• 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 Love of the Game Cover
      by LovelyMay Just Folks chapter titled "The Love of the Game" echoes a message of resilience and joy in the face of life's adversities. It critiques the common tendencies of people to lament their troubles, envy others' successes, and prioritize material gain over true happiness. The narrator contests this viewpoint by celebrating the intrinsic value of engaging passionately with one's pursuits, regardless of the outcome. This celebration of commitment over achievement presents a refreshing counter-narrative to the…
      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
    • 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
    • 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
    • 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
    • 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
    • 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

      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 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
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