THE CORNER 4 WOMEN

Sunday 12 November 2023

OPEN UP THOSE BLINDS by Joanne Boyle

"OPEN UP THOSE BLINDS"
by Joanne Boyle

Some say that we are haunted

by memories of our past.

Me, I say, that it's us that haunt,

the memories we had last.

We have a window with a view,

blinds we can choose to close,

but still we like to part them,

to remind us we are froze.

There's a pain outside the window,

to remind us where we've been.

A time that no one visits,

but a one that you have seen.

The familiar sting of raindrops,

that disguise your tears.

Your back turned on the moment,

as again you face your fears.

Being afraid of the creeping sun,

a reminder that it still shines.

Afraid of a moving future,

of a world that love defines.

Open up those blinds

and set every moment free,

because the brightest light of all,

is the one that you can't see.

Joanne Boyle

https://www.facebook.com/poeminabottlle

art by Steffi Krenzek

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FAIRYTALE by Becky Hemsley

"FAIRYTALE"
by Becky Hemsley 2022

This is for the princess

Who is trapped up in the tower

You think you have no cards to play

No leverage or power

Because you’ve read the books that start

With ‘once upon a time’

And so you’re waiting

‘Til a handsome prince comes riding by

You’re hoping that your beauty

Is enough to see you through

That he will see a pretty face

And fall in love with you

Well, let me tell a secret

You see, I once thought like this

I thought that thin or pretty

Would deliver true love’s kiss

So I craved a certain number

In the clothes that I would wear

I modified my make-up

And the way I wore my hair

But it’s not quite as simple

As they make out in the books

True love is not determined

By our bodies or our looks

You see, your real beauty’s

Not wrapped up in what you weigh

Your face may bring you suitors

But it will not make them stay

What will is all your courage

And the way your heart is kind

Your spirit, your adventure

And the way you speak your mind

But none of that will matter

Until you can see your worth

The truest love you’ll ever know

Is loving yourself first

So buy your own glass slippers

And take yourself to the ball

Then sing and dance as if

Nobody else is there at all

Let others crave the beauty

That is wrapped within your soul

You’re waiting to be rescued

Just ‘cause that’s what you’ve been told

But with your heart and spirit

You don’t need anyone else

So let your hair down princess

And go and save yourself

******

Becky Hemsley 2022

Artwork by gisifraga (@gisifraga on Instagram)

'Fairytale' is from What the Wild Replied

https://amzn.eu/d/4OxxZMu

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Saturday 11 November 2023

THE TROUBLE TREE

"THE TROUBLE TREE"
(author unknown)

I hired a plumber to help me restore an old farmhouse, and after he had just finished a rough first day on the job: a flat tire made him lose an hour of work, his electric drill quit and his ancient one ton truck refused to start.

While I drove him home, he sat in stony silence. On arriving, he invited me in to meet his family. As we walked up the front walk, he paused briefly at a small tree, touching the tips of the branches with both hands.

When opening the door he underwent an amazing transformation.. His face was wreathed in smiles and he hugged his two small children and gave his wife a kiss.

Afterward he walked me to the car. We passed the tree and my curiosity got the better of me. I asked him about what I had seen him do earlier.

'Oh, that's my trouble tree,' he replied 'I know I can't help having troubles on the job, but one thing's for sure, those troubles don't belong in the house with my wife and the children.. So I just hang them up on the tree every night when I come home and ask God to take care of them. Then in the morning I pick them up again.' 'Funny thing is,' he smiled,' when I come out in the morning to pick 'em up, there aren't nearly as many as I remember hanging up the night before.

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TODAY I SAW A POPPY by Becky Hemsley 2021

"TODAY I SAW A POPPY"
by Becky Hemsley 2021

Today I saw a flower -

It reminded me of you

You stood there in the sunshine

With your petals in full bloom

But you were stood alone

There were no flowers of your kind

Standing there beside you

For they had been left behind

In fields that you used to share

With them some time ago

When they became your family

Whilst you helped each other grow

But there were stormy days ahead

With skies all dark and grey

Fields that were torched by lightning,

Flooded by the rain

And though they tried to fight it

There were flowers by your side

That had to lay themselves down

So that others could survive

And I know you feel guilty

That you’re growing on without them

But they need you to keep going

So that you can talk about them

To keep their hearts alive

To share their stories and their names

You know if you were in their place

That you would want the same

You’d want them to chase sunshine

And to camp beneath the stars

To honour you by living

Whilst they kept you in their hearts

So try to stem your sadness

And those guilty tears you shed

‘Cause they live on within you

In your petals bright and red

Yes, today I saw a poppy

It reminded me of you

And every time I see it

I’ll be reminded of them too

A poem I wrote a couple of years ago as a request from a former soldier, who was struggling with the guilt of coming home safely when so many of his fellow comrades didn't.

Becky Hemsley 2021 https://www.facebook.com/talkingtothewild

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Friday 10 November 2023

The Golden Key and the Talking Animals by English With Mia

"The Golden Key and the Talking Animals" by English With Mia

Once upon a time, in a faraway land, there was a young girl named Lily. She loved exploring the woods near her house, where tall trees whispered secrets and colourful birds sang cheerful songs.

One sunny afternoon, while Lily was chasing butterflies, she stumbled upon an old, moss-covered door half-hidden in the bushes. It had an ornate lock, and it seemed to be waiting for something special. Lily's heart skipped a beat.

"I wonder what's behind this door," she mused aloud.

Just then, a mischievous squirrel named Nutty popped up. "You're in luck, young explorer! That door leads to a magical world, but it's locked. To open it, you'll need the golden key."

Lily's eyes widened with wonder. "Where can I find the golden key?"

Nutty scratched his furry chin. "Legend has it that it's hidden somewhere in the heart of the Enchanted Forest. But beware, for the forest is full of talking animals, each with a riddle you must solve to get closer to the key."

Undeterred, Lily thanked Nutty and set off towards the Enchanted Forest, her heart brimming with excitement.

As Lily ventured deeper into the forest, she met a wise old owl perched on a branch.

"Hoot, young traveller! To find the golden key, answer me this: What has keys but can't open locks?"

Lily thought for a moment, then smiled. "A piano!"

The owl blinked in surprise. "You're clever, indeed. Go forth and seek the next riddle."

Next, she encountered a chatty blue jay who perched on her shoulder.

"Squawk! Ready for your next challenge? What has cities, but no houses; forests, but no trees; and rivers, but no water?"

Lily pondered, then grinned. "A map!"

The blue jay flapped its wings in approval. "You're sharper than a beak full of thorns. Onward you go!"

One by one, Lily met the talking animals and solved their riddles. A poetic rabbit, a singing squirrel, and a riddle-loving tortoise all offered their challenges. With each riddle solved, Lily felt closer to her goal.

Finally, at the heart of the forest, she met a wise old turtle. "Ah, you've come far, young one. Here's your final riddle: What can travel around the world while staying in a corner?"

Lily's eyes sparkled with realization. "A stamp!"

The old turtle beamed. "You've done it, my dear! The golden key is yours."

With trembling hands, Lily held the key. She rushed back to the moss-covered door, heart pounding in anticipation. As the key turned in the lock, the door creaked open, revealing a world of enchantment beyond.

And there, amidst a meadow of wildflowers, stood the most beautiful castle Lily had ever seen. It was a place where dreams danced in the air and laughter echoed through the halls.

Lily knew that her adventures were just beginning, and she stepped through the door with a heart full of gratitude for the talking animals and the golden key that had unlocked a world of magic.

https://www.facebook.com/MiaEnglishTeacher

https://tc4women.nicheebookcollections.com/NEWSLETTER-EBOOK-LIBRARY-SIGNUP.html

The Dancing Shoes of Everlasting Joy by English With Mia

"The Dancing Shoes of Everlasting Joy"

by English With Mia

Once upon a time in a cheerful village, there lived a kind-hearted girl named Lily. Lily loved to dance, and she dreamed of having a special pair of shoes that would make her dance with everlasting joy.

One sunny day, as Lily was walking through the village square, she spotted a small, old shoe shop tucked between two tall houses. The sign above the door read, "Magical Shoe Emporium."

Curiosity twinkled in Lily's eyes, and she decided to step inside. The shop was filled with all sorts of shoes, each one more unique than the next. A friendly old shoemaker named Mr. Cobb greeted her warmly.

"Hello, dear! How can I assist you today?" he asked with a twinkle in his eye.

Lily explained her wish for dancing shoes that would fill her heart with joy. Mr. Cobb smiled and disappeared into the back of the shop, returning with a dusty, but beautiful pair of shoes.

"These are the Dancing Shoes of Everlasting Joy," he declared. "They've been waiting for someone just like you."

Lily carefully put on the shoes, and as soon as her feet touched the ground, she felt a magical tingling sensation. With a skip and a twirl, she found herself dancing gracefully around the shop.

Her heart was filled with pure happiness, and she knew these were the shoes she had always dreamed of. With a grateful heart, she thanked Mr. Cobb and left the shop, dancing all the way home.

From that day on, Lily's life was filled with music and dance. She twirled through meadows, danced under the twinkling stars, and brought joy to everyone she met.

Word of Lily's magical shoes spread throughout the village, and soon, people from near and far came to watch her dance. They couldn't help but smile and feel the happiness radiating from her.

One evening, as the sun set in a blaze of colours, Lily danced at the village square. Suddenly, a soft glow surrounded her, and the shoes shone brighter than ever before. Lily knew that the magic of the shoes was spreading, bringing happiness to all who watched.

And so, the Dancing Shoes of Everlasting Joy became a legend, and the village was forever known as a place where happiness bloomed in every step.

Remember, my dear friends, that joy can be found in the simplest of things, and sometimes, a pair of magical shoes can remind us to dance through life with a heart full of happiness.

https://www.facebook.com/MiaEnglishTeacher

How do you explain by Jess Urlichs

"How do you explain" by Jess Urlichs

People will try to tell you about that first moment.

Where you fall in love.

And you’ll nod, you’ll sit there in awe trying to make sense of a feeling that could never be put into words.

Because how do you explain about knowing love but not like this, how it runs through your veins.

How with each inhale you’ll consume it forever from this moment forward.

That your new home is wherever they are, and theirs is simply you.

How do you explain this pain with a purpose, the one that pulls every ounce of strength from your body. One you never knew you had, one that waited for you.

How do you explain wanting the world to know about this perfect little person you’re staring down at, and in the same breath, wanting to protect them from it. That you’ve never felt so fierce and so vulnerable, that your arms have never felt so important.

How do you explain that months of growing them, would be the beginning of them growing you. How you can be born again, still you and someone new.

How do you explain how it feels as if you’ve known them forever. How they find your eyes like it’s all they’ve been searching for.

How do you explain how time will stand still, but never still enough to catch it.

How your legs will wobble in this new role but you’ll never stand so tall.

And how heartbeats have their own language.

That this love has a sense of melancholy, you’ll feel everything, it’s so big it hurts.

It’s peaceful and it’s terrifying.

A journey where your destination travels alongside you.

A detached piece of yourself that makes you feel whole.

A colour before the bloom.

A type of magic handmade just for us.

Maybe that’s why no words could ever do it just.

Jess Urlichs poem from hardback of ‘From One Mom to a Mother’ www.jessicaurlichs.com/shop

Art: @petkovaboyana

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