THE CORNER 4 WOMEN

Thursday 7 March 2024

THE FLAME by Becky Hemsley

"THE FLAME" "BEING A MOTHER WHO HAS LOST A CHILD" by Becky Hemsley

There’s an order that life is supposed to follow.

An order of breaths we are supposed to take,

as if we are passing a torch from one generation to the next.

And our torch is supposed to go out before our child’s flame is extinguished.

We are supposed to watch them take their first breath.

But not their last.

We are supposed to hear the thud-thud of their heart when it starts beating.

But never the silence when it stops.

That heart that we once carried inside of us. That breath that we gave them. That life that we kept safe, protected.

So when the order of life is disrupted,

when their torch goes out before yours,

it is as if you too have been robbed of your breath

and as if your heart has stopped beating as well.

There is nothing that can make it less painful.

You would happily blow out your flame if it meant theirs could burn.

But you can’t. Even though that’s how it should be.

So all you can do is carry them inside you -

like you did once before.

Except now they have to stay in your heart forever.

And though it hurts,

just know that they are safe there.

They are protected.

Because a mother’s love is unending.

Because it burns forever with every breath you take and

with every beat your heart makes.

Because a mother’s love

is a flame that can

never

be extinguished.

Becky Hemsley 2023

Beautiful artwork Akira Kusaka Illustration

This is called 'The Flame' and is available on my website as a free download for anyone that needs it (beckyhemsley.com) - especially in the lead up to Mother’s Day

Brought to you by https://thecorner4women.com together with our sister website http://www.nicheebookcollections.com and our growing e-book library available FREE, through our Newsletter sign up page here:-

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

Tuesday 5 March 2024

THE SCARLET DAGGER from English With Mia

"THE SCARLET DAGGER"
from English With Mia

"The Scarlet Dagger" In the bustling city of Silverwood, there lived a young thief named Finn. He was known for his quick wit and nimble fingers, navigating the crowded streets with ease as he pilfered from unsuspecting merchants.

One night, while skulking through the dimly lit alleyways, Finn caught sight of a glinting object nestled among the shadows a scarlet dagger, its blade shimmering in the moonlight.

Driven by greed and curiosity, Finn approached the dagger cautiously, his heart pounding with excitement. As he reached out to grasp it, a voice echoed from the darkness.

"Stop right there," a gruff voice commanded.

Finn froze, his hand hovering inches from the dagger. He turned to see a burly figure emerging from the shadows a city guard, his armor gleaming in the moonlight.

"Caught red-handed, eh?" the guard growled, brandishing his sword. "That dagger belongs to the royal treasury. Hand it over, thief."

Finn's mind raced as he weighed his options. He knew the consequences of defying the city guard imprisonment, or worse. But the lure of the scarlet dagger was too strong to resist.

With a swift movement, Finn snatched the dagger from its resting place and bolted down the alley, the sound of pounding footsteps echoing behind him. He raced through the winding streets, ducking and weaving through the throngs of people as he made his escape.

As he reached the edge of the city, Finn paused to catch his breath, clutching the scarlet dagger tightly in his hand. He glanced back at the city lights twinkling in the distance, a mixture of triumph and apprehension churning in his chest.

In that moment, Finn realized the weight of his actions. The scarlet dagger may hold the promise of wealth and power, but it also carried the burden of consequences consequences he may not be prepared to face.

With a heavy sigh, Finn tucked the dagger into his belt and disappeared into the darkness, his mind swirling with thoughts of what lay ahead. For in his possession, he held not just a stolen trinket, but a symbol of the choices he had made and the choices yet to come

https://www.facebook.com/MiaEnglishTeacher

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

THE ORACLE'S VISION from English With Mia

"THE ORACLE'S VISION"
from English With Mia

In a small village nestled among rolling hills, there lived a young girl named Maya. Maya was known for her kind heart and gentle spirit, but what set her apart was her mysterious ability to see visions of the future in her dreams.

One night, as Maya slept soundly in her modest cottage, she had a vivid dream. In her dream, she found herself standing before an ancient oak tree, its branches reaching toward the sky like outstretched arms. Beneath the tree, a figure cloaked in shadow beckoned her forward.

"Maya," the figure whispered, its voice echoing like distant thunder. "You possess a gift a gift that can change the fate of our village."

Startled but curious, Maya stepped closer, her heart pounding with anticipation. The figure revealed itself to be the Oracle, a mystical being said to hold the secrets of past, present, and future.

"The future of our village hangs in the balance," the Oracle continued. "But with your gift, you can guide us toward a brighter tomorrow."

Maya listened intently as the Oracle spoke of looming dangers and hidden opportunities. She saw images of crops withering in the fields, of storms raging across the countryside, and of darkness threatening to engulf the village.

But amidst the shadows, Maya also glimpsed moments of hope a community coming together to rebuild, fields blooming with abundance, and laughter echoing through the streets once more.

Awakening from her dream, Maya knew that she had a responsibility to her village. She shared her visions with the village elders, who listened with both scepticism and hope.

Days turned into weeks, and Maya's visions proved to be prophetic. With her guidance, the villagers prepared for the challenges ahead, fortifying their homes against the storm and banding together to tend to the crops.

When the storm finally arrived, it was fierce and relentless. But thanks to Maya's warnings, the villagers were ready. They worked tirelessly to protect their homes and livelihoods, standing united against the fury of nature.

As the storm subsided and the sun emerged from behind the clouds, the village emerged stronger than ever. The fields flourished, the homes stood firm, and a sense of peace settled over the land.

Maya's gift had not only saved the village from disaster but had also brought the community closer together. People from all walks of life came to her for guidance, seeking her wisdom and insight.

In the end, Maya realized that her gift was not just about seeing the future—it was about using that knowledge to make a difference in the lives of those around her. And as she watched the sunset over the tranquil village, she knew that her journey was only beginning.

https://www.facebook.com/MiaEnglishTeacher

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

THE TIMELESS VOYAGE from English With Mia

"THE TIMELESS VOYAGE"
from English With Mia

In a bustling city filled with skyscrapers and bustling streets, there lived a diligent young man named Alex. Alex worked as a delivery driver, navigating the busy roads day in and day out. Despite the monotony of his job, Alex harboured a deep longing for adventure and exploration.

One day, while making a delivery to a dockside warehouse, Alex noticed an old sailboat sitting idly by the pier. The boat, weathered and worn from years of neglect, stirred something within him a desire to set sail and discover the unknown.

With a sense of determination burning in his heart, Alex made a spur-of-the-moment decision. He approached the owner of the boat and struck a deal to purchase it for a modest sum. Excitement coursing through his veins, Alex spent the next few days repairing and preparing the boat for his voyage.

Finally, the day arrived for Alex to embark on his journey. With a backpack filled with supplies and a map in hand, he set sail from the harbour, leaving the city skyline behind him.

As the boat glided across the shimmering waters, Alex felt a sense of freedom wash over him. The salty breeze filled his lungs, and the rhythm of the waves became his companion as he charted a course into the unknown.

Days turned into weeks, and Alex encountered many wonders along his journey a pod of dolphins dancing in the waves, a majestic albatross soaring overhead, and vibrant coral reefs teeming with life beneath the surface.

One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, Alex spotted a distant speck on the horizon. Intrigued, he steered the boat toward the mysterious island, his heart pounding with excitement.

As he approached the shore, Alex was greeted by a breath-taking sight a pristine beach fringed with swaying palm trees and crystal-clear waters lapping at the sand. It was a paradise unlike any he had ever seen a place untouched by time.

With a sense of wonder, Alex stepped onto the sandy shore, his feet sinking into the soft sand. He wandered through the dense jungle, marvelling at the exotic plants and curious creatures that called the island home.

As night fell, Alex found himself beneath a canopy of stars, the sound of the ocean lulling him into a peaceful slumber. He realized that his journey had brought him to a place of timeless beauty, a place where dreams could come true and adventures never ended.

With a contented smile, Alex settled down by a crackling fire, the flickering flames casting dancing shadows on the sand. As he drifted off to sleep, he knew that his voyage was far from over—that there were still many wonders waiting to be discovered beyond the horizon.

And so, under the stars and surrounded by the gentle embrace of the ocean, Alex's timeless voyage continued, a testament to the power of curiosity, courage, and the endless possibilities that awaited those who dared to dream.

https://www.facebook.com/MiaEnglishTeacher

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

LIVING IN A PHOTOGRAPH by Joanne Boyle

"LIVING IN A PHOTOGRAPH"
by Joanne Boyle

A million pictures were taken.

I placed them in my heart.

I often take a peek,

now we are apart.

I could be sitting on a bus,

at home on my favourite chair.

I just take a picture from my heart,

and I find that you are there.

Each picture has a story.

A time that i remember.

I fill my heart with moments,

from January to December.

On the days I miss you most,

I open my heart up wide.

I look through a million pictures,

and I get lost inside.

My heartbeat starts to dance.

You are here again.

Living in a photograph

in a memory without pain.

******

Joanne Boyle

https://www.facebook.com/poeminabottlle

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

art by Steffi Krenzek

THE BUTTERFLY by Becky Hemsley

"THE BUTTERFLY"
by Becky Hemsley

“Trade me a memory,” the butterfly said

“A memory that’s heavy and harsh,

And I’ll sit and I’ll listen and try my sweet best

To lighten the load on your heart”

So he told her of struggles, of heartache and pain

And he cried as he spoke them aloud

For it wasn’t one memory but lots of the same

That were, all of them, weighing him down

He spoke of a place filled with darkness and fear,

A tunnel devoid of all hope

And the spots on her wings deftly captured his tears

Then softly and gently she spoke

“Thanks for the memories,” the butterfly said

Then she gave him a butterfly kiss

And she took a deep breath as she wistfully sighed

And then traded her memory for his

“I’ve always been me but not always like this

There was once when I thought I had died

I was shrouded in darkness ‘til I grew my wings

See,

I needed that darkness to fly”

********

Becky Hemsley 2021

Artwork by the ever-incredible @dianapedott via Instagram

'The Butterfly' is from my first collection https://a.co/d/cixPqfW

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

WAITING BY THE WINDOW by Becky Hemsley

"WAITING BY THE WINDOW"
by Becky Hemsley

We waited nine months to meet you.

We waited to see you smile, to watch you walk, to hear you talk.

And I'm not sure you realise this but we now wait at the window every day for you to get home.

A home that is filled with all of your things, all of your noise.

But one day we will walk into your bedroom and there won't be clothes all over the floor.

There won't be snacks that you've abandoned in every room and there won't be the noise of some obscure TV show echoing through the house.

Yes, one day our nest will be empty.

Quiet.

Tidy.

You will not need us anymore like you do now.

And that will mean we have done our job.

It will mean we have succeeded

in helping you grow your wings and in teaching you to fly.

And we will enjoy the quiet and the tidiness,

knowing that this is how it is supposed to be.

But we will also miss you. We'll miss the noise and miss the mess that tells us you are here.

So I hope you'll know that you can fly back whenever you want to.

Need to. Wish to.

That you can call us and tell us to put the kettle on

and open the snacks because you'll be here soon.

Because I'm not sure you'll realise this but we'll be here,

waiting to watch you walk through the door with a smile on your face.

Waiting to talk to you about what you've been up to.

Yes, even when you've flown the nest, we will be here.

Always.

Waiting by the window

for you to get home.

******

Becky Hemsley 2023

Beautiful image by the incredibly talented Anna Fila (@af.anki.malowanki on Instagram)

'Waiting by the Window' is from 'Letters from Life': https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CHL9MZC1...

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

Monday 4 March 2024

THOSE TWO CHEAP RINGS

"THOSE TWO CHEAP RINGS"
(author unknown)

"My husband doesn't have a lot, neither of us do. We scrape and scrape to pay bills and put food in our bellies, but after almost 2 years of dating we decided that we couldn't wait anymore, so we didn't.

I wasn't even thinking about rings, I just wanted to marry my best friend, but he wouldn't have it. He scraped up just enough money to buy me two matching rings from Pandora. Sterling silver and CZ to be exact. That's what sits on my ring finger, and I am so in love with them.

While we were purchasing my rings however, another lady that was working there came over to help the lady selling them to us. She said, 'Y'all can you believe that some men get these as engagement rings? How pathetic.' When she said that I watched my now husband's face fall. He already felt bad because he couldn't afford the pear-shaped set that so obviously had my heart and covered my Pinterest page. He already felt like a failure, asking me again and again 'Are you sure you'll be happy with these? Are you sure this is okay?' He was so upset at the idea of not making me happy enough and of me not wanting to marry him because my rings didn't cost enough money or weren't flashy enough.

Old Ariel would have ripped that woman a new one. Mature Ariel said, 'It isn't the ring that matters, it is the love that goes into buying one that is.' We bought the rings and left.

Y'all I would have gotten married to this man if it had been a 25¢ gum ball machine ring. When did our nation fall so far to think the only way a man can truly love a woman is if he buys her $3,000+ jewellery and makes a public decree of his affection with said flashy ring? Sure they are nice, sure the sentiment is wonderful and I'm not trying to cut down any of your experiences, but when did it come to all that? Why do material possessions equate love??

My husband was so afraid of me not wanting him because he couldn't afford a piece of jewellery. He was afraid that the love I have for him would pale because he couldn't afford the wedding set I wanted. The world has made it this way and it is so sad. Ultimately we couldn't wait any longer.. so we eloped. I've never been this happy in my life and I couldn't imagine spending it with anyone else ever. Here I am, Court-House married, $130 ring set, the love of my life by my side and happier than I could ever imagine."

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