams and sometimes struggle to stay focused. It's common for thoughts to wander and distractions to creep in.
  2. There's a mutual understanding between teachers and students about the exam stress, but it can feel awkward when everyone knows it.
  3. Many students wish they had studied more before the exam, realizing too late that they haven't prepared properly. This leads to a cycle of regret during the test.

big fight with the girlfriend over nothing really | poem

Tumbleweed Words • 28 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
📚 Literature Poetry Fiction Prose Narrative Creative Writing
  1. Sometimes fights can happen over small things that don't really matter. It's important to recognize when that happens.
  2. Words can hurt, and sometimes it's better to keep them to ourselves to avoid misunderstandings in relationships.
  3. Love can be unpredictable and requires balance; it's a give-and-take that can easily tip in the wrong direction.

For my Subscribers

Patti Smith • 2299 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
📚 Literature Visual Arts Poetry
  1. The post titled 'The New Jerusalem' by Patti Smith is for paid subscribers only, indicating exclusive content for a specific audience.
  2. The post delves into deep philosophical or spiritual themes, referencing biblical verses and provoking thought on the nature of time and existence.
  3. The content presented appears to be rich in imagery and poetry, inviting readers to explore complex concepts within the author's perspective.

Learning to love. How the poet Dana Gioia discovered his vocation through music.

The Common Reader • 1701 implied HN points • 24 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Music Poetry Art
  1. Dana Gioia discovered his love for poetry while being exposed to opera. He found that experiencing opera deeply influenced his understanding of music and poetry.
  2. His time in Vienna showed him the value of spontaneity. He went there to study music but ended up realizing he wanted to be a poet instead.
  3. The experience taught him that sometimes things don’t go as planned, but unexpected gifts can lead to new passions, like how losing relationships led him to find inspiration in the arts.

does this happen to you, too? | poem

Tumbleweed Words • 31 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
📚 Literature Poetry Fiction Essays Creative Writing Narrative
  1. The poem reflects on the comfort and familiarity of home, highlighting quiet moments and soft spaces. It captures how simple things, like a warm blanket or a dog, bring solace after a long day.
  2. Themes of loneliness and the search for deeper connections are present. There is an emptiness felt during late hours, hinting at a desire for something more meaningful than just watching news.
  3. The use of imagery, like 'plum drunk on cheap wine', evokes a sense of relaxation but also highlights a yearning for greater fulfillment in life. It suggests that sometimes we seek comfort but still feel unfulfilled.

Sharon Olds's huge archive of thinking and feeling

Subtle Maneuvers • 3321 implied HN points • 27 Nov 23
📚 Literature Poetry Writing process Authors Creativity
  1. Sharon Olds writes by hand and fills notebooks with writing as a way to think and feel through the world.
  2. Olds organizes her writing and creates a huge archive of thinking and feeling, even if not all of it gets published.
  3. Having fun with writing, treating it like drawing or dancing, can be an important part of the creative process.

Afterimages of the eclipse

Austin Kleon • 3916 implied HN points • 20 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Music Poetry Media
  1. Poetry can really help us through tough times, and Louise Glück's work is a great place to start if you're looking for comfort in words.
  2. When creating art, it’s best to just focus on the process and forget about success or failure for a while.
  3. Listening to music can inspire creativity, just like how Carla Bley started her journey in music by being an attentive listener.

The Ring of Fire

Cosmographia • 1697 implied HN points • 25 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Art Poetry Literature Photography Cartography
  1. The post is titled 'The Ring of Fire' and is part of the Atlas' Notebook series on Cosmographia, focusing on art, poetry, literature, cartography, and photography related to a specific place.
  2. The post is for paid subscribers only, indicating exclusive content for those who have subscribed.
  3. The author of the post is M. E. Rothwell, and it was published on February 25, 2024, with a link to their profile for further exploration.

a message of hope | must reads

Tumbleweed Words • 14 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
📚 Literature Poetry Essays Commentary Reviews Creative Writing
  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.

Edinburgh

Cosmographia • 2036 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Literature Poetry Photography Cartography
  1. The post is part of the Atlas' Notes series on Cosmographia, focusing on art, poetry, literature, cartography, and photography centered around a specific place like Edinburgh.
  2. To access the full content of this post, you need to be a paid subscriber to Cosmographia.
  3. The post by M.E. Rothwell was published on January 25, 2024, and includes a rich blend of creative elements related to Edinburgh.

Heliopolis

Cosmographia • 1897 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
📚 Literature Art Poetry Literature Cartography Photography
  1. The post is part of the Atlas' Notes series focusing on art, poetry, literature, cartography, and photography centered on a specific place.
  2. The content is for paid subscribers only, with an invitation to subscribe for access to the full post.
  3. The post features M. E. Rothwell and includes a collection of images for engagement with the audience.