The hottest Poetry Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Literature Topics

Writing What You Can't Say

Desk Notes by Charles Schifano β€’ 60 implied HN points β€’ 01 Nov 24
πŸ“š Literature Writing Poetry Fiction Non-fiction Criticism
  1. Listening to how you speak can help improve your writing. Pay attention to moments when you hesitate or struggle to find the right words; this is where your best ideas can emerge.
  2. The search for the right word can be difficult, but it's a valuable process for a writer. Those tricky moments highlight what you really want to express and push you to find better ways to describe it.
  3. Saying what you feel but can't easily put into words is a key part of writing. Embracing confusion and uncertainty can actually lead to more compelling stories and ideas.

The Olympian

The Recovering Academic β€’ 415 implied HN points β€’ 03 Nov 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Poetry
  1. The post shares a poem titled 'The Olympian' dedicated to Simone Biles.
  2. The poem vividly describes Biles' movements during a vault performance.
  3. The poem reflects on the idea of legacy and inspiring future generations in the world of sports.

What I read in 2024

Get Down and Shruti β€’ 12 implied HN points β€’ 01 Jan 25
πŸ“š Literature Reading Lists Book Reviews Classic literature Poetry Identity
  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.

What is English meter?

The Common Reader β€’ 389 implied HN points β€’ 15 Mar 24
πŸ“š Literature Poetry
  1. Traditional concepts of metrical feet like iambs and trochees may not fully capture the complexity of English meter in poetry.
  2. Defining meter in English poetry, especially iambic pentameter, involves understanding the varying degrees of stress in syllables and challenging traditional rules.
  3. While exceptions exist, the majority of English poetry adheres to metrical patterns, showcasing the importance of common sense in analyzing poetic meter.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Poetry at Midlife

The Reclamation Era β€’ 119 implied HN points β€’ 15 Apr 24
πŸ“š Literature Poetry Memoir Creative Writing Personal Reflection Midlife
  1. Midlife can feel like a second adolescence where people reflect on their lives and embrace creativity. It's a time for exploring new ideas and breaking away from old patterns.
  2. Women at midlife have a chance to reinvent themselves by sharing their unique voices and experiences. It's important to stop editing ourselves and create freely.
  3. Acknowledging personal power can help in navigating life changes. Instead of feeling trapped, we should recognize our ability to create our own paths and find freedom.

Romeo & Juliet :: Adam & Eve

Kvetch β€’ 36 implied HN points β€’ 24 Nov 24
πŸ“š Literature Classics Poetry Drama Analysis Themes
  1. Both Romeo and Juliet and Adam and Eve reflect the theme of tragic love, where love leads to rebellion and ultimately to their demise. Their stories show how intense love can bring both joy and sorrow.
  2. Adam and Juliet demonstrate agency, as they each make choices that have significant impacts. Eve's decision to share the forbidden fruit with Adam shows her desire for unity, while Juliet's willingness to forsake her identity for love shows her strength.
  3. The stories of Adam and Eve and Romeo and Juliet are intertwined through themes of innocence, beauty, and the consequences of disobedience. Both couples experience a loss of innocence that leads to tragic outcomes.

Tetris Sequence

Opaque Hourglass β€’ 359 implied HN points β€’ 06 Nov 23
πŸ“š Literature Poetry Prose Imagery Themes Symbolism
  1. Life can be compared to Tetris and Jenga, with the first half as Tetris and the second as Jenga, emphasizing different stages.
  2. The text offers deep, poetic imagery related to Tetris, blending themes of nostalgia, surrealism, and existential reflection.
  3. By reflecting on the falling objects in Tetris, the text explores themes of acceptance, interconnectedness, and the inevitability of change and endings.

Piss Man

Into the Hedge β€’ 119 implied HN points β€’ 09 Apr 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Poetry Nature Photography
  1. The author discovered a connection between relieving themselves outside and growing a robust tuft of greenery.
  2. The post also discusses farm updates like the hatching of geese, chickens transitioning to pasture, and the story of a chicken named Holy Shit that came back from the dead.
  3. There's a poetic element in the post about Piss Man, with a unique story and poem shared by the author.

Sidewalk Romance

The Recovering Academic β€’ 197 implied HN points β€’ 09 Feb 24
πŸ“š Literature Fiction Memoir Poetry
  1. The post shares a poem titled 'Sidewalk Romance' that brings back a memory from the author's past.
  2. The poem is a way for the author to show appreciation to their paying subscribers who support their work.
  3. The author expresses excitement for spring's arrival and the blooming lilac bushes in their new place.

Macau

Cosmographia β€’ 399 implied HN points β€’ 06 Jun 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Visual Arts Literature Photography Poetry Cartography
  1. The post is part of the Atlas' Notes series on Cosmographia, focusing on art, poetry, literature, cartography, and photography centered on a specific place.
  2. The content is for paid subscribers only, indicating exclusive access to detailed and curated material.
  3. The post promotes the full map of Cosmographia, encouraging engagement, subscriptions, and sign-ins for existing paid subscribers.

All your gift giving problems solved

The Shift With Sam Baker β€’ 279 implied HN points β€’ 14 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Gift Giving Books Short Stories Poetry
  1. Consider gifting a meaty detective novel or a thrilling read to the granddad or dad in your life who loves sport and action movies.
  2. For the busy reader who struggles to find time for books, opt for short stories, essays, or poetry collections that can be easily read in short bursts.
  3. Short stories and poetry are becoming popular choices as gifts due to time constraints and attention span challenges.

Box #3

What Is Called Thinking? β€’ 24 implied HN points β€’ 06 Dec 24
πŸ“š Literature Philosophy Poetry Academic writing Cultural Commentary
  1. Many students at top colleges struggle to read whole books, which raises questions about education standards. This seems surprising since getting into these schools is harder than ever.
  2. Happiness often comes from focusing on relationships instead of chasing it directly. Helping others and being there for them can lead to your own happiness.
  3. Understanding complex topics, like philosophy or ethics, requires deep thinking over many years. The journey can be challenging, but it offers a chance to make insightful contributions.

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.

One! Hundred! Thousand!

Austin Kleon β€’ 1858 implied HN points β€’ 08 Apr 22
🎭️ Culture Literature Art Music Poetry Media
  1. It's important to create a newsletter that you enjoy and would want to read yourself. Having a clear format helps keep things organized.
  2. Libraries can thrive without late fees or staff, as people often return items when given the chance. It's great to see how this positively impacts communities.
  3. April is a month to celebrate poetry and autism awareness. There are fun ways to engage with both, like sharing poems or learning more about autism through recommended readings.

the thought that spills out | poem

Tumbleweed Words β€’ 42 implied HN points β€’ 12 Nov 24
πŸ“š Literature Poetry Fiction Non-fiction Essays Prose
  1. Poetry can give you confidence during tough moments, helping you communicate feelings you've been avoiding. It's like a comforting drink that encourages honest conversations.
  2. Emotional experiences can lead to tears, which poetry captures beautifully, showing how feelings can overwhelm us like an avalanche. It reminds us that emotions are powerful and can take control of our lives.
  3. Poetry often reflects the struggles we face, like long journeys in search of relief. It illustrates the challenges and the growth that comes from facing pain and searching for peace.

Grand Spaces ~ Spanned Graces

Opaque Hourglass β€’ 219 implied HN points β€’ 14 Jan 24
πŸ“š Literature Poetry Artistry Creativity Expression
  1. Spoonerisms, like rhyming transpositions, are considered a low form of literary art, creating an illusion of meaning through coincidental sounds.
  2. The poem consists of numerous spoonerisms arranged in a creative manner, showcasing the fun and playful aspect of wordplay.
  3. The text explores various themes and concepts through the use of spoonerisms, demonstrating the versatility of this linguistic technique.

My 8 y/o self wrote a poetry collection (part II)

if not, Paris β€’ 373 implied HN points β€’ 05 Jul 23
πŸ“š Literature Poetry Personal Growth Youth Nostalgia
  1. The author reflects on poems written at 8 years old and provides a response from their 35-year-old self.
  2. The poetry collection published from childhood includes funky writing with grammatical errors.
  3. The text explores themes of self-reflection, wisdom, and creativity through a dialogue between the author's past and present selves.

Anna GΓ‘t: What to Read This Weekend #52

interintellect β€’ 176 implied HN points β€’ 10 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Poetry Visual art Music Media
  1. The future of humanism remains a mystery, worth exploring to salvage humane virtues from the chaos of modern history
  2. Diverse perspectives on topics like friendship, violence, cancel culture, and mental health encourage critical thinking and reflection
  3. In the world of AI, art, music, and poetry, innovative approaches and debates spark new insights and appreciation

long breath of winter | poem

Tumbleweed Words β€’ 10 implied HN points β€’ 08 Jan 25
πŸ“š Literature Poetry Fiction Essays Prose Literary Criticism
  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.

undefeated | poem

Tumbleweed Words β€’ 38 implied HN points β€’ 13 Nov 24
πŸ“š Literature Poetry Fiction Essays Short Stories Narrative
  1. True freedom comes from being in uncomfortable places without expectations. It’s about finding yourself in unexpected situations where you learn more about life.
  2. Even when life is tough, there are moments of peace among those who have very little. People keep waking up to face each new day, despite their struggles.
  3. Resilience is key. Despite hardship, some people still feel undefeated because they embrace their experiences, no matter how painful.

It grows | poem

Tumbleweed Words β€’ 21 implied HN points β€’ 12 Dec 24
πŸ“š Literature Poetry Essays Fiction Non-fiction Drama
  1. The poem talks about something that grows strong even without roots. It suggests resilience and strength in being different.
  2. There's a mention of a 'monster' that goes unnoticed but still makes its presence felt. This could mean that some things have a big impact even if they're not seen.
  3. It feels like the poem is encouraging us to accept things that don't fit in, showing that they can have their own importance and meaning.

just like a poet | poem

Tumbleweed Words β€’ 31 implied HN points β€’ 23 Nov 24
πŸ“š Literature Poetry Prose Essays Fiction Non-fiction
  1. Poets often spend a lot of time reflecting alone, which can lead to deep thoughts and memories. It's a journey where they confront their feelings and experiences.
  2. Pain and hurt are significant themes for poets, but they can also serve as motivation to create. This process is about finding meaning amidst the emptiness they sometimes feel.
  3. Despite their struggles, poets continue to write and express themselves. A simple heartbeat is enough reason for them to keep exploring their thoughts and emotions.

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.

Thanksgiving | poem

Tumbleweed Words β€’ 28 implied HN points β€’ 28 Nov 24
πŸ“š Literature Poetry Fiction Prose Essays Narrative
  1. Thanksgiving is a time for gathering and feasting. Families come together to enjoy a meal and share moments.
  2. The poem highlights the beauty of nature and the harvest. It mentions picking fruits and being thankful for the food we have.
  3. There's a reflection on tradition and history. It reminds us of the importance of gratitude for connections to the past and each other.

The Snow Man

Opaque Hourglass β€’ 159 implied HN points β€’ 12 Feb 24
πŸ“š Literature Poetry Writing
  1. The author reflects on a poem written while driving through a snowstorm, contemplating the concept of nothingness in poetry
  2. The poem captures the chaotic and risky act of trying to immortalize art or humor while driving in dangerous conditions
  3. Despite uncertainties about the poem's quality, the author finds validation when a respected poet quotes a line from it in a different context

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.

inside every one is adventure | poem

Tumbleweed Words β€’ 31 implied HN points β€’ 21 Nov 24
πŸ“š Literature Poetry Fiction Essays Prose Creative Writing
  1. Everyone has their own adventures and experiences, even if they haven't traveled far. It's about the journey and what you learn along the way.
  2. Regrets can weigh you down, but they also remind you of your past and the choices you've made. It's important to find warmth and comfort within yourself.
  3. Nature plays a big role in our lives and thoughts. The beauty of trees, stars, and landscapes can inspire us to keep moving forward, despite challenges.

The Paschal Second

Opaque Hourglass β€’ 259 implied HN points β€’ 20 Nov 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Poetry Time
  1. Time is broken down into different seconds, minutes, and hours with unique characteristics and designations.
  2. The concept of the 'king second' and 'paschal second' involve intricate ideas about memory and the passing of time.
  3. The relationship between minutes, hours, and the passage of time is portrayed in a poetic and metaphorical manner.

Fez فاس

Cosmographia β€’ 319 implied HN points β€’ 21 Jun 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Literature Poetry Cartography Photography
  1. The post is part of an Atlas' Notes series on Cosmographia, focusing on art, poetry, literature, cartography, and photography related to a specific place.
  2. The post is for paid subscribers only, with a prompt to subscribe for full access.
  3. The author's work revolves around showcasing various forms of creative expression centered on specific locations.