249 Results with the "Poetry" genre


    • More Bab Ballads Cover
      by LovelyMay More Bab Ballads by W.S. Gilbert is a collection of humorous and satirical poems that feature witty rhymes, whimsical characters, and clever wordplay, often poking fun at social conventions, love, and human folly, in the distinctive style for which Gilbert is known.
    • Ballad:Old Paul And Old Tim Cover
      by LovelyMay Old Paul and Old Tim were two aging men set on capturing the affection of one young woman—Emily. Their rivalry was not marked by charm, wealth, or wit, for they stood level in almost every regard: both were bold, old, and rather indistinct. To Emily, neither man held much more promise than the other; they simply existed as options in a world where choices were slim and expectations were high. She was not particularly swayed by either, and her affections were more influenced by external opinions—namely,…
    • Ballad: The Two Ogres Cover
      by LovelyMay The Two Ogres reside deep within the enchanted grove of Wickham Wold, far from the reach of townsfolk and even farther from predictable morality. One, Applebody Bland, views himself as a just force, punishing only children who act badly. The other, James M'Alpine, cloaks his cruelty behind a polished wit, rationalizing his delight in devouring well-behaved children with a twisted logic. Both ogres, though differing in targets, see themselves as upholders of balance in a world too eager to judge by…
    • 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: 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: The Perils Of Invisibility Cover
      by LovelyMay The Perils Of Invisibility serves as both an amusing tale and a subtle reflection on the misguided desire to escape life’s difficulties without addressing their root causes. Old Peter, a man weighed down by both his size and his wife's fiery temper, believes that becoming unseen will free him from domestic tyranny. When the magical offer is presented, he leaps at invisibility, hoping it will grant peace without consequence. But this choice, meant to solve his problems, only reshapes them into more absurd…
    • Ballad: The Mystic Selvagee Cover
      by LovelyMay The Mystic Selvagee tells the story of Sir Blennerhassett Portico, whose reverence for the past shapes every aspect of his identity as a naval officer. From a young age, he idolized Lord Rodney, believing no seaman before or since had equaled the Admiral’s valor and brilliance. Determined to honor Rodney not only in memory but in method, Sir Portico patterned his life to match Rodney’s, down to the tilt of his hat and the phrasing of commands. His obsession was not mocked but rather admired, as it came…
    • Ballad: The Modest Couple Cover
      by LovelyMay The Modest Couple introduces Peter and Sarah, two individuals whose shyness is so exaggerated that even their most basic social interactions seem like trials of endurance. From the moment they are betrothed as infants, their behavior is shaped by a kind of innocence so intense it borders on absurdity. When formally introduced, both faint, overcome by the sheer impropriety of eye contact. Peter’s father, the Baron, attempts to foster familiarity by encouraging hand-holding or brief conversation, but these…
    • 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…
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