• 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
    • 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
    • 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
    • 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
    • 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
    • Chapter

      The Scoffer

      The Scoffer Cover
      by LovelyMay In "The Scoffer," a reflective poem, the speaker initially imagines himself scoffing at historical figures like Benjamin Franklin and Robert Fulton during their times of innovation. He depicts a scene where, had he lived in Franklin's era, he would have mockingly observed Franklin experimenting with electricity by flying a kite in the rain, a key attached to its tail, dismissing him as insane. Similarly, the speaker admits he might have been among those ridiculing Fulton, doubting the feasibility of…
      Fiction • Poetry
    • Unimportant Differences Cover
      by LovelyMay "Unimportant Differences" speaks to the essence of evaluating a person's character over superficial markers such as creed, politics, or race. It posits that a truly admirable individual is one who acts with kindness, honesty, and generosity, who respects others, and who carries a spirit of fairness and joy throughout their life. These virtues, the poem suggests, are far more significant than the divisions humans often focus on. In the grand tapestry of life, and certainly in the afterlife, these are the…
      Fiction • Poetry
    • 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

      The Job

      The Job Cover
      by LovelyMay The chapter eloquently delves into the profound understanding that one's occupation or job does not define their worth or their trajectory to success, fame, or joy. It emphasizes the intrinsic value and responsibility of an individual in their professional realm, arguing that the ultimate outcome of their labor is contingent upon their own efforts, ethics, and determination rather than the nature of the job itself. Portrayed through a reflective and didactic tone, the narrative implores readers to perceive…
      Fiction • Poetry
    • Chapter

      The Day of Days

      The Day of Days Cover
      by LovelyMay The narrative eloquently captures the quintessence of childish glee, anchoring it around the seemingly trivial yet profoundly significant moment when children are permitted by their mother to embrace the freedom of going barefoot. This permission marks the advent of warmer days, symbolizing a release from the confines of winter and the restrictive footwear associated with it. The anticipation and pleading for this liberation is depicted as a recurrent springtime ritual, eagerly awaited by the children, who…
      Fiction • Poetry
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