• Chapter

      MISERY

      MISERY Cover
      by LovelyMay In the bleak twilight, amidst swirling snowflakes, Iona Potapov sits motionless, cloaked in white, on his sledge. The world around him bustles with life, yet he and his horse remain still, engulfed in their own silence, contemplating their detachment from the familiar to the chaotic city life. Hours pass without a single fare, until finally, an impatient officer beckons Iona to Vyborgskaya, sparking a brief encounter filled with disconnection and misunderstanding. Despite Iona's attempt to share his grief…
    • 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
    • Chapter

      Living

      Living Cover
      by LovelyMay "Just Folks" delivers a poignant reflection on the essence of living and the merits of generosity, presented through two luminous sections, "Living" and "On Being Broke." "Living" initiates a contemplative inquiry into the value of life when not punctuated by noble deeds or significant accomplishments. It questions the trepidation associated with departing from life if the future does not hold the promise of impactful actions or if all notable achievements reside in the bygone days. The verse eloquently…
      Fiction • Poetry
    • Letters to Dead Authors Cover
      by LovelyMay Letters to Dead Authors by Andrew Lang is a unique and imaginative collection of fictional letters addressed to great literary figures of the past, such as Shakespeare, Dickens, and Homer. In these witty and reflective letters, Lang pays tribute to their works, explores their influence on literature and culture, and humorously engages with their characters and themes. This charming book is both a celebration of classic literature and a playful meditation on the timeless connection between readers and writers.
    • LETTER–To W. M. Thackeray Cover
      by LovelyMay In this letter to W. M. Thackeray, the author navigates the nuances of praising the works of a departed novelist, where the usual constraints of criticism—such as envy or the potential for flattery—are absent, making it easier to commend wholeheartedly. Thackeray is celebrated for his versatility and unmatched excellence in literature, noted for his unique blend of humor, pathos, and keen observation of life. Unlike contemporaries who approached writing with the methodical dedication of a desk job,…
    • LETTER–To Theocritus Cover
      by LovelyMay In this reflective letter to Theocritus, the author begins by hearkening to the sweetness of Theocritus's own verse, capturing the essence of his poetry which dances fluidly between the joyous and the melancholy shades of life. The author ponders whether, in death, Theocritus found a realm as enriching as the Sicilian landscape that fueled his inspiration. Contemplating the existence of an afterlife sweeter than the most vivid dreams of poets, the author imagines an Elysium under alien stars where…
    • LETTER–To Sir Walter Scott, Bart. Cover
      by LovelyMay In the letter to Sir Walter Scott, dated September 8, 1885, at Rodono, St. Mary's Loch, the author vividly praises Scott for his unique charm and influence that transcends time, likening his presence to a reassuring friend from the past. Scott is celebrated for his unparalleled manliness, lack of jealousy, and his contentment with his life, whether it would have been marked by wealth and honor or mere simplicity as a Border sportsman and antiquary. The letter reflects on Scott’s genial nature, which the…
    • LETTER–To Robert Burns Cover
      by LovelyMay In addressing Robert Burns, the person conveys a unique blend of admiration and critique regarding the Scottish poet's influence and legacy. As a figure deeply beloved by his people, Burns is seen as embodying the ideals and foibles of the Scottish spirit—his independence, his love for whisky and the lassies, elevating him to an almost mythic status among Scots. The year marking the centennial of Burns's celebrated Poems published in Kilmarnock is anticipated to spark widespread festivities and an uptick…
    • LETTER–To Q. Horatius Flaccus Cover
      by LovelyMay In his letter to Q. Horatius Flaccus, commonly known as Horace, the author muses on the nature of the afterlife and whether it offers Horace the same pleasures he enjoyed in life: the beauty of both country and town, and the delights of nature and human company. The letter reflects on Horace's stoic and Epicurean beliefs, dwelling on the theme that death marks an eternal parting, without hope for reunion in the afterlife. Unlike Virgil, who traversed the realms of the dead with hope, Horace's acceptance of…
    • LETTER–To Pierre de Ronsard (Prince of Poets) Cover
      by LovelyMay In this letter to Pierre de Ronsard, the writer expresses deep admiration for Ronsard's poetry and his choice of eternal rest among the natural beauty and ancient heroes of the Elysian fields, contrasting it with the unfortunate fate of his tomb and memory through the ages. Ronsard's longing for a simple grave near the Loire, adorned only by laurel and nature, is highlighted against the reality of his tomb's destruction during the religious and revolutionary turmoil in France. The letter delves into the…
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