• Chapter

      Reward

      Reward Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 5 delves into the appreciation of simple pleasures and resilience in the face of life's challenges, while also highlighting the value of humility and the unique joy of familial bonds over material or external success. The chapter opens with a verse that underscores a contentment found in nature's simplicity rather than in the pursuit of glory or riches. The author expresses a sense of fulfillment in escaping to fish by a stream under blue skies, valuing these moments over any material wealth or…
      Fiction • Poetry
    • The Old, Old Story Cover
      by LovelyMay This poem touches on the theme of missed opportunities and the all-too-common human experience of being told, "You should have been here yesterday." The speaker reflects on his habit of going fishing, only to find that the fish were biting the day before. Despite not being prone to discontent and willing to wait for victory, he expresses a desire to experience success without being met with tales of yesterday’s successes. The poem encapsulates the feeling of always being a step behind, not just in…
      Fiction • Poetry
    • Chapter

      Vacation Time

      Vacation Time Cover
      by LovelyMay Vacation Time opens with the nostalgic recollections of vacation anticipation during school days. The narrator fondly remembers how, as a boy, he would daydream of play and freedom, eagerly awaiting the end of school to enjoy the outdoors and adventures that awaited him beyond the classroom. His attention would often drift away from his studies, lost in fantasies of romping and racing outside, especially during the agonizingly slow final two weeks of the term. He humorously recounts how questions from…
      Fiction • Poetry
    • Chapter

      The Day of Days

      The Day of Days Cover
      by LovelyMay The narrative eloquently captures the quintessence of childish glee, anchoring it around the seemingly trivial yet profoundly significant moment when children are permitted by their mother to embrace the freedom of going barefoot. This permission marks the advent of warmer days, symbolizing a release from the confines of winter and the restrictive footwear associated with it. The anticipation and pleading for this liberation is depicted as a recurrent springtime ritual, eagerly awaited by the children, who…
      Fiction • Poetry
    • Chapter

      The Job

      The Job Cover
      by LovelyMay The chapter eloquently delves into the profound understanding that one's occupation or job does not define their worth or their trajectory to success, fame, or joy. It emphasizes the intrinsic value and responsibility of an individual in their professional realm, arguing that the ultimate outcome of their labor is contingent upon their own efforts, ethics, and determination rather than the nature of the job itself. Portrayed through a reflective and didactic tone, the narrative implores readers to perceive…
      Fiction • Poetry
    • Chapter

      Memory

      Memory Cover
      by LovelyMay In "Just Folks," the first chapter encapsulates a poignant reflection on memory, evoking the nostalgia and love the narrator has for a time that has elapsed. Observing a young boy at play, the narrator is transported back to the days when his own child, bearing a striking resemblance to the boy he sees, filled his life with joy. The little boy's laughter, his features, and even the warmth of his presence rekindle the bittersweet memories of a cherished past. This moment of reminiscence reveals a deep…
      Fiction • Poetry
    • Unimportant Differences Cover
      by LovelyMay "Unimportant Differences" speaks to the essence of evaluating a person's character over superficial markers such as creed, politics, or race. It posits that a truly admirable individual is one who acts with kindness, honesty, and generosity, who respects others, and who carries a spirit of fairness and joy throughout their life. These virtues, the poem suggests, are far more significant than the divisions humans often focus on. In the grand tapestry of life, and certainly in the afterlife, these are the…
      Fiction • Poetry
    • Chapter

      The Scoffer

      The Scoffer Cover
      by LovelyMay In "The Scoffer," a reflective poem, the speaker initially imagines himself scoffing at historical figures like Benjamin Franklin and Robert Fulton during their times of innovation. He depicts a scene where, had he lived in Franklin's era, he would have mockingly observed Franklin experimenting with electricity by flying a kite in the rain, a key attached to its tail, dismissing him as insane. Similarly, the speaker admits he might have been among those ridiculing Fulton, doubting the feasibility of…
      Fiction • Poetry
    • Chapter

      Bribed

      Bribed Cover
      by LovelyMay The chapter titled **"Bribed"** presents a tender depiction of a grandparent’s affection and weakness for their grandchild’s innocence and charming antics. The narrator confesses to succumbing to the child's endearing forms of persuasion, such as smiles, hugs, and tears, despite knowing that these indulgences might not always be in the child's best interest. For example, the grandparent gives in to granting treats like chocolate cake and watermelon, leading to the child's stomach ache, and buys roller…
      Fiction • Poetry
    • Chapter

      My Books and I

      My Books and I Cover
      by LovelyMay In "Just Folks" chapter 52, titled "My Books and I," the narrator describes the intimate relationship forged with books through various emotional states. This chapter unfolds the comfort and companionship books provide, likening them to old pals who perfectly match the narrator's changing moods. Through playful interactions with the humorous writings of Bill Nye, to the thought-provoking companionship of Stevenson, books serve as a refuge and a source of joy. In moments of sorrow, the narrator turns to the…
      Fiction • Poetry
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