208 Results in the "Poetry" category


    • VERSE: Light and Shade Cover
      by LovelyMay Light and Shade begins by recognizing the quiet strength in those who carry both joy and pain without complaint. Life is not a straight path of constant brightness, nor is it always shadowed. Instead, it unfolds in shifting tones—sunlight filtered through passing clouds. The poem invites readers to see this interplay not as confusion, but as richness. By embracing contrast, we learn how to feel more deeply, connect more honestly, and live more fully. What comforts one day may not work the next, yet that,…
    • VERSE: Discouraged Cover
      by LovelyMay Discouraged begins with a gentle discovery—a tiny stream barely visible beneath layers of moss, its quiet murmur inviting curiosity. The speaker follows it with innocent wonder, seeing in its path a reflection of hope and quiet promise. There’s companionship in the stream’s rhythm, and an unspoken agreement forms: the journey toward the sea will be shared. As the stream dances past heather and tumbles through hills, joy blooms from the unplanned exploration. It’s a journey both outward and inward,…
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      VERSE: A Letter

      VERSE: A Letter Cover
      by LovelyMay A Letter begins with the quiet longing of someone who attempts to translate overwhelming love into lines on a page. The speaker sits with pen in hand, imagining the exact words that might reflect the shape of their heart. Each sentence is crafted with care, but none feel quite complete. Language seems too fragile to hold something so powerful and intimate. A sigh escapes as the speaker realizes that eye contact, a shared silence, or the warmth of touch would speak louder than ink ever could. There’s…
    • VERSE: A Woman’s Answer Cover
      by LovelyMay A Woman's Answer begins as a tender, yet unapologetic declaration of how love cannot be caged or confined to a single form. The speaker does not diminish her devotion to her beloved but rather expands the definition of love itself. Her soul responds not just to the touch of one person, but to a symphony of experiences, memories, and meaningful connections. She remembers how sunlight first fell on his hair the day they met, and how winter’s stillness brought him back into her arms. Love, for her, is…
    • VERSE: The Story of the Faithful Soul Cover
      by LovelyMay The Story of the Faithful Soul begins with a legend born from sacred lore, where unseen worlds intertwine with lingering human emotion. It follows a spirit caught not by sin, but by sorrow—hovering between salvation and memory. During the holy time known as Our Lady’s Peace, most spirits bask in a gentle reprieve, released briefly from their pain. Yet one cry echoes louder than the rest, piercing the stillness of the blessed pause. This cry belongs to a soul unable to surrender to peace, tethered not…
    • 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,…
    • The Tale of Balen Cover
      by LovelyMay The Tale of Balen by Algernon Charles Swinburne is a poetic retelling of the tragic Arthurian legend of Sir Balin, a knight whose life is marked by loyalty, courage, and a fateful destiny. First published in 1896, the poem follows Sir Balin’s quest for honor and his encounters with themes of fate, vengeance, and the consequences of his actions. Swinburne’s vivid, lyrical verse captures the medieval atmosphere of King Arthur’s court while delving into the hero’s inner conflict and moral struggles. This work highlights Swinburne’s fascination with chivalric ideals and the tragic beauty of knightly legends, bringing to life one of the darker tales from Arthurian mythology.
    • Men, Women, and Ghosts Cover
      by LovelyMay Men, Women, and Ghosts by Elizabeth Stuart Phelps is a collection of short stories blending realism with supernatural elements, exploring the lives, emotions, and inner struggles of its characters. Published in 1869, the book delves into themes of love, loss, war, and the human psyche, often with a focus on the impact of the Civil War on individuals and families. Phelps’ stories are known for their psychological depth and moral complexity, as well as their daring exploration of women’s roles and inner lives. With a mix of ghostly encounters and poignant human experiences, *Men, Women, and Ghosts* is celebrated for its sensitive, sometimes haunting portrayal of the spiritual and emotional dimensions of everyday life.
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      Preface

      Preface Cover
      by LovelyMay Preface to this poetic collection extends far beyond a mere introduction—it offers a thoughtful exploration of how boundaries in poetry can be expanded and reshaped. The writer reflects on what constitutes a “story,” not confining it to traditional narratives but embracing formats like lyrical sequences, prose-poem hybrids, and even dramatic verse that draws on natural elements or abstract images. Rather than relying solely on character and plot, the pieces are composed to evoke atmosphere and…
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      Pickthorn Manor

      Pickthorn Manor Cover
      by LovelyMay In this chapter titled Pickthorn Manor, a quiet intensity shapes the life of Lady Eunice, whose days unfold beneath the shadow of personal loss. Her fiancé, Lord Hartwell, was claimed by the war, and with him vanished the future she once envisioned. The manor stands still, cloaked in ivy and grief, where her only companions are the roses she tends with ritual precision. These gardens, pruned with unwavering care, offer her a sense of control against the upheaval that claimed her joy. Even the ticking of…
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