• Chapter

      Growing Down

      Growing Down Cover
      by LovelyMay "Growing Down" and "The Roads of Happiness" reflect a nostalgic journey back to the simple, joyous essence of life, emphasizing the beauty of familial bonds and the rejection of materialistic pursuits for true contentment. In "Growing Down," the narrator recounts a personal transformation inspired by the innocence and adventures of childhood, especially through the eyes of his own children. Once consumed by aspirations of adulthood, wealth, and fame, he finds a deeper, more fulfilling joy in reverting to…
      Fiction • Poetry
    • Chapter

      Lemon Pie

      Lemon Pie Cover
      by LovelyMay "Lemon Pie" captures the simple joy found in everyday moments, emphasizing how a homemade lemon pie, with its radiant golden filling and delightful taste, can momentarily lift the burdens of daily life. The poem illustrates the warmth and comfort derived from this simple pleasure, uniting family members in their shared delight and momentarily erasing their troubles. This culinary treasure, beyond its taste, symbolizes the lightness and joy capable of overshadowing mundane sorrows and concerns. Following…
      Fiction • Poetry
    • When Mother Sleeps Cover
      by LovelyMay The poem "When Mother Sleeps" delicately navigates the profound vigilance and unconditional love of a mother, juxtaposing her deep slumbers with the acute awareness she has for her baby's needs. Despite the intrusion of loud noises or the chaos of the world outside, a mother’s sleep remains undisturbed, symbolizing the depth of her exhaustion and the peace she finds in rare moments of rest. However, the narrative quickly shifts to emphasize the instant, almost magical awakening that occurs at her…
      Fiction • Poetry
    • The Mother’s Question Cover
      by LovelyMay "The Mother's Question" delves into a son's reminiscence of his mother's care during his childhood, particularly on rainy days. The poem captures the nurturing concern of the mother, who would anxiously await her son's return, persistently inquiring if his feet were wet—a symbolic gesture of her deep-seated fear of him falling ill. This maternal ritual, involving the warming of stockings and preparation of slippers by the kitchen fire, vividly portrays the essence of a mother's love: a constant,…
      Fiction • Poetry
    • The Love of the Game Cover
      by LovelyMay Just Folks chapter titled "The Love of the Game" echoes a message of resilience and joy in the face of life's adversities. It critiques the common tendencies of people to lament their troubles, envy others' successes, and prioritize material gain over true happiness. The narrator contests this viewpoint by celebrating the intrinsic value of engaging passionately with one's pursuits, regardless of the outcome. This celebration of commitment over achievement presents a refreshing counter-narrative to the…
      Fiction • Poetry
    • The Real Successes Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 39 of "Just Folks" opens with a contemplative piece titled "The Real Successes," exploring the notion of true achievement beyond material wealth. It challenges the conventional yardsticks of success, emphasizing virtues and integrity over financial gains. This poem underscores the idea that many who appear to have failed by societal standards are, in God's eyes, of substantial worth. It argues that true success lies not in the accumulation of riches but in honest struggle, moral character, and the…
      Fiction • Poetry
    • Chapter

      Yesterday

      Yesterday Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 41 opens with a reflection on the fluid nature of ability and memory in the game of golf, delving into the narrator's observations and experiences. Despite being relatively new to golf, having played for scarcely a year, the narrator, who self-identifies as a 'dub' or novice, has noticed a recurring theme among his golfing companions. Regardless of their performance, there seems to be a universal refrain: they performed better "yesterday." This lamentation spans across various situations on the…
      Fiction • Poetry
    • Chapter

      Signs

      Signs Cover
      by LovelyMay In "Signs," the narrative illustrates the changing behavior of children as Christmas approaches, emphasizing their sudden adoption of good manners and obedience, as incited by the anticipation of Santa Claus's arrival. Through poetic verses, it paints a picture of young ones, who ordinarily may not always heed advice or tidy up after themselves, now transforming into paragons of virtue at the whisper of Santa's imminent visit. The text captures this seasonal transformation with lines that speak to…
      Fiction • Poetry
    • When Mother Cooked With Wood Cover
      by LovelyMay The chapter wistfully remembers a bygone era, focusing on the warm and fragrant memories associated with a wood-powered kitchen. It begins with the narrator not disputing the efficiency and modernity of gas ranges but hearkening back to a time when the preparation of food was more intimately tied to manual labor and the natural element of wood. The narrative conveys a nostalgia for the tactile experiences of chopping wood and the daily chores that were a fundamental part of life before the convenience 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
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