249 Results with the "Poetry" genre


    • Ballad: The Martinet Cover
      by LovelyMay The Martinet introduces a stark contrast in leadership through the fate of the ship MANTELPIECE, first under the joyful command of Captain Reece, then under the stern grip of Sir Berkely. Reece, though unconventional, prioritized harmony and well-being, allowing his crew certain freedoms that made their lives at sea unusually pleasant. He governed with light rules and open ears, earning not only the affection of his sailors but their loyalty. His dismissal, viewed as bureaucratic nonsense, removed a leader…
    • Ballad: The Sailor Boy To His Lass Cover
      by LovelyMay The Sailor Boy To His Lass opens with a young mariner preparing to leave the shore, his heart torn not by the waves ahead, but by the coldness of his beloved, Matilda. Though bound for duty under Captain Hyde, who keeps even the voyage’s end a secret, the sailor’s concern isn’t his fate at sea—it’s what will remain of his love when he returns. He asks Matilda about their future, hoping for a vow or even a smile, but receives little more than downcast eyes and unreadable silences. Her hesitation…
    • Ballad: The Reverend Simon Magus Cover
      by LovelyMay The Reverend Simon Magus explores the curious case of a clergyman interested in purchasing a lucrative religious post, all under the guise of humility and virtue. When Simon Magus hears of the Cure of Otium-cum-Digge, he becomes intrigued not by its sacred duties, but by the promise of ease and a generous income. The agent describes it as a rare gem—comfortable, peaceful, and highly profitable, with the current holder approaching the end of his long life. The entire transaction is framed with an…
    • Ballad: Damon v. Pythias Cover
      by LovelyMay Damon v. Pythias begins not with hostility, but with the celebrated closeness of two lifelong friends whose bond survived every challenge. Damon and Pythias, wealthy merchant princes, had weathered the turbulence of business and life without a crack in their friendship. Their families shared not only fortunes but philosophies, and there had never been tension to speak of. When news broke of a legal case bearing their names, the community was stunned—not by the content of the suit, but by the novelty of…
    • Ballad: My Dream Cover
      by LovelyMay My Dream tells of a fantastical place where logic is reversed, and the world functions in perfect contradiction to our own. The narrator finds themselves in Topsy-Turveydom, a land where everything familiar has been flipped on its head. In this strange land, evil is applauded while virtue is frowned upon, and dishonesty earns reward rather than punishment. The people celebrate foolishness and look upon intelligence with suspicion. Rules, expectations, and traditions seem deliberately confused, yet the…
    • Ballad: The Bishop Of Rum-Ti-Foo Again Cover
      by LovelyMay The Bishop Of Rum-Ti-Foo Again opens with the return of Bishop Peter, who had once inspired the people of his tropical parish with education and decorum. Known for championing the arts and proper conduct, his earlier presence left a lasting impression, setting a high standard for the islanders. During his year away, he believed those lessons had taken root. However, he was dismayed upon returning to find a different landscape—one in which the grace he once cultivated had been replaced by disorder. The…
    • Ballad: A Worm Will Turn Cover
      by LovelyMay A Worm Will Turn follows the life of Bernard Jupp, a man who radiates positivity no matter how hard the world tries to bring him down. His laughter is not the kind born of ignorance, but a deliberate response to the heaviness life can bring. Even when faced with personal and financial ruin, Bernard does not waver. There is wisdom in his wit, strength in his silliness, and hope behind every grin he offers. His approach to pain is not avoidance but reframing—it’s about choosing to see value in struggle…
    • Ballad: The Haughty Actor Cover
      by LovelyMay The Haughty Actor begins with the rise of an admired performer named Gibbs, whose fame at Drury Lane feeds a growing pride that soon overshadows his good sense. Applause fills the theatre, and Gibbs basks in admiration, convincing himself that every part beneath a lead role is an insult. When offered a minor position in a new production, he scorns it, choosing ego over opportunity. His refusal marks a shift—not only in his career, but in how others begin to see him. The spotlight that once lifted him now…
    • Ballad: The Two Majors Cover
      by LovelyMay The Two Majors introduces a peculiar bond shared by two stern yet admired military officers whose command style thrives on discipline rather than praise. Major La Guerre and Major Makredi Preper, though gruff in demeanor, are paradoxically beloved by their men for their steadfast standards and unwavering consistency. Neither offers compliments, but both deliver sharp and frequent reprimands, which, surprisingly, becomes a badge of honor for their troops. This dynamic underscores a curious truth about…
    • Ballad:  Emily, John, James, And I. A Derby Legend Cover
      by LovelyMay A Derby Legend unfolds not just as a tale of love and rivalry, but also as a light-hearted reflection on human nature’s quirks when pride, passion, and public spectacle converge. At the heart of the story is Emily Jane, a diligent nursery maid whose heart becomes the prize in a humorous tug-of-war between two polar-opposite suitors. James, dressed in the splendor of the Life Guards, embodies the grandeur of martial charm. Meanwhile, John, a practical and grounded constable, brings with him the steady…
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