54 Results in the "Non-Fiction" category


    • VERSE: A Contrast Cover
      by LovelyMay A Contrast opens with an invitation to reflect on a closed chapter of life, framed by an old ebony casket filled with tokens from the past. The scene is not dramatic, but deeply personal—inside are weathered letters, a delicate ring, a once-cherished locket, and most tellingly, a small portrait tied with a crimson thread. Each object carries the weight of memory, not merely sentimental, but transformative in what they once meant and what they now represent. The portrait is especially significant,…
    • VERSE:  TRUE OR FALSE Cover
      by LovelyMay In the poem "True or False" from the "Legends and Lyrics--First Series," the narrator poetically explores the multifaceted nature of love, distinguishing between its genuine form and various imitations. Through a series of observations and reflections, the speaker identifies different manifestations of love, emphasizing the rarity and value of its truest form. The poet describes experiences with love that demands, love that seeks pleasure, love that strives for power, and love that idolizes the concept of…
    • VERSE:  TRUE HONOURS Cover
      by LovelyMay In "True Honours," an intimate narrative unfolds as an elderly, blind uncle recounts his life's journey and unfulfilled dreams to his young niece, seeking to instill a lesson of true honor beyond worldly recognition. As a young man, the uncle had ambitious visions of earning distinction through acts of valor, charity, and artistic creation, inspired by his reading of knights and noble quests. However, life's cruel realities, crowned by the loss of his sight, shifted his dreams from personal glory to a more…
    • VERSE:  THE WAYSIDE INN Cover
      by LovelyMay The Wayside Inn, nestled just beyond the village, presented a serene image with its low, white structure embraced by the cool shade of green trees and an adjacent orchard rich with red-cheeked apples peeking over the green fence. This picturesque setting, complete with a well below where children often stopped to draw water, became a haven for weary travelers and footsore wanderers. One could not miss the unique purple Judas Tree among the branches, adding a touch of color to the already vibrant…
    • VERSE:  THE VOICE OF THE WIND Cover
      by LovelyMay In "The Voice of the Wind," a stirring poem from "Legends and Lyrics--First Series," the author invites us to a cozy setting around a fire on a blustery night, only to plunge us into the wind's tempestuous tales. The poem begins with an invitation to stoke the hearth and huddle close, not merely for warmth but to seek solace and unity against the night's unsettling chorus—the wind's relentless howl. This wind, more clamorous than the sea's roar, seems almost sentient, bearing witness to scenes of sorrow…
    • VERSE:  THE TWO SPIRITS (1855) Cover
      by LovelyMay In the serene stillness of the night, under a starless expanse, a moment of ethereal dialogue unfolds between two timeless entities: the Spirit of the Present and the Spirit of the Past. Their conversation, luminous and profound, traverses the noble deeds of humanity. The Spirit of the Past speaks of a legacy etched in iron, where honour cast shadows over graves and the names of heroes shimmered like jewels within the annals of history. To these ancient souls, life without honor was an ignoble existence,…
    • VERSE:  THE SAILOR BOY Cover
      by LovelyMay The chapter, titled "The Sailor Boy," is a poignant tale narrated by a young boy reflecting on his life and the significant influences upon it, despite his tender age of twelve. He begins with aspirations of adventure at sea, possibly rescuing a princess or surviving on a deserted island, fostered by the stories and surroundings of his northern homeland. The boy's life is intricately tied to a grand castle presided over by an Earl and his countess, which stands as a silent sentinel to the legacy and power…
    • VERSE:  THE LESSON OF THE WAR (1855) Cover
      by LovelyMay "Legends and Lyrics--First Series" presents "The Lesson of the War (1855)," a verse that paints a vivid image of England during a time of war. The nation is depicted in a state of collective suspense and unity, irrespective of social class or background, as it awaits news from the Crimean front. The opening lines introduce a feast spread across England, not just for celebration but as a gathering that masks the underlying anxiety and apprehension felt by all. England is personified as a mother, nervously…
    • VERSE:  THE ANGEL’S STORY Cover
      by LovelyMay In a narrative that evokes the spirit of Christmas and intertwines mortal experiences with celestial intervention, "The Angel’s Story" offers a poignant tale set against the backdrop of a frosty Christmas night. The city, alive with the glistening lights akin to the stars overhead, is filled with the sounds of pealing bells heralding the festive season. Amidst the joy and reconciliation that this season brings, a stark contrast is painted in the tale of a child, nestled in the affluent yet solemn…
    • VERSE:  REST AT EVENING Cover
      by LovelyMay In "Rest at Evening," the poet reflects on the transition from life's daily struggles to the peace that comes with its end. It begins with the end of life's weariness, as all the dependable pillars of existence crumble or fail, ushering in an evening that blends with sorrow, signaling the onset of peace. The poet marvels at how distant the beginning of life will seem at this juncture—its cold dawns, its burdens, and the fleeting nature of both joys and sorrows. Early efforts and enthusiasms, once…
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