The hottest Poetry Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Literature Topics

The poetry of the cosmos in two books

The Global Jigsaw β€’ 198 implied HN points β€’ 10 Jan 24
πŸ“š Literature Poetry
  1. 2023 was a year of introspection, focusing on what makes a life well lived and the beauty in the mundane.
  2. The rise of AI prompts questions about what it means to be human, highlighting the significance of emotional experiences and characteristics.
  3. Books by Maria Popova and Ted Chiang fuse science with poetry, exploring the beauty of the cosmos and the blend of rationality and emotionality.

The Eternal Midwit

The Lifeboat β€’ 172 implied HN points β€’ 06 Jun 25
πŸ“š Literature Poetry
  1. Nadezhda Teffi was a popular writer known for her humor and insight, especially in her critiques of society. She gained fame in early 20th century Russia and compared to Chekhov.
  2. The term 'midwit' describes someone who thinks they are smart but lacks true wisdom. They often overanalyze things while missing the bigger picture.
  3. Teffi's writings can help us understand social issues that are still relevant today. Her unique perspective brings humor to serious topics, making them timeless.

The Of of Of

Opaque Hourglass β€’ 259 implied HN points β€’ 22 Oct 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Poetry
  1. Haiku poems emphasize the power of silence and the impact of what is left unsaid.
  2. Writing a haiku requires appreciating the importance of silence and mastering the art of restraint in words.
  3. The difficulty in creating a good haiku lies in the challenge of balancing what is said and what is left unsaid.
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Bun. Chapter Ten: The Language Burrow

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet β€’ 483 implied HN points β€’ 27 Oct 24
πŸ“š Literature Poetry
  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.

The poetry of Steiner systems

A Piece of the Pi: mathematics explained β€’ 42 implied HN points β€’ 14 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Poetry
  1. A Steiner triple system is made up of a set and its unique 3-element subsets, called blocks. Each pair of elements only appears together in one block.
  2. Kirkman's Schoolgirl Problem is about scheduling walks for girls so each pair walks together just once. This problem is an example of how Steiner systems can solve real-life scenarios.
  3. Resolving Steiner systems allows for structured arrangements that can be creatively used, like constructing poetry, where each block represents a line and unique keyword pairs are included in an organized way.

ΰͺœΰͺΎΰͺ£ΰ«ΰͺ‚ ΰͺ›ΰ«ΰͺ‚, ΰͺ›ΰͺ€ΰͺΎΰͺ‚…

Poems, Short stories and other things.. β€’ 14 implied HN points β€’ 09 Jan 26
β›ͺ Faith & Spirituality Poetry
  1. Anxiety makes you avoid stillness, so you keep moving even when sitting would feel peaceful.
  2. You know logically that things will settle on their own if you stay calm, but that knowledge doesn't stop the mind from panicking.
  3. Short bursts of action give temporary relief, yet the restless habit of fleeing keeps pulling you back.

Rubble

Nice Try β€’ 319 implied HN points β€’ 03 Aug 23
πŸ“š Literature Poetry
  1. Love can be chaotic and unpredictable, just like falling for someone who may not be good for you. It's important to embrace the wild moments, even if they come with risks.
  2. Life is about enjoying the small things and finding happiness in unexpected experiences. Sometimes, we just have to let go and live in the moment.
  3. The messiness of life can be humorous and relatable, like dealing with the aftermath of silly events or maintaining connections with people we care about.

Sierra Nevada

Cosmographia β€’ 259 implied HN points β€’ 01 Jun 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Poetry
  1. The post is part of a series called Atlas' Notes, focused on art, poetry, literature, cartography, and photography about a specific place, in this case Sierra Nevada.
  2. Access to the full content and map featured in the post seems to be for paid subscribers only.
  3. The post includes images related to Sierra Nevada and provides links to the author and subscription page.

In roselit memory

Cosmographia β€’ 259 implied HN points β€’ 14 May 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Poetry
  1. The post is titled 'In roselit memory' and includes a vivid description of a scene by the lake.
  2. The content is available for paid subscribers only, with the option to subscribe provided.
  3. The post features original photography of Lake Bunyonyi in Uganda by the author in 2017.

Kindling | 2.14.23

Signal Fire β€’ 255 implied HN points β€’ 14 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Poetry
  1. The author finds Valentine's Day silly but still wants to celebrate it.
  2. The best part of Valentine's Day for the author is candy hearts.
  3. The post offers a 7-day free trial to access the full archives.

The Matchbook | 4.7.23

Signal Fire β€’ 255 implied HN points β€’ 07 Apr 23
πŸ“š Literature Poetry
  1. There are 7 idioms lost to the English language that could make a comeback.
  2. The book adaptation 'The Power' on Amazon Prime is worth watching for its empowering content.
  3. 9 easy life tips can make a big difference in making life a little easier.

An In-Depth Profile of JSR and The Hinternet

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet β€’ 293 implied HN points β€’ 05 Feb 25
πŸ“š Literature Poetry
  1. Justin Smith-Ruiu shares his unique blend of nonfiction and speculative fiction, creating stories that reflect his personal vision. His work is described as vast and deeply engaging, allowing readers to explore surreal narratives.
  2. He emphasizes that the internet can offer a new kind of storytelling, different from traditional forms. He believes writing should match the digital medium's potential, rather than just mimic paper formats.
  3. JSR's journey to creative writing was a personal realization that he needed to pursue his true passions without waiting for others' approval. He values freedom in expression and encourages making things happen on one's own terms.

A New Story

Story Club with George Saunders β€’ 37 implied HN points β€’ 16 Nov 25
πŸ“š Literature Poetry
  1. The story was written by Alexander Pushkin, a famous Russian poet known for his innovative work.
  2. It explores themes related to death and the profession of a coffin maker.
  3. The story is a mix of Pushkin's poetry and fiction, showing his talent in both forms.

The Helicopter Pilot

The Recovering Academic β€’ 237 implied HN points β€’ 01 Sep 23
πŸ“š Literature Poetry
  1. The writing life requires dedication to craft, but publication isn't solely merit-based. Sometimes themes matter more than art in getting noticed.
  2. On platforms like Substack, embracing diverse interests can be more engaging for readers. It's okay to explore various topics instead of sticking to a single niche.
  3. Finding connections between seemingly different subjects is valuable, reflecting the essence of liberal arts. Embracing personal standards can lead to seeing all work as valuable.

Mutiny in the North Woods

The Recovering Academic β€’ 217 implied HN points β€’ 14 Jul 23
πŸ“š Literature Poetry
  1. The story recounts a firefighting crew's experiences in fighting fires in northern Alberta, highlighting the challenges and dynamics within the team.
  2. The crew faces issues of safety, boredom, and discipline, leading to a situation of potential mutiny against their leader.
  3. Ultimately, the crew's misdeeds are brought to light, resulting in a stern reprimand from their Fire Management Officer, showcasing the importance of accountability in high-stakes situations.

calm lunacy

spencer's paradoxes β€’ 216 implied HN points β€’ 07 Aug 23
πŸ“š Literature Poetry
  1. Great ideas require solitude and curiosity in exploring confusion to emerge
  2. Poetry is a practice of living and embracing the madness of seeking human connection
  3. Becoming a poet means courageously holding contradictory emotions and experiences in life

Facing the Abyss

lettersonbeing β€’ 216 implied HN points β€’ 14 May 23
πŸ“š Literature Poetry
  1. The author shares a poem about uncharted territory and exploration.
  2. Consider becoming a paying subscriber to support the Letters on Being publication.
  3. The post also features recommendations like Abigail Ervin Penner's illustrations and a tribute to mothers.

TITAA #40: Post-Creative Creativity

Things I Think Are Awesome β€’ 216 implied HN points β€’ 28 Feb 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Poetry
  1. Conceptual artist Sol Lewitt's wall drawings are executed by others based on his written prompts, highlighting different interpretations of instructions
  2. Poetry translation can lead to varied interpretations of the same text in different languages
  3. Copyright laws and the concept of dual authorship raise questions about originality and authorship in derived works

high on America I poem

Tumbleweed Words β€’ 7 implied HN points β€’ 27 Jan 26
πŸ“š Literature Poetry
  1. The country is shown as intoxicated and self-destructive, chasing highs and chewing through what matters.
  2. Gun rights are framed as a consuming force that takes lives and souls by the barrel, turning protection into violence.
  3. Native values and homes are being uprooted and chopped down amid loud, performative rights and sweeping, destructive forces.

Thirty facts about Romeo and Juliet

The Common Reader β€’ 815 implied HN points β€’ 26 Jan 24
πŸ“š Literature Poetry
  1. The most read pages in the First Folio at the Bodleian library are about Romeo and Juliet's first meeting.
  2. John Milton made extensive notes and markings in his copy of Romeo and Juliet against lyrical passages and lovers' dialogue.
  3. Romeo and Juliet was likely performed at theatres such as The Theatre, The Curtain, and The Globe.

Convalescence

As Ever β€’ 7 implied HN points β€’ 16 Jan 26
πŸ“š Literature Poetry
  1. What looks like constant motion can actually be a kind of stillness; standing still lets the world move around you and bring experiences to you.
  2. People crave a single fixed point or certainty to build life on, but that search can feel futile and make you waste what life offers.
  3. Travel and movement teach and satisfy, but real pleasure and understanding often come from learning to hold still and notice the paths that repeat.

Samarkand

Cosmographia β€’ 259 implied HN points β€’ 21 Feb 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Poetry
  1. The post is part of the 'Atlas' Notes' series, focusing on art, poetry, literature, cartography, and photography about a specific location, like Samarkand.
  2. The content seems to require a paid subscription to access, providing a deeper, exclusive experience for subscribers.
  3. The post showcases a blend of different creative elements centered around a specific place, offering a unique thematic experience for the audience.

Soit Naado Murt

Cosmographia β€’ 199 implied HN points β€’ 09 May 23
πŸ“š Literature Poetry
  1. The post is part of the Atlas' Notes series, which focuses on art, poetry, literature, cartography, and photography centered on a particular place.
  2. The content is only accessible for paid subscribers.
  3. The author, M. E. Rothwell, shares a variety of creative works in this post, such as art, poetry, literature, and photography.

Open thread: Finding balance between extremes

The Recovering Academic β€’ 197 implied HN points β€’ 06 Oct 23
β›ͺ Faith & Spirituality Poetry
  1. Find balance in work by merging personal passion with public good, aiming for a middle ground that sustains you and aligns with your values.
  2. Navigate through the all-or-nothing nature of work pathways, like the overwhelming job application processes, by seeking a balance between extremes in both personal and professional life.
  3. Strive to avoid negotiating work and life as separate entities but integrate them into a harmonious blend, ensuring that your work embodies both private passion and contribution to the greater good.

A rattlesnake poem

The Recovering Academic β€’ 197 implied HN points β€’ 14 Aug 23
πŸ“š Literature Poetry
  1. The process of getting published in literary magazines can be unpredictable, and sometimes personal connections or misunderstandings can play a significant role in acceptance.
  2. As a writer, it's important to have a thick skin and believe in your work even when faced with rejection or differing interpretations of your writing.
  3. Writing, like art, has the power to communicate personal experiences in a way that can resonate with strangers and create a shared connection over time.

Anne Bradstreet: An American Rorschach Test

The Recovering Academic β€’ 197 implied HN points β€’ 02 May 23
πŸ“š Literature Poetry
  1. Anne Bradstreet, the first published American poet, challenges ideological assumptions through her work, requiring readers to reevaluate their preconceptions.
  2. Bradstreet's poems like 'The Author to Her Book' and 'Prologue' showcase her rhetorical mastery and ability to disarm while conveying powerful messages.
  3. In 'The Flesh and the Spirit,' Bradstreet explores internal conflicts and spiritual themes, providing a blend of personal introspection and theological exploration.

Two Pieces of Not Quite Poetry

Bentham's Newsletter β€’ 98 implied HN points β€’ 05 Feb 24
β›ͺ Faith & Spirituality Poetry
  1. A beautiful narrative of a chance encounter in the rain on New Year's Eve
  2. Speculation on God providing glimpses into an indifferent universe without him
  3. A theory of reality that aims to explain the existence of physical stuff, evil, consciousness, laws, and more with beauty and explanatory power

Why Masques And Princes Are Red

Outlandish Claims β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 02 Jul 24
πŸ“š Literature Poetry
  1. Writers like Shakespeare and Poe had unique approaches to crafting their work, whether through adapting plots or utilizing structured methods like Poe's philosophy in writing.
  2. In 'The Tempest,' Prospero's play within the play reflects a self-aware narrative, hinting at the consequences of his actions and unintentional summoning of death.
  3. The number 108 holds significance in Poe's 'The Raven,' aligning with religious symbolism and mirroring the poem's structure, showcasing a mathematical poetic form derived in a deeper connection to spiritual themes.

Letter to Refaat Alareer

The Chris Hedges Report β€’ 302 implied HN points β€’ 10 Dec 24
πŸ“š Literature Poetry
  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.

Review: Michael Robbins on Wild Souls

Book Post β€’ 196 implied HN points β€’ 15 Sep 23
πŸ“š Literature Poetry
  1. Humans have created challenges for other animals by not knowing how to live.
  2. Some popular books may offer simple solutions but lack depth in addressing complex issues.
  3. Marris's book 'Wild Souls' delves into ethical obligations towards nonhuman animals but falls short on exploration.

The Mountains of the Moon

Cosmographia β€’ 259 implied HN points β€’ 10 Feb 23
πŸ“š Literature Poetry
  1. The post discusses 'The Mountains of the Moon', inspired by a quote from Edgar Allan Poe's 'Eldorado'
  2. The content is for paid subscribers only, with an option to subscribe or sign in provided
  3. The use of imagery and quotes adds depth and literary richness to the post

Four Prose Poems

Dada Drummer Almanach β€’ 105 implied HN points β€’ 07 Jul 25
πŸ“š Literature Poetry
  1. The cat feels at home in the night and can relax while reading without worrying about notes. It's a reminder to be comfortable and at ease with our thoughts.
  2. When we look in the mirror, our features may seem odd or untrustworthy, but it's just how we perceive ourselves. Our identity can be complex, and we shouldn’t be quick to judge.
  3. Writing can be unpredictable, much like a criminal's actions. Just because someone creates something once doesn’t mean they will do it again, highlighting the uniqueness of each creative act.

It Takes Years for the Smoke to Clear

The Recovering Academic β€’ 158 implied HN points β€’ 17 Nov 23
πŸ“š Literature 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.

It Was All a Dream! (But What If It Wasn't?)

Story Club with George Saunders β€’ 24 implied HN points β€’ 30 Nov 25
πŸ“š Literature Poetry
  1. Stories ask us to believe in them completely, even if they are just dreams. It's like making a deal with the author to trust the narrative.
  2. When a story ends with 'it was all a dream', it can feel like the author has broken our trust. We invested in the story, and then it wasn't real.
  3. The concept of dreams in stories can make us rethink what reality is, both in fiction and in our own lives.