• 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

      The Raindrops

      The Raindrops Cover
      by LovelyMay In the whimsical world above the Earth, close to the Sky Country, exists Cloudland, home to diligent little beings known as raindrops. Dedicated to their purpose, these droplets are aware of the significant duties assigned by the King of Cloudland. On one particularly warm morning, two spirited raindrops observe the arid and heated landscape below, deciding to descend to Earthdom to make a positive impact. Rallying their siblings for a communal venture, they embark, transforming their journey into a…
    • The Other Fellow Cover
      by LovelyMay "The Other Fellow" and "The Open Fire" are two reflective and poignant poems exploring the themes of envy, nostalgia, and contentment within human experience. "The Other Fellow" delves into the common human tendency to envy others, assuming their lives are more fortunate, joyful, and free from the burdens we bear. Through a series of rhetorical questions, the poem depicts a universal feeling of looking outward and perceiving others as living the ideal life we wish for ourselves. They seem to encounter…
      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
    • 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 Lure That Failed Cover
      by LovelyMay In "The Lure That Failed," a magical realm is painted, depicting an enchanting land where happiness and sweetness abound, untouched by the weariness of adulthood. This fantastical place is described vividly, a land where the skies remain perpetually azure, a haven where children are nourished on chocolate drops and coconut cookies. It's a world teeming with playful puppy dogs, mischievous kittens, and little tin soldiers standing guard to keep the frightening bears at bay. Accessible only by a wonderful…
      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 Little New Year Cover
      by LovelyMay On a chilly morning, Maurice awoke to a peculiar knocking at his window. Despite the moon's glow, frost obscured the view. Upon inquiry, a voice announced itself as the New Year, seeking Maurice's aid to distribute blessings. Hesitating due to the cold, Maurice was eventually persuaded, meeting a young, rosy-cheeked boy outside, whose cart displayed "Love" and "Kindness." Together, they ventured to an old shanty, the residence of an old man employed by Maurice's family, to deliver their gifts. This…
    • Chapter

      The Little Army

      The Little Army Cover
      by LovelyMay In a nostalgic cadence, "The Little Army" captures the innocent and fleeting essence of childhood, evoking a vivid tableau of "little women, little men" engrossed in their make-believe battles and adventures. With great detail, it illustrates the vibrant and carefree world of children, who, equipped with wooden swords and guns, engage in playful skirmishes, their faces marked by joyous dimples and smiles. These little soldiers, adorned in paper hats and marching to the jubilant beats of makeshift drums,…
      Fiction • Poetry
    • The Lily Sisters Cover
      by LovelyMay In "The Lily Sisters," a tale unfolds within a majestic palace belonging to a Great King, a place distinguished by its turquoise and opal ceilings and lush, velvety green carpets. Here, three little sisters adorned in green, alongside many other children, under the nurturing guidance of Dame Nature, engage in their assigned duties for the King, learning the value of performing loving work in anticipation of his approval and rewards. Despite the idyllic setting and the companionship of cheerful Sunbeam…
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