The hottest Poetry Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Literature Topics

Ceremony

The Recovering Academic β€’ 237 implied HN points β€’ 15 Dec 23
πŸ“š Literature Fiction Memoir Poetry
  1. The author worked as a wilderness ranger and wrote 150 poems during one summer, but kept only a few of them.
  2. The poem 'Ceremony' shared in the post was inspired by the author's time spent in northern Idaho's wilderness.
  3. Readers can access the full post archives and enjoy a 7-day free trial by subscribing to The Recovering Academic.

Blacktail Creek

The Recovering Academic β€’ 356 implied HN points β€’ 27 Oct 23
πŸ“š Literature Poetry
  1. The post shares a hunting poem called Blacktail Creek which portrays a challenging hunting experience in northwestern Montana.
  2. The poem describes a young person's struggle to keep up with their father and his friend in challenging snowy conditions while hunting elk.
  3. The overall tone of the poem evokes themes of perseverance, struggle, and the complex dynamics in a father-child relationship.

a poet cries despair | poem

Tumbleweed Words β€’ 46 implied HN points β€’ 12 Mar 24
πŸ“š 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.
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going home | poem

Tumbleweed Words β€’ 60 implied HN points β€’ 01 Mar 24
πŸ“š Literature Poetry
  1. In the poem, the speaker reflects on their childhood in a village and the changes over time.
  2. The speaker highlights the impact of economic shifts on the community, such as workers moving to cities to find better opportunities.
  3. Despite the changes, the speaker finds solace in returning to their hometown and reconnecting with familiar faces, emphasizing the sense of simplicity and honesty in the place.

A New Widow and Her Orphan

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 15 Mar 24
πŸ“š Literature Poetry Greek mythology Classic literature Narrative analysis Tragedy
  1. Andromache's lament in the Iliad for Hektor showcases the profound grief of a widow and her orphaned child, expressing the devastating impact of loss on families and communities.
  2. Andromache's speeches highlight themes of trauma and projected pain, emphasizing the tragic fate awaiting her son Astyanax as a symbol of lost potential and unfulfilled promise.
  3. The epic portrays the horrors of war through the lens of violence against children like Astyanax, revealing the irrevocable destruction violence brings to cities and the emptiness of glory in the face of irreparable loss.

The Man and his Mountain

Cosmographia β€’ 639 implied HN points β€’ 25 Jun 23
πŸ“š Literature Poetry
  1. The post revolves around a poem titled 'The Man and his Mountain' by M. E. Rothwell.
  2. The content seems to delve into imagery of nature and self-reflection.
  3. Access to the full post is available to paid subscribers only.

fever dream | poem

Tumbleweed Words β€’ 53 implied HN points β€’ 25 Feb 24
πŸ“š 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

Talking to ravens

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie β€’ 1697 implied HN points β€’ 27 Aug 22
β›ͺ Faith & Spirituality Mythology Storytelling Poetry Podcasts Events
  1. The book 'Hagitude: Reimagining the Second Half of Life' by Dr. Sharon Blackie explores the significance of storytelling in shaping our perceptions of aging and elderhood.
  2. The power of myths and stories lies in their ability to help us understand life, dream of a better existence, and inspire personal growth and change.
  3. Dr. Sharon Blackie emphasizes the importance of respecting and valuing older women, highlighting their wisdom, roles, and contributions to community.

The Wintering Sky

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie β€’ 1178 implied HN points β€’ 03 Dec 22
β›ͺ Faith & Spirituality Rituals Mythology Connection Nature Poetry
  1. Winter brings the gift of the night sky, which holds importance and rituals for the author, celebrating the return of darkness and stars.
  2. The author values ceremonies that emerge naturally and mark the rising and setting of the sun during the winter season.
  3. The author shares research on stars possibly being 'minded' entities, emphasizing the importance of celebrating the sky and the cosmos around us.

Three Strategies for Drafting Your Book

The Recovering Academic β€’ 316 implied HN points β€’ 15 Sep 23
πŸ“š Literature Fiction Memoir Poetry
  1. Start with a problem and write toward resolution of it. Embrace the character's struggle and follow it to its conclusion.
  2. Identify the major turning point. Have a transformative moment that changes the narrative direction, building towards that climax.
  3. Map out 'tent pole' scenes. Plan key scenes between the opening and the climax to guide your writing journey.

Richard

Sounds Good! β€’ 78 implied HN points β€’ 23 Jan 24
πŸ“š Literature Poetry Memoir Friendship Youth Social Interactions
  1. The author is working on a new poetry project named 'Richard', with old and new poems in the sequence.
  2. The author reminisces about past experiences and relationships, reflecting on themes of sacrifice, friendship, and personal growth.
  3. There is a focus on storytelling, memories, and personal reflection through a mix of poetry and prose.

Two or Three Sides of Caledonia

Euro Desk Paris β€’ 78 implied HN points β€’ 21 Jan 24
πŸ“š Literature Poetry Enlightenment
  1. Robert Burns, Scotland's national poet, was a complex figure with contradictory elements in his life and work.
  2. Burns was known for his poetry, including love songs and political commentary, while also exploring the rebellious side of working-class life.
  3. To become a national poet, one may need to come from humble beginnings, engage in heavy physical work, have interest in politics, and embrace risky positions.

A Doublet Disposed

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack β€’ 59 implied HN points β€’ 07 Feb 24
πŸ“š Literature Poetry Narrative Analysis Metaphor Comparison
  1. The death of Euphorbus in Homer's Iliad serves to resolve narrative tension and bring order to the story, illustrating how loose ends are handled in epic poetry.
  2. Homeric similes in stories like the Iliad engage with thematic elements, advancing the plot while also providing insight into the tension between the overall narrative and specific details.
  3. The brief life and death of Euphorbus in the Iliad can be seen as a way to resolve a narrative paradox, showcasing how Homer's poetry works within the boundaries of established narrative traditions.

about the one you love | poem

Tumbleweed Words β€’ 35 implied HN points β€’ 03 Mar 24
πŸ“š 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

It Takes Years for the Smoke to Clear

The Recovering Academic β€’ 158 implied HN points β€’ 17 Nov 23
πŸ“š Literature Fiction Memoir Poetry
  1. The post discusses the idea that it takes years for the smoke to clear, implying a sense of waiting for clarity or resolution in certain situations.
  2. The post features a poem titled 'It Takes Years for the Smoke to Clear', suggesting a reflective or contemplative piece of writing.
  3. The post offers a 7-day free trial to subscribe and read more content from The Recovering Academic, possibly indicating a focus on intellectual or academic discussions.

neighbourhood | poem

Tumbleweed Words β€’ 42 implied HN points β€’ 21 Feb 24
πŸ“š 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.

At the Falls

The Recovering Academic β€’ 336 implied HN points β€’ 10 Aug 23
πŸ“š Literature Poetry Fiction
  1. The post shares a poem titled 'At the Falls' about the experience of leaping into a pool below a waterfall and the sensations that follow.
  2. There is an invitation to a book club meeting to discuss a specific book, 'Dear Committee Members' by Julie Schumacher, catering to those interested in academic themes.
  3. The author reflects on a variety of content shared on their platform, including career-related interviews, poems, and book club meetings, showcasing a diverse range of topics.

FrΞ±ction /

Fathom β€’ 117 implied HN points β€’ 10 Dec 23
πŸ“š Literature Poetry Writing Prose Authorship Narrative
  1. The text explores a moment between a parent and child, highlighting the transition from childhood to adulthood.
  2. The child's curiosity and deep questions about life are a central theme.
  3. The concept of fractions is used metaphorically to discuss emotions like heartbreak.

Sowing seeds, delving deep

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie β€’ 938 implied HN points β€’ 29 Oct 22
β›ͺ Faith & Spirituality Personal Growth Belonging Nature Community Building Poetry
  1. The author discusses the significance of deepening and discovering oneself during the dark winter months, drawing parallels to seeds growing underground.
  2. The author shares exciting news about being awarded the Roger Deakin Award for her upcoming book on motherhood and nature, highlighting the impact of maternal influence on belonging.
  3. The author presents opportunities for engaging in conversations around women's experiences in the second half of life through podcasts, memberships, and art, encouraging exploration and connection.

a personal note of truthful expression | must reads

Tumbleweed Words β€’ 70 implied HN points β€’ 17 Jan 24
πŸ“š Literature Non-fiction Biography Poetry Fiction Bookstores
  1. The author reflects on their three years on Substack and the preference for minimal self-sharing on social media.
  2. Reading 'On the Road' at sixteen inspired the author's love for writing and reading, shaping their literary journey.
  3. The author's travels to different places like Paris and America introduced them to various literary figures, fueling their passion for words.