• CHAPTER XVIII ‑Dawn O’Hara: The Girl Who Laughed Cover
      by LovelyMay In Chapter XVIII of Dawn O'Hara, The Girl Who Laughed, titled "Peter Orme," Dawn is startled by an unexpected visitor, Blackie, whose presence initially triggers fear but soon reveals a deeper, more troubling reunion. Blackie, after lighting a cigarette, insists on speaking with Dawn and possibly Dr. Von Gerhard, hinting at distressing news. The chapter's ambiance shifts from light-hearted relief to concern as they move to discuss in the dimly-lit, deserted boarding house parlor. Blackie recounts a recent…
    • VERSE:  A CONTRAST Cover
      by LovelyMay In "A Contrast," the narrator invites us to gaze into an ebony casket, hinting at its contents—a few old letters destined to be burnt, a quaint locket, a ring, but most importantly, a small portrait hanging by a crimson string. The casket, not opened for many years, holds relics from a past relationship ended in anger. The significance of the little portrait is profound; it represents a younger version of the narrator, glowing with optimism and unaware of the life's harsh realities yet to come. The…
    • VERSE:  THE STORY OF THE FAITHFUL SOUL Cover
      by LovelyMay The tale "The Story of the Faithful Soul," rooted in an old French legend, whispers of spirits bound, undergoing penance in purgatorial realms. These spirits, shrouded in remnants of earthly taints, find solace only during the feast of Mary. It is during such holy observances that the Archangel Michael, bearer of relief, decrees a temporary reprieve, known affectionately as "Our Lady's Peace." Amidst this serenity, a singular wail disrupts the harmonious chorus, its source a spirit unable to embrace peace…
    • VERSE:  A WOMAN’S ANSWER Cover
      by LovelyMay In "A Woman's Answer," the speaker articulates an expansive vision of love that surpasses the confines of romantic devotion to a single individual. She begins by challenging the notion that a woman's role is solely to offer unlimited love to her partner alone, asserting instead that her heart responds to a vast array of claims beyond just his. The poem envelops the reader in a tapestry of affection that the speaker has for the natural world, seasons, and memories, as well as the deep emotional connections…
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      VERSE: A LETTER

      VERSE:  A LETTER Cover
      by LovelyMay "Legends and Lyrics - Second Series" contains a deeply poignant verse titled "A LETTER," elucidating the complexities and emotive intensity of attempting to convey love through written words. The speaker starts by expressing a yearning to encapsulate the entirety of their affection in a letter to their beloved. The essence of the struggle lies in the inherent inadequacy of written love as a medium to fully articulate feelings, which, according to the speaker, would be much more effortlessly communicated…
    • VERSE:  DISCOURAGED Cover
      by LovelyMay "Discouraged" is a lyrical poem that vividly details the journey of a stream from its modest beginnings to its eventual merge with the sea, paralleling the emotional and philosophical journey of the speaker. The poem begins with the speaker discovering a small, babbling streamlet, barely visible as it trickles through soft moss, and decides to follow it to the sea, embarking on a journey of discovery and companionship. As the stream progresses, it becomes a mirror to various landscapes and forms of…
    • VERSE:  PHILIP AND MILDRED Cover
      by LovelyMay In the serene twilight, Philip and Mildred tread the quiet valley, embroiled in the somber air of a farewell instead of the joyous occasion of their intended wedding. Mildred, whose childhood dreams have always been entwined with Philip, now faces a future apart as Philip is called to London, propelled not by his ambition but by recognition of his genius by others. A traveler of renown has seen his potential and invited him to a world of greater opportunities, a chance Mildred cannot deny him despite the…
    • VERSE:  THE CARVER’S LESSON Cover
      by LovelyMay In "The Carver's Lesson," the speaker imparts a profound message about the essence of art and creativity. The poem opens by dispelling the notion that mere technical skill and dexterity constitute the entirety of an artist's craft. Instead, it insists upon the presence of a hidden spirit, an enigmatic essence that animates the work, enabling it to transcend mere physical form. This spirit, according to the speaker, is the ability to infuse one's creations with deep, noble thoughts—turning every carved…
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      VERSE: MY WILL

      VERSE:  MY WILL Cover
      by LovelyMay In the verse titled "My Will" from "Legends and Lyrics - Second Series," the speaker, devoid of tangible wealth like lands or gold, devises a bequest of intangible but deeply personal gifts to beloved individuals in anticipation of a time when they will no longer be present. To Mabel, the speaker wills their memory and name, cherished through an unwavering bond that refuses to share even the slightest thought acknowledged by the speaker. Bertha, recognized for her potential to surpass the speaker's…
    • VERSE:  A NEW MOTHER Cover
      by LovelyMay In "Legends and Lyrics - Second Series," a poignant narrative unfolds around Sir Arthur, his children, and the entry of a new figure into the family dynamic following a significant loss. Sir Arthur's wife, mother to their three children, is dearly missed. Her presence is keenly felt within the household, particularly through the adherence to routines that keep her memory alive, such as the nightly viewing of her portrait. Upon Sir Arthur’s remarriage to Margaret, a friend of his late wife, the children…
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