THE CORNER 4 WOMEN

Wednesday 4 October 2023

SPRING by Becky Hemsley

"SPRING"
(by Becky Hemsley)

They met her on the corner

And she said her name was Spring

And she told them she’d been resting

Whilst the winter did its thing

She’d watched behind the window

As the rain had turned to snow

And she’d lit herself a fire

When the wind began to blow

She watched the winter ravage

And strip bare the stubborn trees

Whilst she’d sewn and stitched together

Brand new blossoms and their leaves

She said when it was cold

That she’d been sleeping in the warm

And when winter brought its blizzards

She’d been singing through the storm

When frosty mornings lingered

She’d been busy planting seeds

And until she could pick flowers

She had picked a book to read

And she told them, through the bleakness

She’d been writing to the sun

And the sun wrote back ‘hang in there

There are brighter days to come’

And then they looked and realised

There were flowers in her hair

Her smile was bright and sunny

And her voice had warmed the air

And then she waved goodbye

But in her wake she left them hope -

They knew the sun was on its way

To gently thaw the snow

And they felt a sense of peace

About what future days might bring

When they realised every winter

Must be followed by the spring

******

Becky Hemsley 2020

Lovely artwork by @karinartspace (via Instagram)

One for those in the southern hemisphere this morning! Spring is here

‘Spring’ is from Talking to the Wild https://a.co/d/eyXThOS

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OCEAN OF WISDOM

"OCEAN OF WISDOM" (author unknown)

A poor man always think the rich man made his wealth out of luck.

And the rich man believes the poor is poor because he is lazy.

A young lady who married very early thinks ladies who are finding it hard to get married have bad character.

A man who just graduated and get a job immediately thinks he is smarter than others.

While a woman who just got married and start giving birth sees "barren" women as people who lived a wayward life.

If only the poor knew the price the rich paid to get to top and if only the rich knows the battles, challenges that the poor is going through, none will ever form a theory about each other.

If the poor can't appreciate the rich man's success let him mind his business if it is easy to be rich he wouldn't have been poor.

And if the rich won't help the poor grow at least they should not kill the spirit of a struggling man.

If only you know what people endure or fight behind the scene you will always thank God for your life. Until you walk in people's shoes, You will never know how hard the journey is.

Help each other grow!!!

Mock less, envy no one.

and love one another.

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Tuesday 3 October 2023

CONGRATULATIONS

"CONGRATULATIONS"
(author unknown)
You are now the proud owner of a vintage body

Please read the following instructions to ensure you keep it running smoothly:

The temperature control may malfunction. We suggest you purchase clothing that will slip on, over or under. Quickly.

Buttons are not your friend.

On clothing or inanimate objects. Such as the tv remote or your husband. Do not attempt to push them. It’s very easy to trigger crossed wires that will mean a loss of sound over several days.

Please keep upright to avoid unnecessary breakages.

Replacement parts are difficult to come by. There may be a few languishing in the corridors of the NHS. There will be a need to jump through hoops to attain a new hip or knee for instance. Kindly refer to the above rule.

Vintage models eventually lapse and run on mono not stereo sound. There may be static interference. This is normal. We suggest closing the lounge doors so the husband’s mutterings are greatly reduced.

Do not immerse fully in water. It takes longer than expected to fully dry out and difficult to reach crevices could become susceptible to fungus.

The model will not always compute as quickly as newer models. However its power of reasoning increases intensely. There’s a 99% chance it will stubbornly refuse to change course.

Unlike recent models they do not need to announce to all and sundry when the sun comes up.

It is usual to hear rogue noises from an unexpected item in the bagging area. When attempting to lift a bag of groceries that has cost 50% of your state pension.

Not to be confused with actual body noises. Usual these will be ball and socket joint related. It is to be expected. You’ve run out of oil. Unlike Kuwait. To balance this out you will unearth a new supply of natural gas. Pockets of which will escape when you least expect it.

Do not fiddle with any knobs. They will not turn anything on.

Batteries go flatter quicker. Recharge regularly. In an emergency Kit Kats will provide an instant boost.

Their own counsel is kept safe and secure at all times.

Vintage models will not tolerate severe weather. Unlike modern models they will not increase alcohol levels to overcome the heat or cold, they will instead go for cotton or woollen garments. And tea.

They will not use alcohol for recreational use. It will be purely medicinal. Flavoured.

These models close down from social intercourse at 18:59 hours precisely.

We suggest you take great care of these vintage models.

They are irreplaceable.

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MARCUS A SYMBOL OF RESILIANCE AND HOPE

MARCUS A SYMBOL OF RESILIANCE AND HOPE
(author unknown)

In the heart of a sprawling Native American reservation, nestled amidst the majestic landscape that bore witness to countless generations, there lived a young man named Marcus. Raised within the confines of his tight-knit community, he possessed an insatiable curiosity and an unwavering determination to transcend the limitations set before him.

From a young age, Marcus showcased a remarkable intellect, his sharp mind eager to decipher the mysteries that surrounded him. His nimble fingers had a knack for fixing anything that crossed his path, transforming broken pieces into functional masterpieces. There was a magnetic charm about him, his handsome face mirroring the strength and resilience inherited from his ancestors.

Driven by an unquenchable thirst for knowledge, Marcus found himself granted a rare opportunity—an acceptance letter from a prestigious college. With a mix of excitement and trepidation, he bid farewell to his reservation and embarked on a journey that would forever alter the course of his life.

At college, Marcus was embraced by a diverse array of brilliant minds, students from all walks of life united by their shared pursuit of wisdom. In this melting pot of cultures and ideas, he found himself not only learning but also teaching, sharing his heritage and stories that had been passed down through generations. His classmates marvelled at his wisdom and were inspired by his determination.

Armed with newfound knowledge and a heart brimming with hope, Marcus returned to his reservation, his gaze fixed upon a brighter future for his people. He sought an audience with the Elders, sharing his vision of modernization and progress. It was not an easy task, for change often encounters resistance, but Marcus spoke from a place of profound love for his community.

With unwavering dedication, Marcus proposed the creation of a tourist trail, a gateway that would invite visitors to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Native American history and culture. The Elders, hesitant at first, soon recognized the potential of his idea. Together, they forged a path forward, their collective wisdom blending with Marcus' youthful vigour.

As the tourist trail opened its doors, visitors flocked to the reservation, drawn by the allure of authenticity and the desire to learn. The tribe seized this opportunity to shed light upon the challenges and triumphs of Native American communities, dispelling misconceptions and nurturing understanding. The tourists, moved by their encounters, offered donations that were thoughtfully reinvested into the tribe's infrastructure and education.

Through the collective effort of Marcus, the Elders, and the entire community, the reservation underwent a transformative metamorphosis. Schools flourished, offering a quality education rooted in cultural heritage. Healthcare facilities emerged, ensuring the well-being of generations to come. The spirit of entrepreneurship thrived, with Native American artisans and craftsmen showcasing their skills and preserving traditional art forms.

Marcus, once a young dreamer with a thirst for knowledge, had become a catalyst for change, proving that even the humblest of beginnings could give rise to extraordinary transformations. His unwavering belief in the agency of individuals and the power of unity had not only uplifted his own people but had also inspired neighbouring reservations to follow a similar path of progress.

Today, Marcus stands as a symbol of resilience and hope, an embodiment of the idea that no matter our circumstances, we possess the ability to shape our destinies and bring positive change to the lives of our communities. His journey is a testament to the transformative power of education, compassion, and the unwavering belief in the boundless potential that resides within each and every one of us.

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SUNSET

"SUNSET"
(by Becky Hemsley )

The sun wakes up each morning

And she combs her fiery hair

She sometimes holds the clouds aloft

So we don’t see her there

She settles to her work

A never-ending 9 to 5

And ticks off all her jobs to do

Like keeping Earth alive

She’s busy every moment

Working hard behind the scenes

But you tell her she does nothing

For you judge by what you’ve seen

So you criticise the grey sky

And you curse the dampened day

You moan it’s cold and dreary

And the sun’s the one to blame

And it’s only when she’s leaving

When she’s off to work elsewhere

That you all-a-sudden recognise

The colours in her hair

See, the saddest thing of all

Is that she’s been here all the time

But you’ve failed to see her beauty

‘Til she’s fading from the sky

******

Becky Hemsley 2020

Image created on Canva

‘Sunset’ is from Talking to the Wild https://a.co/d/7KhInfX

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Monday 2 October 2023

ONE MORE DAY by Becky Hemsley 2023

"ONE MORE DAY"
by Becky Hemsley 2023

If I could have just one more day with you…

I would hardly speak. I would simply listen to your voice and commit every tone of it to memory until it became my favourite melody.

I would look at you. I would study your eyes and your mouth, and I would learn every angle, every pane of your face until I could see you perfectly with my eyes closed.

I would hold your hand in mine. I would trace all the lines on your palm until they became a trail – a map - that I could retrace on my own palm every time I felt lost.

I would soak you up and breathe you in until there was not a single thing that I could not recall at a moment’s notice.

But more than anything, if I had one more day with you,

I would hold you.

I would hold you so tight, hoping that maybe if I didn’t let you go…

You wouldn’t.

Yes, if I had just one more day with you, I would hope… I would hope so hard…

that you wouldn’t have to leave again.

*****

Becky Hemsley 2023

Artwork by the immensely talented @endmion1 (via Instagram)

'One More Day' is from the book When I Am Gone https://a.co/d/2ozvqjW

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THE JADE SERPENT

"The Jade Serpent"

(author unknown)

Once in a quiet village, there was a legend about a magical creature called the Jade Serpent. It was said to bring good luck to those who treated it with kindness.

In this village lived a young girl named Mei. She was known for her kind heart and gentle spirit. One day, while Mei was playing near a stream, she discovered a small, shimmering object. To her surprise, it was a jade figurine shaped like a serpent.

Mei's eyes sparkled with wonder. She knew about the legend and felt a warmth in her heart. She believed that the Jade Serpent had chosen her. From that day on, Mei took care of the little jade serpent like a dear friend.

As time passed, something magical started happening. Mei's garden bloomed with the most beautiful flowers, and her vegetables grew big and healthy. The village noticed and marvelled at the abundance in Mei's garden.

Word of Mei's good fortune spread, and soon, people from nearby villages came to see her thriving garden. They asked Mei how she did it, and she would simply smile and say, "It's the Jade Serpent. It brings blessings to those who care for it."

The news reached the ears of a wealthy merchant named Mr. Li. He was a man who loved rare and valuable things, and he became curious about this Jade Serpent. He decided he must have it for himself.

One evening, Mr. Li came to Mei's house and offered her a bag of gold coins in exchange for the jade serpent. He thought Mei would be tempted by the wealth and agree to the deal.

But Mei, with a determined look, shook her head. "I cannot sell my dear friend. The Jade Serpent is not for sale. It brings blessings to my village, and that is worth more than gold."

Mr. Li was surprised by Mei's words. He had never met someone who valued kindness and blessings over money. He left, empty-handed, but with a new understanding in his heart.

From then on, Mei's village prospered. The people lived happily, and Mei's garden continued to bloom with vibrant colours. The legend of the Jade Serpent became even stronger, reminding everyone that true wealth came from the kindness in their hearts.

And Mei, the kind-hearted girl who cherished the Jade Serpent, became a legend herself. Her story travelled far and wide, teaching people about the power of goodness and the treasures that lie in friendship and compassion.

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TO ALL MY OLD FRIENDS

"TO ALL MY OLD FRIENDS"
(author unknown)

This is one of the nicest and most gentle articles I’ve read in a while: no politics, no religion, and no racial issues - just food for thought.

You know …… time has a way of moving quickly and catching you unaware of the passing years.

It seems just yesterday that I was young and embarking on my new life. Yet in a way, it seems like eons ago, and I wonder where all the years went.

I know that I lived them all.

I have glimpses of how it was back then and of all my hopes and dreams.

However, here it is …… the last quarter of my life and it catches me by surprise.

How did I get here so fast?

Where did the years go and where did my youth go?

I remember well seeing older people through the years and thinking that those older people were years away from me and that I was only in the first quarter and that the fourth quarter was so far off that I could not visualize it or imagine fully what it would be like.

Yet, here it is …… my friends are retired and getting grey - they move slower and I see an older person now. Some are in better and some worse shape than me but I see the great change. They’re not like the ones that I remember who were young and vibrant …… but like me, their age is beginning to show and we are now those older folks that we used to see and never thought we'd become.

Each day now, I find that just getting a shower is a real target for the day, and taking a nap is not a treat anymore. It's mandatory because if I don't of my own free will, I fall asleep where I sit.

And so, now I enter into this new season of my life unprepared for all the aches and pains and the loss of strength and ability to go and do things that I wish I had done but never did. But at least I know that, though I’m on the last quarter and I'm not sure how long it will last, that when it's over on this earth, it's over. A new adventure will begin!

Yes, I have regrets. There are things I wish I hadn't done; things I should have done but truly there are many things I'm happy to have done.

It's all in a lifetime.

So, if you're not in the last quarter yet, let me remind you that it will be here faster than you think. So, whatever you would like to accomplish in your life do it quickly.

Don't put things off too long. Life goes by so quickly.

So, do what you can today, as you can never be sure whether you're in the last quarter or not.

You have no promise that you will see all the seasons of life. So, live for today and say all the things that you want your loved ones to remember - and hope that they appreciate and love you for all the things that you have done for them in all the past years.

‘Life’ is a gift to you.

Be Happy!

Have a great day!

Remember, it is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver.

You may think:

Going out is good - but coming home is better!

You forget names - but it's okay because some people forgot they even knew you!

You realize you're never going to be really good at anything like golf - but you like the outdoors!

The things you used to care to do, you aren't as interested in anymore - but you really don't care that you aren't as interested.

You sleep better on a lounge chair with the TV on than in bed – you call it ‘pre-sleep’!

You miss the days when everything worked with just an ‘On’ and ‘Off’ switch!

You tend to use more 4 letter words – ‘what’ and ‘when’

You have lots of clothes in your wardrobe, more than half of which you will never wear – but just in case!

Old is good -

• Old is comfortable

• Old is safe

• Old songs

• Old movies

• …… and best of all,

• Friends of old!

So, stay well, ‘Old friend!’

Have a fantastic day!

Have an awesome quarter – whichever one you’re in!

Take care

Send this on to other "Old Friends" and let them be smiling in agreement.

It's not what you gather but what you scatter that tells what kind of life you have lived.

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WILD by Becky Hemsley

"WILD"

(by Becky Hemsley)

You’re a wildflower darling

You cannot be tamed

They recognise your beauty

Though they do not know your name

You sing a song of sunshine

Befriend butterflies and bees

You dance amongst the grasses

And you sleep beneath the trees

You’re bright but unassuming

You are delicate yet tough

You’re rooted but you’re ready

For when winds of change do come

And they meet you in the forest

And they’ll marvel at the way

You remind them of their childhood

And easy, carefree days

So they’ll make of you a bracelet

And they’ll weave you through their hair

They’ll wish upon your petals

And then blow you to the air

And as they watch you fly

They’ll wish that they could fly like that

They’ll realise that you have a freedom

They have never had

So they’ll pick you for a posy

And they’ll tie you at the stem

So they can take a little bit of freedom

Home with them

But home is where the heart is

And your heart cannot be still

So home for you is not a vase

Upon a windowsill

Remember, you’re a wildflower

Born to ride the wind

To plant your roots on new horizons

Each and every spring

So don’t ignore your wild heart

‘Cause freedom’s what you breathe

See, that is why they love you so -

And why you have to leave

*******

Becky Hemsley 2022

Image created with Dall.E

‘Wild’ is part of my second collection:

https://a.co/d/89OgoD4

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