The hottest Poetry Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Literature Topics

The Heteronym Edition

Why is this interesting? • 904 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
📚 Literature Fiction Non-fiction Poetry Essays Authors
  1. Heteronyms are creative identities that authors use to express different voices, separate from their real selves. This can add depth and variety to literature, allowing for unique perspectives.
  2. Augusto Monterroso created a fictional translator named Eduardo Torres, who never existed, to showcase the art of heteronyms. He used this persona to publish works that read like they were from a real author.
  3. The concept of heteronyms reminds us that everyone has different sides to their personality. As we grow, we create versions of ourselves that reflect our changes over time.

Resolutions

Soaring Twenties • 208 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Essays Literature Fiction Poetry Self-help
  1. Enjoy the process of learning and creating. Taking your time and being organized can make the experience much more fulfilling.
  2. It's important to set personal resolutions that truly matter to you, instead of following trends or what others expect.
  3. Reading can be a meaningful activity, especially when done mindfully, allowing you to savor each piece and reflect on it.

a poet cliché | poem

Tumbleweed Words • 35 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25
📚 Literature Poetry Fiction Essays Drama Prose
  1. Poets often deal with deep emotions like heartache and despair in their work. This pain can inspire them to create profound art.
  2. The solitary life of a poet can come with sacrifices, like neglecting their appearance and personal comfort. They may look disheveled but their creativity shines through.
  3. Being a poet means facing loneliness and working through tough feelings. This struggle is often what makes their writing relatable and impactful.
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The Heart of Christmas

The Commonplace • 544 implied HN points • 25 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Faith Tradition Poetry Art
  1. Christmas is more than decorations and gifts; it's about a deeper feeling of gratitude and love.
  2. Songs and celebrations are fun, but they don't capture the true essence of Christmas.
  3. The magic of Christmas lies in quiet moments of hope and connection, especially in the spirit of the holy child's promise.

Letters mingle souls

Austin Kleon • 4975 implied HN points • 29 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Art Music Media Poetry
  1. Letters can connect us deeply, allowing friends to communicate and share thoughts even when they're apart.
  2. Many scientists still prefer using chalk on blackboards because it offers a tactile and visual way to think and communicate ideas.
  3. Reading magazines from cover to cover can provide enriching conversations and unexpected insights, especially about creative relationships.

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.

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.

To All This Fuckery

The Lifeboat • 195 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
📚 Literature Fiction Poetry Narrative Prose Short Stories
  1. The story explores deep thoughts and feelings about beauty and life's complexities. The main character feels disconnected while everyone else interacts, highlighting a struggle to feel present.
  2. Friendship and shared moments are shown to be important. The gathering at the dacha is cozy and enjoyable, even while the protagonist remains skeptical of their friendships.
  3. Drinking alcohol is a new experience for the protagonist, leading to thoughts about identity and control. She reflects on her life, her dreams of escape, and how these moments shape her perspective.

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.

⤴✊ 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.

Seashells

The Commonplace • 638 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
📚 Literature Poetry Prose Fiction Essays Writing
  1. Seashells are treasures found on the beach, reminding us of nature's beauty. They come in many shapes and forms, each with its own story.
  2. As children, we are curious and eager to learn about sea creatures like crabs and mollusks. This curiosity helps us connect with the world around us.
  3. Seashells symbolize the passage of time, being both temporary and eternal. They represent memories that change with the seasons but are always present in our lives.

Telling the Bees

The Abbey of Misrule • 280 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
📚 Literature Poetry Fiction Non-fiction Essays Mythology
  1. Domnoc, a sixth-century figure, had a special bond with bees, often feeling more connected to them than to people. This highlights a deep connection to nature.
  2. He was seen as a different kind of person, wandering and dreaming, suggesting that he didn’t feel entirely at home in the human world. This idea resonates with many who feel out of place in society.
  3. The notion that humans come from somewhere else and are on a journey back can inspire feelings of longing and purpose. It reminds us to reflect on our deeper connections and origins.

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.

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.

Letter to Refaat Alareer

The Chris Hedges Report • 302 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
📚 Literature Poetry Writing Human Rights Censorship Conflict
  1. Poetry can hold immense power, serving as a way to express emotions like hope, loss, and resistance against oppression. It connects people and keeps their stories alive.
  2. Many individuals, including students, journalists, and academics, are facing serious consequences, such as losing jobs or being silenced, for speaking out against injustice and violence.
  3. Remembering the stories of those who have suffered, like Palestinian poet Refaat Alareer, is crucial. Their voices continue to resonate and challenge the narrative imposed by oppressive forces.

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.

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.

Bun. Chapter Ten: The Language Burrow

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 483 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
📚 Literature Fiction Poetry Narrative Essay Theater
  1. Reading is changing a lot. It feels more like playing a game where people want quick and clear information instead of deeper engagement with texts.
  2. People are becoming less patient with complex writing and instead prefer simple language that matches their existing beliefs.
  3. Even in difficult times, like illness, there's a return to moments of joy and beauty in everyday life, reminding us of human connection and the cycle of nature.