• Chapter

      The Boy Soldier

      The Boy Soldier Cover
      by LovelyMay "The Boy Soldier" enchants with the tale of a little boy of three, whose antics embody both the mischief and the profound love shared between father and son. The narrator describes his son's playful battles—tugging beards, exploring clothes, and commandeering his watch, all acts of innocent exploration that culminate in a heartwarming conquest of his father's heart. This narrative extends beyond the personal, hinting at a cyclic tradition where, in time, the boy, grown into adulthood, will relish similar…
      Fiction • Poetry
    • Chapter

      As It Is

      As It Is Cover
      by LovelyMay In the poem "As It Is," the narrator muses on his wishes for a better world, one with kinder people, less greed, and softer views on the faults of others. Despite his longing for improvement, he accepts the world and its inhabitants as they are, acknowledging that life, with all its sorrow, bitterness, and pain, also brings joy, friendship, and love. He concludes that the world, in all its complexity, is ultimately a place of more gladness than sorrow, suggesting an acceptance of life's imperfections and a…
      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
    • 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 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
    • Chapter

      The Call

      The Call Cover
      by LovelyMay "The Call" captures the allure and optimism of striving toward a life filled with joy, as visualized from a metaphorical hilltop. It speaks to the human spirit's unwavering determination to overcome life’s adversities and reach a place of happiness and tranquility. The poem conveys a message of hope and the belief that through perseverance and courage, one can ascend above trials and despair, towards a future of serenity and fulfillment. Joy, personified, stands on the hilltops, extending an invitation…
      Fiction • Poetry
    • 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
    • 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
    • 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
    • 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
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