The hottest Poetry Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Literature Topics

Tetris Sequence

Opaque Hourglass β€’ 359 implied HN points β€’ 06 Nov 23
πŸ“š Literature Poetry
  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
  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 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 Poetry
  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.

most read Tumbleweed Words newsletters

Tumbleweed Words β€’ 7 implied HN points β€’ 12 Feb 26
πŸ“š Literature Poetry
  1. A curated selection highlights the most-read poems, stories, and literary pieces across poetry, fiction, and non-fiction from the past five years.
  2. Many pieces explore travel and nomadism, love and loss, memory, and urban working-class life, with settings like Buenos Aires, Glasgow, Berlin, Paris, and London.
  3. Several works have been published internationally and received recognition in anthologies and magazines, and the collection is reader-supported with subscription options.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

All your gift giving problems solved

The Shift With Sam Baker β€’ 279 implied HN points β€’ 14 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture 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.

This Text Doesn't Exist

The Algorithmic Bridge β€’ 233 implied HN points β€’ 24 Jun 25
πŸ“š Literature Poetry
  1. Collaborative writing can bring fresh ideas and perspectives, allowing multiple voices to create a richer story. It's like a group effort where everyone contributes their unique touch.
  2. Using AI in writing can be seen as a helpful tool rather than a threat. AI can assist in overcoming writer’s block and filling gaps in thought processes, making writing more fluid.
  3. All writing is somewhat collaborative since writers are influenced by past works and the ideas of others. No one writes in a vacuum; we all build on what has come before.

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 Poetry
  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 Heart of Christmas

The Commonplace β€’ 544 implied HN points β€’ 25 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Poetry
  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.

5000 Musical Terms

Dada Drummer Almanach β€’ 9 implied HN points β€’ 07 Feb 26
πŸ“š Literature Poetry
  1. Turning thousands of musical terms into a text treats vocabulary itself as a formal experiment, where word lists become poetic material.
  2. Found texts and playful repetition are used to show how repeated statements can start to feel true.
  3. Careful letterpress design and small‑press production frame the project as a crafted art object and connect it to experimental literary circles.

Grand Spaces ~ Spanned Graces

Opaque Hourglass β€’ 219 implied HN points β€’ 14 Jan 24
πŸ“š Literature Poetry
  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
  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.

What I Learned From Mike Esser

As Ever β€’ 5 implied HN points β€’ 08 Feb 26
πŸ“š Literature Poetry
  1. Real skill comes from repetition and hard work. You don't really know how to do something until you can do it twice, and talent often needs to be chiseled by constant practice and disciplined habits.
  2. Treat art seriously and hold yourself to the highest standards. A kind of elitism or hierarchy lets you reach people more deeply and gives your work the structure it needs.
  3. Make room for beauty and vulnerability by taking risks and learning to let go. Letting go is itself a discipline born of steady effort, and you must use your gifts despite wounds or privilege.

Seashells

The Commonplace β€’ 638 implied HN points β€’ 04 Nov 24
πŸ“š Literature Poetry
  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.

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

interintellect β€’ 176 implied HN points β€’ 10 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Poetry
  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

Diary: Ian Frazier, Favorite Book

Book Post β€’ 353 implied HN points β€’ 17 Oct 23
πŸ“š Literature Poetry
  1. True Grit is a beloved book about a quest for justice and faith.
  2. The novel explores complex religious themes like Predestination and Election.
  3. The characters in True Grit reflect the diverse and often rugged nature of frontier America.

A Groundhog Day | Kindling 2.6.24

Signal Fire β€’ 176 implied HN points β€’ 06 Feb 24
πŸ“š Literature Poetry
  1. Groundhog Day with Bill Murray is a movie that both disturbs and inspires.
  2. The idea of reliving the same day repeatedly presents a unique opportunity for self-improvement.
  3. Reflecting on the concept of Groundhog Day can provoke deep thoughts and discussions.

in the midnight hour | poem

Tumbleweed Words β€’ 21 implied HN points β€’ 06 Jan 26
πŸ“š Literature Poetry
  1. Sometimes you need a quiet, even lonely moment to notice that life keeps happening around you.
  2. When the old structures are broken, there’s a push to commit and move forward, even if you don’t yet know where you’re headed.
  3. Let go of pride and time’s constraints, listen to inner desires, and do the things you need for yourself.

Ceremony

The Recovering Academic β€’ 237 implied HN points β€’ 15 Dec 23
πŸ“š Literature 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.

The Snow Man

Opaque Hourglass β€’ 159 implied HN points β€’ 12 Feb 24
πŸ“š Literature Poetry
  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

The standard in poetry is that you have to try to write poetry

Philosophy bear β€’ 185 implied HN points β€’ 06 Jul 25
πŸ“š Literature Poetry
  1. Writing poetry should be encouraged, even if it's not perfect. Everyone can express themselves, and that's important.
  2. There's a worry about what people enjoy in poetry. Not all poetry connects with deeper feelings, and some seems too simple.
  3. Good poetry should strive to break through ordinary language and create a fresh perspective. It's about making the reader see things in a new way.

At the Falls

The Recovering Academic β€’ 336 implied HN points β€’ 10 Aug 23
πŸ“š Literature Poetry
  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.

The Paschal Second

Opaque Hourglass β€’ 259 implied HN points β€’ 20 Nov 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Poetry
  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 Poetry
  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.

Three Strategies for Drafting Your Book

The Recovering Academic β€’ 316 implied HN points β€’ 15 Sep 23
πŸ“š Literature 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.

Ouvert Sur - RΓ©silience

Newsletter Artistique β€’ 314 implied HN points β€’ 24 Sep 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Poetry
  1. The article discusses the resilience of the buxus tree, which has endured attacks in the past.
  2. The author draws parallels between the tree's resilience and the ability to overcome challenges.
  3. The message conveys hope for those going through tough times, emphasizing the potential for renewal and strength.

TITAA #50: Slow Grey Mares Stuck at Exit 8

Things I Think Are Awesome β€’ 196 implied HN points β€’ 31 Dec 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Poetry
  1. The post discusses the Welsh tradition of Mari Lwyd, a skeletal horse pranking people during New Year's Eve.
  2. Mari Lwyd is associated with village mummers in south Wales in the 1800s and is constructed of a horse's skull and a white sheet.
  3. The post also covers various AI art tools, including an AI animation artist called NiceAunties and AI-generated SVG from images.

Typewriter Series #3091

Signal Fire β€’ 275 implied HN points β€’ 02 Nov 23
πŸ“š Literature Poetry
  1. The Typewriter Series #3091 poem is about a unique friend.
  2. Sharing art about someone can help them see new parts of themselves.
  3. Community support is essential for creative content creation.

Bored in an exam

Obvious Bicycle β€’ 526 implied HN points β€’ 14 Nov 24
πŸ“š Literature Poetry
  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.

Global Death Orgy draws near

The Lifeboat β€’ 172 implied HN points β€’ 19 Jun 25
πŸ“š Literature Poetry
  1. Words can have a powerful effect on people. Just saying something can change how others feel or act.
  2. Over time, people can become desensitized to scary or shocking words. What once frightened them can become a joke.
  3. Humans need to connect with real feelings and not just repeat words like parrots. True emotions matter more than just saying what sounds good.

Life And Poetry Of James Clifford

The Lifeboat β€’ 206 implied HN points β€’ 21 May 25
πŸ“š Literature Poetry
  1. James Clifford was an English poet who became famous in the Soviet Union, despite being completely unknown in his own country. His powerful poems resonated with readers in a way that inspired translations and widespread admiration.
  2. Clifford's poetry captured deep truths about life, war, and freedom, which was refreshing for poets like Vladimir Lifshitz, who sought genuine expression in a censored environment. His work often conveyed feelings that many Soviet poets could not express openly.
  3. Despite his tragic death during World War II, Clifford's legacy lived on through Lifshitz's translations, which helped him gain recognition. Over time, he became a literary character in the eyes of some, illustrating the complexities of fame, recognition, and truth in literature.

The long, slow slide

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie β€’ 818 implied HN points β€’ 01 Jul 22
β›ͺ Faith & Spirituality Poetry
  1. The author shares insights on her recent trip to London, the cities vs countryside dynamic, and the concept of urban environments having their own 'dreaming'.
  2. The 'Hagitude' program focuses on exploring vitality, creativity, and vision in the second half of life for women, with a unique mythopoetic approach.
  3. A reading recommendation for the novel 'Sea of Tranquility' by Emily St. John Mandel, offering a story of time travel and parallel worlds.

The Dodgers Jacket

The Recovering Academic β€’ 158 implied HN points β€’ 26 Jan 24
πŸ“š Literature Poetry
  1. The post is about a eulogy for the author's grandfather, focusing on defamiliarization to make the character more memorable.
  2. The author reflects on sharing the eulogy through a virtual service and the importance of highlighting quirks and oddities to make a eulogy effective.
  3. Full members can access the post with a 7-day free trial, showing appreciation for their support.

This Is Paradise

Life and Letters β€’ 59 implied HN points β€’ 13 May 24
πŸ“š Literature Poetry
  1. Infanticide was a common practice in many historical societies when families couldn't care for all their children. It often happened without legal punishment, especially against unwanted infants.
  2. Although Christianity introduced strong taboos against infanticide, it might not have completely stopped the practice. Evidence suggests that infanticide, particularly sex-selective infanticide, still occurred in Europe despite its legal prohibition.
  3. Infanticide impacts literature by influencing themes of abandonment and family dynamics. Many classic stories use these themes to convey deeper truths about society and the struggles people faced.

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

Faster, Please! β€’ 456 implied HN points β€’ 10 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Poetry
  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.