The hottest Poetry Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways

How to Make Use of the Books You Don't Read

a newsletter for infovores. • 61 implied HN points • 23 Feb 26

📚 Literature Poetry

Try a quick random-sampling game: pick 10–15 unread books, pick a random starting page for each, and read ten pages from each to sample many books fast.
That short, low-effort sampling often relieves buyer’s remorse and makes it easy to decide what to keep, toss, or replace with modern tools like ChatGPT.
Stripping away context and embracing serendipity reveals unexpected value because marketing or framing can hide good parts, and you don’t always know where you’ll find what you need.

Two Prose Poems

Dada Drummer Almanach • 67 implied HN points • 17 Feb 26

📚 Literature Poetry

Sudden, unexplained changes push people to adapt in practical ways, and those adaptations can form new, self-managed social systems that feel like a single body. Often the shift is so smooth that most people don’t even notice a revolution has happened.
Creative expression gets driven underground by social disapproval, and trying to record or formalize spontaneous art often makes it self-conscious and less authentic.
Everyday acts of sharing—swapping work, playing games together, and eating communal food—create real bonds and joyful authenticity that rebuild community and wholeness.

William Butler Yeats (1914): The Magi

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 230 implied HN points • 06 Jan 26

📚 Literature Poetry

People today often feel spiritually unsatisfied because traditional religious promises no longer answer deep questions.
We may have wealth, rituals, and grand symbols, but those outward things fail to give true inner fulfillment, so we remain seekers.
Despite long disappointment and erosion, people keep looking with stubborn hope because the contradictions stay unresolved and the search goes on.

Sharon Olds's huge archive of thinking and feeling

Subtle Maneuvers • 3321 implied HN points • 27 Nov 23

📚 Literature Poetry

Sharon Olds writes by hand and fills notebooks with writing as a way to think and feel through the world.
Olds organizes her writing and creates a huge archive of thinking and feeling, even if not all of it gets published.
Having fun with writing, treating it like drawing or dancing, can be an important part of the creative process.

Rudyard Kipling

David Friedman’s Substack • 314 implied HN points • 29 Dec 25

📚 Literature Poetry

Kipling is a technically impressive, versatile poet who masters dramatic monologues, formal experiments like the sestina, parodies, and vivid metrical storytelling. His craft makes modern metaphors and tight meter stand out.
His politics have been widely misunderstood; many works show nuance and sympathy for non‑European characters and often criticize incompetent or heavy‑handed imperialists rather than claiming racial superiority.
His poems explore big themes—bitter self‑revelation and lifelong devotion, critiques of political violence, the economics and limits of empire and force—using memorable speakers and strong narrative meter.

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This Is Hardcore

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 552 implied HN points • 16 Nov 25

📚 Literature Poetry

The French word for 'fox' is incorrectly thought to be 'renard'; the real word is 'goupil'.
The character Renart from the medieval epic is a classic trickster who harms others for his own gain.
Renart represents pure malice as he focuses entirely on his selfish desires, contrasting with other character types that may pursue different interests.

Afterimages of the eclipse

Austin Kleon • 3916 implied HN points • 20 Oct 23

🎭️ Culture Poetry

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.
When creating art, it’s best to just focus on the process and forget about success or failure for a while.
Listening to music can inspire creativity, just like how Carla Bley started her journey in music by being an attentive listener.

The Iranian Poetry Culture Edition

Why is this interesting? • 1568 implied HN points • 12 Aug 25

🎭️ Culture Poetry

In Iran, poetry isn't just for entertainment; it's a big part of everyday life and shared culture. People memorize it and use it to express deep feelings, making it a form of connection among them.
The challenge of expressing criticism in Iran has made poetry a clever way to communicate complex ideas and emotions. This layered speech lets people share thoughts while also being cautious about what they say.
While the West has many individual cultural references, Iran holds onto a shared poetic language that unites people. This common ground helps them deal with emotions together, unlike in more fragmented societies.

Things Worth Remembering: ‘Life Is Real! Life Is Earnest!’

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2100 implied HN points • 13 Jul 25

📚 Literature Poetry

Poetry used to be a common part of everyday life, offering advice on how to be a good person. It reminded people to take life seriously and find meaning in their experiences.
Many classic poems provide timeless lessons about character, kindness, and resilience. They still resonate today, encouraging us to be our best selves.
While some past poems may reflect troubling themes from their time, the overall message of earnestness and self-improvement remains valuable and relevant.

What is spite?

The Common Reader • 1701 implied HN points • 30 Jul 25

📚 Literature Poetry

Spite is a powerful emotion that drives people to act out of scorn or dislike towards others. It can inspire creativity and productivity, especially in art and literature.
Much of what we do is shaped by personal spite, which reveals our histories and motivations. Even great works of literature often stem from this complex feeling.
The study of spite is intertwined with biography, as understanding a creator's life often uncovers the spiteful influences behind their work.

The Ring of Fire

Cosmographia • 1697 implied HN points • 25 Feb 24

🎨 Art & Illustration Poetry

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.
The post is for paid subscribers only, indicating exclusive content for those who have subscribed.
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.

Millay

David Friedman’s Substack • 179 implied HN points • 19 Jan 26

📚 Literature Poetry

Her poems often speak directly to lovers and are strikingly candid about desire, flirtation, and shifting loyalties.
She argues that love matters deeply but is not enough to meet basic physical needs or save someone from suffering.
She combines tight poetic forms and wit with intellectual themes, celebrating beauty in almost mathematical terms and defiantly refusing to yield to death.

Arnold Bennett's ten step plan for learning to appreciate poetry

The Common Reader • 2055 implied HN points • 29 Jun 25

📚 Literature Poetry

Clear your mind and forget any ideas you have about poetry before you start. This helps you be open to new interpretations.
Read and re-read key texts like Hazlitt’s essays and poems by Wordsworth to get better at understanding and feeling poetry.
Take your time with different styles and forms of poetry. Explore what resonates with you, and don’t be afraid to follow your own interests.

Let us toast to animal pleasures

Letters of Note • 2162 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24

📚 Literature Poetry

Hunter S. Thompson toasts to animal pleasures, escapism, and the good life in a letter from 1958.
Martha Gellhorn values friendship and stands against tyranny in a letter to Betsy Drake from 1983.
E. B. White humorously suggests changing the date of Christmas to simplify American celebrations in a letter from 1984.

Edinburgh

Cosmographia • 2036 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24

🎨 Art & Illustration Poetry

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.
To access the full content of this post, you need to be a paid subscriber to Cosmographia.
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 Poetry

The post is part of the Atlas' Notes series focusing on art, poetry, literature, cartography, and photography centered on a specific place.
The content is for paid subscribers only, with an invitation to subscribe for access to the full post.
The post features M. E. Rothwell and includes a collection of images for engagement with the audience.

Bernadette Mayer will give you ideas

Subtle Maneuvers • 3380 implied HN points • 06 Mar 23

📚 Literature Poetry

Bernadette Mayer provides creative writing ideas and prompts
Writing prompts can be diverse and unconventional to inspire new perspectives
Good ideas for writing are everywhere, it's about bringing the right attitude

Giving it all away

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie • 3215 implied HN points • 02 Sep 23

📚 Literature Poetry

Growing up in a working-class family, Dr. Sharon Blackie defied societal expectations to become a writer.
Writing formula fiction wasn't for Dr. Blackie, who found her authentic voice in crafting scenes with compelling imagery.
Through mentorship, Dr. Sharon Blackie learned the importance of the craft of writing, emphasizing the beauty of language and evoked images.

Lhasa ལྷ་ས

Cosmographia • 1937 implied HN points • 07 Jan 24

🎨 Art & Illustration Poetry

The post is part of a series called Atlas' Notebook, which focuses on art, poetry, literature, cartography, and photography related to a specific place. This particular post is centered on Lhasa.
The content is for paid subscribers only, indicating exclusive access to detailed and curated information about Lhasa and other related topics.
Readers are encouraged to subscribe to Cosmographia to access the full content and enjoy other similar posts in the future.

Tracy Chapman and Constantine Cavafy: A Song, A Poem and The Dream of Elsewhere

Unmapped Storylands with Elif Shafak • 1726 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24

🎨 Art & Illustration Poetry

Constantine Cavafy's poetry explores themes of 'belonging,' 'roots,' and 'home', challenging the idea of leaving for 'elsewhere'.
Tracy Chapman's song 'Fast Car' embodies optimism and compassion, reflecting her personal journey and struggles.
Both artists, despite coming from different backgrounds, share a common thread of being 'outsiders' in their own ways and using art to convey universal emotions.

Things Worth Remembering: The Poem I Read to My Daughter

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1891 implied HN points • 15 Jun 25

📚 Literature Poetry

Reading poetry can create special memories between parents and children. It's a nice way to bond and share moments together.
Shel Silverstein's poetry may seem old-fashioned, but it still resonates with kids today. It's timeless and enjoyable for new generations.
Scent and sound can help us remember happy moments from our childhood. Little details like smells or music from home can bring back fond memories.

Coriolanus book club

The Common Reader • 389 implied HN points • 16 Nov 25

📚 Literature Poetry

The book club will be discussing the play Coriolanus on Sunday at a specific time for UK and Eastern attendees.
Attendance is now open to everyone without a fee, so subscriptions can be canceled if archive access is not needed.
Participants are encouraged to share their opinions on the play and any experiences with its productions.

sunday dreampool

bad cattitude • 81 implied HN points • 25 Jan 26

📚 Literature Poetry

The post is a short, poetic reflection that suggests inspiration and wisdom can appear unexpectedly.
It’s a paid, subscriber-only piece, so you requires subscribing or signing in to read the full content.
The title and the dedication (“for the penguin”) give it a playful, personal weekend-vibe tone.

Eastern European Cartoons

The Lifeboat • 298 implied HN points • 02 Dec 25

⚔ Fiction Poetry

The Lyrical I feels trapped and disconnected from the world, experiencing a physical and emotional paralysis that prevents him from expressing his desires and identity.
Desire is a central theme, as the protagonist yearns for connection, understanding, and to break free from a state of sand-like existence.
The narrative explores complex relationships and the idea of artistic creation, highlighting how personal connections can influence and shape our identities.

Things Worth Remembering: A Chinese Poem on a Greyhound Bus

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1187 implied HN points • 10 Aug 25

🎭️ Culture Poetry

Traveling can be tough, especially on long bus rides, but it offers a unique view of the country. Seeing the landscape change outside can make the journey more enjoyable.
Memories and poetry can provide comfort during tough times. Having something meaningful in your mind can be a source of support when needed.
Life's challenges can be tough, but there’s a desire for change and better living conditions. Sometimes, getting away is necessary to find some peace and stability.

Louise Glück on writer's block

Subtle Maneuvers • 2673 implied HN points • 16 Oct 23

📚 Literature Poetry

Louise Glück believes that endurance is key to creating good work.
The writing process involves yearning, failing, and living in your incapacity.
Sometimes it's important to let go of work that doesn't feel right and start anew.

"Silence for Gaza," by Mahmoud Darwish

Pen>Sword • 1737 implied HN points • 30 Dec 23

📚 Literature Poetry

Gaza's resistance is deeply rooted and not for show; it is about survival and dignity, not media attention.
The essence of Gaza lies in its relentless resistance despite hardships, symbolizing a powerful and unwavering spirit.
Mahmoud Darwish's depiction of Gaza highlights its unique value, strength, and significance to its people and the world.

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

Marcus on AI • 4466 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24

🕹 Technology Poetry

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.
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.
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.

Tlaxcala

Cosmographia • 1497 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24

🎨 Art & Illustration Poetry

The post is part of the Atlas' Notes series on cosmographia.substack.com, focusing on art, poetry, literature, cartography, and photography centered around a specific place.
Access to the full post is reserved for paid subscribers.
The post by M. E. Rothwell on Tlaxcala was published on Jan 16, 2024.

My Other Favorite Poets

David Friedman’s Substack • 80 implied HN points • 31 Jan 26

📚 Literature Poetry

A wide range of poets is recommended, from religious modernists and lyricists to narrative and folk versifiers, showing appreciation for many eras and styles.
Specific poems are singled out to illustrate each poet's strengths—Hopkins for inventive, intense language; Dylan Thomas for fiery villanelle passion; Yeats for lyrical reflection; Housman for dark elegy; and Service and Banjo Patterson for storytelling and popular verse.
The selections serve as a practical reading guide, pointing readers to poems that showcase different forms, tones, and techniques worth exploring.

Complicit Poetry

Opaque Hourglass • 399 implied HN points • 26 May 24

🎨 Art & Illustration Poetry

Poetry can challenge traditional notions by embracing superficiality and self-absorption.
Exploring systemic evils in poetry can lead to unique and transparent expressions of societal behaviors.
The concept of 'complicit poetry' questions the role of the poet in perpetuating materialism and individualism.

Poe's Sci-Fi; Lord Byron and the Luddites; Visconti's ‘Conversation Piece’

Unpopular Front • 32 implied HN points • 09 Feb 26

📚 Literature Poetry

Edgar Allan Poe's stories fuse gothic imagination with pseudo‑scientific ideas, turning science into a source of both wonder and dread.
That old ambivalence—being fascinated by science while fearing its consequences—helps explain modern anxieties about AI, including the spread of hoaxes and 'ghosts in the machine'.
There is a political angle: many working‑class voters are hostile to AI, and tech's shift toward military projects creates an opening for a left populist critique linking Silicon Valley to broken political promises.

The Old Woman Who Hexed Summer

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie • 2296 implied HN points • 05 Aug 23

🎭️ Culture Poetry

The author reflects on the joy of home nesting, finding comfort in familiar objects and creating enchantment through personal belongings.
The newsletter introduces upcoming storytelling events exploring mythic stories to inspire and provide insight during difficult times.
Book recommendations and poems are shared to encourage reflection and exploration of British folklore and the magic within everyday routines.

Professional human loser

Austin Kleon • 3816 implied HN points • 05 May 23

🎭️ Culture Poetry

Embracing the idea of being okay with failure can lead to a more fulfilling outlook on life. It's all about learning and growing, even when things don't go as planned.
Creative expression, like making blackout poems, can be therapeutic and inspiring. It's important to find joy in the creative process regardless of others' opinions.
Sharing your work can help you connect with others and build an audience. Don't be afraid to put your creativity out there and see where it leads.

Things Worth Remembering: ‘Endurance Comes Only from Enduring’

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1270 implied HN points • 29 Jun 25

🎭️ Culture Poetry

Czesław Miłosz was a famous Polish poet who moved to California, finding both beauty and alienation in his new home. His letters show how he felt amazed and conflicted about the landscape and culture around him.
He lived in California longer than he did anywhere else, making it a special and significant place in his life. It became a refuge for him after experiencing two world wars and the Holocaust.
Miłosz was recognized for his bravery during the Holocaust, as he helped save Jewish lives. This history deeply influenced his poetry and life as a whole.

Uncurated: The Case for a New Term of Art

Lit Mag News Roundup • 2201 implied HN points • 16 Mar 23

📚 Literature Poetry

Literary publication is changing in the digital age, making the term 'previously published' obsolete.
Editors and publishers should focus on curation rather than traditional publication in the modern era.
A new term 'uncurated' is proposed to replace 'unpublished' to better reflect the current literary landscape.

Frozen Spit

Opaque Hourglass • 339 implied HN points • 02 Jun 24

📚 Literature Poetry

The post talks about a science-fiction revenge poem titled 'Frozen Spit'.
It suggests a unique form of revenge for low-wage technicians in cryogenic facilities to spit on a client before they're frozen, creating a future inconvenience for the wealthy client when they wake up after 500 years.
The idea is to leave a lasting impact on those who have outlived you due to their wealth or status.

Gnomic Utterances

Opaque Hourglass • 519 implied HN points • 28 Apr 24

📚 Literature Poetry

Wisdom may come from unexpected places like the Swamps of Sadness.
Love is described as a waveform - continuously changing and evolving.
Certain truths may not require formal education to understand, like the value of experience and relationships.

Aenean Age or American Eschaton?

Contemplations on the Tree of Woe • 3031 implied HN points • 28 Dec 24

📚 Literature Poetry

Struggles can lead to new beginnings. Just like in ancient stories, facing hard times can give way to rebirth and new civilizations.
Accepting failure without trying isn't the best choice. It's better to strive for a better future, even if it seems tough.
Innovation can help us overcome challenges. Finding new ways, like using different materials, could lead to building a stronger society.

County Galway

Cosmographia • 2096 implied HN points • 23 Aug 23

🏝 Travel Poetry

The post is part of the Atlas' Notebook series on Cosmographia, focusing on art, poetry, literature, cartography, and photography centered on a specific location like County Galway.
The content seems to be exclusive for paid subscribers, with options available for subscription or for existing paid subscribers to sign in.
The post also includes engaging visuals, such as images, that enhance the storytelling and overall experience for the readers.