Simply Story Poetry

The Balance of Isolation and CommunityThis poem reflects on aloneness, which the poet initially believed to be understood until I experienced it. Confronted with isolation, feelings of loneliness and longing for community arose. Through this challenge, I discovered an appreciation for solitude and the value of connections with family and friends.I first learnt about the concept of aloneness while reading about mindfulness and meditation. I believed I understood the idea, until I was confronted with being alone on an isolated property during a house sit I did recently. The experience was much more challenging than I thought it would be. Beverley JoyThe art of being aloneI've thought about living in a monasteryTo learn solitude and meditationTo escape the busyness of the cityUntil I realised I had to take my mind with me.When I found myself living in isolationOn a property way out in the country With no car, no bus or train for escapeI was forced to accept and embrace my fate.In the city, I was too busy to face what I feltI could talk to others and not just myselfI would connect with friends and familyFeel I belong to my community.Alone, I cried, 'Woe betide nobody cares,' My family were far from thereNo one called, and I had no visitorsMy toxic mind drove me wild.This opportunity, so fragile, so rareIt was answered prayer. Yet, do I dare?Confront the sharp edges of aloneness Experience the hidden gem of remoteness.I put aside my tears and negative toneI wrote a poem, and I scribbled notesI watched flowers open and some TVI listened to birds sing and the wind in the trees.Some people wish for alonenessOthers, like me, do not thrive in itAt least now I have a fresh appreciationFor family and friendly connections.Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry © 2025 All Rights ReservedYou can BUY my poems and verses at ⁠⁠⁠beverleyjoy.redbubble.com⁠⁠⁠You can read or listen to my poems on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Simply Story Poetry⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pinterest ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠simplystorypoetry.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Thank you for listening.

I endured months of chemotherapy and a Stem Cell transplant to rid my body of Multiple Myeloma that had spread up my spine and in my hips and ribs. I was too sick, too tired and too vulnerable to germs to go outside, other than to the hospital for frequent appointments, or as an inpatient. It felt like I was living in a cave. I couldn't read books due to 'brain fog', so I listened to audiobooks. I practised the art of mindfulness as I crossed the treacherous mountains and dark emotional valleys, lonely deserts and roaring rivers of life.I was reminded of the Bible stories of Elijah, 1 Kings 19:11-18, and Hagar, Genesis 16 and 21. God whispered to Elijah and gently spoke to Hagar, promising them inner strength and relief.Although cancer-free now, I grapple with the lasting physical damage to my bones, accepting a slower pace of life while seeking inner peace and patience amidst my ongoing journey of recovery. My life has changed in many ways. This new normal of living at a slower pace is challenging. Beverley Joy.Desert MindI sit here quiet with my desert mindWondering why this barren time.My pace is slow, I thirst to knowHow disease became my troubled foe.I endure through life's desert stormI hide in a cave, wondering when, if, tears will rain.I stand in peace, now that I seeAnswers whisper mid mountain tremorElijah, Hagar, promised relief, and strength received.I walk the walk, in contemplative thoughtMountains high, through valleys lowAcross desert sands and rivers deepOasis relief, meditative breeze.I stand in peace, now that I seeAnswers whisper mid mountain tremorElijah, Hagar, promised relief, and strength received.Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry © 2025 All Rights ReservedYou can BUY my poems and verses at ⁠⁠beverleyjoy.redbubble.com⁠⁠You can read or listen to my poems on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Simply Story Poetry⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pinterest ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠simplystorypoetry.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Thank you for listening.

This poem likens a quiet-natured, shy person to Van Gogh's famous painting 'Sunflowers'. Being called a wallflower signifies being shy and reserved, but doesn't diminish one's vibrancy or ability to inspire and arouse joy and curiosity. Just because you might be shy and quiet in nature does not mean you cannot be a colourful, interesting and inspiring person. Van Gogh's famous painting 'Sunflowers' hangs silently on a wall, yet its vibrant colours speak loudly, arousing curiosity and joy in the observer. I embrace being a wallflower and aim to inspire while quietly sharing my presence. Beverley Joy.The hidden power of a WallflowerI was recently told, in no uncertain terms‘Don't be a wallflower, Speak up, be heard.'I was taken aback, thinking 'How rude.'But quickly, I configured an alternative picture.‘But I want to be a wallflowerTo be exact, a Sunflower.'My favourite flower, bright yellow and goldLike the Van Gogh that hangs on my wall.That draws attention and arouses artistic passionViewed with curiosity, speaks out silentlyIdentified immediately, known for his creativityRespected and discussed intellectually.People ponder and smile, question and pauseIt brightens their day with wonderment and aweI'm proud to be a wallflower That hangs around to challenge and inspire.Beverley Joy © 2023 Simply Story Poetry. All Rights Reserved.Image by Image by Adina Voicu from PixabayYou can BUY my poems and verses at ⁠beverleyjoy.redbubble.com⁠You can read or listen to my poems on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Simply Story Poetry⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pinterest ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠simplystorypoetry.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Thank you for listening.

This poem reflects on the memories of my father, who has recently passed away at the age of 95, honouring his unwavering faith and enduring love. I also lost my brother when he was an infant and my mother when I was 40.My dad spent several years in aged care. Over the past year, I have watched him struggle to stay alive, let alone stay awake. With laboured breathing, unable to stand up or walk, he spent his days sitting in a wheelchair and sleeping on his bed. We prayed for God to take him, for he had no quality of life left. He didn't want to be here. He prayed that God would take him to heaven. Finally, his prayer was answered, and he slipped away while sleeping. My step-mum, her son and I were there with him.In Loving MemoryYour prayer has been answered, you've left us for heavenTo be with beloved family and friendsNo longer suffering, now in God's heavenly realm.I shed my tears as I said goodbye To your earthly body as they lowered you downFragrant rose petals sprinkled with loveThough you rest in peace, I miss you so much.Hundreds of people showed their respectWe sang your favourite songs and shared memoriesAs old friends reunited, we were all inspiredBy your faith and courage throughout your life.Every day, I think of you fondlyIt seems so strange that you are not hereWalking this earth, living just down the roadChatting to me on the telephone.The cycle of life, generations come and goLeaving memories in dreams and photosBabies are born with new hope and loveThe family tree continues to grow.Your life was well-lived, I learnt from you - strengthStrength to endure the hardships life brings And heartfelt joy to share with my family and friends And the people I meet in my community.May your legacy live on through those of us left behind.Beverley Joy © 2025 of Simply Story Poetry. All Rights Reserved.Photo by Shane Rounce on UnsplashYou can BUY my poems and verses at beverleyjoy.redbubble.comYou can read or listen to my poems on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Simply Story Poetry⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠Youtube⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pinterest ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠simplystorypoetry.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Thank you for listening. Beverley Joy

This poem compares cancer to sailing through a wild storm, sitting still with no wind, to waiting for healing, harnessing the wind in the sails, to moving toward my destination. In August 2024, I received the bad news that the blood cancer, Multiple Myeloma, which I had treated with radiation a year earlier, had spread through my spine and ribs. I have been silent online for the past year, focusing on regaining my health. The Chemotherapy I received over the past year successfully killed all the cancer in my body, though the painful damage to my bones remains. I wrote this poem before I received this news. I feel well enough to recommence my poetry with this apt poem, which has sat in my draft folder for over a year. I was inspired to write this poem by Jessica Watson, who sailed solo nonstop around the world at 16 and Michael Singer's podcast - Navigating the Ocean of Life.Sailing through Life's StormsI set sail, solo, skipper of my yachtBlue skies, a gentle breeze, sailing with easeWith other yachts, I tack across the baySkimming across the rippled waves.The bay is calm and peaceful todayI sail smoothly at a comfortable paceRelaxed and happy, I sail effortlesslyCatching the breeze on this sun-kissed bay.I'm outward bound on a long voyageI've set my sails for the open oceanI'll be at the mercy of nature's elementsThe excitement and terror of her power.The wind picks up and invigoratesI skim across small choppy wavesDip and rise with a moderate swellPicking up speed, with the wind in my sails.My sea-faring skills play their partCoordinates set on my nautical chartI pull the sail tight to catch the wind's forceThe rudder is fixed for my destination port.My skill as a skipper will determineIf I use the winds and current to my favourOr will I stall and be swamped, Capsize or drown, never to be found?Nature is not under my controlI am not God, just a sailing soulI cannot command the wind and wavesTo be still and grant me safe passage.I harness the wind's energy at every opportunityTo stay on course for my end portImproving my skills as a seaworthy skipperAt one with my yacht, we move together.A mighty storm came my wayWith little time to prepareI throw out the dragnet, lower the sailsBatten down the hatches and secure the cabin.I cannot harness the power of that violent windThe strong current, the thunderstormI'm at the mercy of the seaAs it threatens to batter my yacht and me.The storm will pass, but will I be harmed?I fear it could destroy my vesselRelentless waves, the surge and pitchViolently being tossed about.The storm moves on, the ocean now a pondI sit and wait, my ears prickedFor the clinck of the ropes against the maskThe lap of waves against the hull.The doldrums, the calm after the stormSitting in nothingness, impatient and boredOh, to move forward, backwards or sidewaysI could die here waiting on this dead, still ocean.A beacon bobs in the distanceThe bow pitches up and downThe compass swings as my vessel swaysMy voyage continues with me at the helm.My vessel scuds along as the wind picks upHeeling with its mighty forceJust me and my yacht and the vast, lonely oceanPraying for safe passage till my voyage ends.The winds of life will blowIts current will pull and drag meForces of nature are in controlI'm at the mercy of life's open ocean.Life is a voyage that can toss too and froIt often sails beyond what is familiarOur life skills are tested and honedThe excitement and terror of the unknown.Beverley Joy © 2024 Simply Story Poetry. All Rights Reserved.Image by Beverley Joy. You can read or listen to my poems on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Simply Story Poetry⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pinterest ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠simplystorypoetry.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Thank you for listening.

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. The poem reflects on the qualities and characteristics of friendship, emphasizing mutual communication, support, and vulnerability. It highlights the importance of sharing values, beliefs, and life experiences with a close friend. It reflects on the value of authentic and uplifting connections in our lives. Even though we may have many friends, there is one whom we call our best friend. I wrote this poem sitting on the verandah of an Airbnb country cottage on a large property at Gin Gin Queensland, where I spent a few days rest from the busyness of life with my daughter. Enjoy. You can read my poems on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Simply Story Poetry⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pinterest ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠simplystorypoetry.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Thank you for listening. Beverley Joy --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/simply-story-poetry/message

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/simply-story-poetry/message

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. This poem tells of my emotional journey as a mother when my daughters moved to live overseas. I reflect on the precious moments with my daughters as young girls and long to be physically close to them, despite the distance. The poem captures my deep love and longing for my daughters while acknowledging the reality of their separation. I hope they will reunite one day and the poem emphasizes the enduring power of love and care. This heartfelt poem speaks of the universal experience of parental love and the challenges of letting go. When I was a young adult, I took the opportunity to spread my wings and fly away and now the opportunities had presented themselves to my daughters. Who was I to hold them back from exploring the world? I supported their decision, despite my deep desire to keep them close like a mother hen protecting her chicks. They were no longer my chicks to own. Beverley Joy You can read my poems at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Simply Story Poetry⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pinterest ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠simplystorypoetry.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Thank you for listening. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/simply-story-poetry/message

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. This poem offers a positive perspective on waiting. It illustrates different facets of waiting by highlighting peaceful acceptance and excitement in finding calm and fresh determination while waiting for life's events to unfold. It conveys hope through reflections on nature and personal connections. I invite you to embrace anticipation as a joyful, dynamic experience, steering clear of sadness, anxiety, or impatience. Beverley Joy. You can read my poems at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Simply Story Poetry⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pinterest ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠simplystorypoetry.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Thank you for listening. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/simply-story-poetry/message

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. This poem is Part 9 of a series about my journey with disease. After overcoming spinal surgery and radiation for cancer, I am grateful to be able to resume writing and sharing poetry. Amidst struggles with nausea, pain, and fatigue, I emphasize patience and perseverance to finally return to what was once my normal life following what was such a crazy unsettled, unusual time in my life. While my computer silently awaited my return, I focused on assessing my purpose with patience and resilience. Beverley Joy You can read my poems at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Simply Story Poetry⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pinterest ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠simplystorypoetry.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Thank you for listening. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/simply-story-poetry/message

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. This poem is Part 8 of a series about my journey with disease. During my cancer radiation treatment, I underwent daily hospital visits for radiation targeting cancer cells in my spine. Living with my daughter, I relied on her for care and transportation. Despite physical challenges, I maintained a positive mindset through exercise, reading, and learning from inspirational stories of other people who have overcome illness and trauma throughout their lives. This poem reflects on my determination and gratitude for small progressions during this difficult time in my life. Beverley Joy You can read my poems at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Simply Story Poetry⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pinterest ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠simplystorypoetry.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Thank you for listening. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/simply-story-poetry/message

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. This poem is Part 7 of a series about my journey with cancer. This poem describes my post-surgery experience. Discharged with medication and crutches, I found comfort in a treehouse retreat and shared time there with my daughter, who took care of me. I struggled to accept the restrictions of movement the surgery had left me with. My focus shifted to healing and recuperating, emphasizing the need for patience and endurance. Beverley Joy You can read my poems at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Simply Story Poetry⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pinterest ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠simplystorypoetry.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Thank you for listening. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/simply-story-poetry/message

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. The difficulties of surgery and the support received from loved ones during recovery. This poem is Part 6 of a series about my journey with disease. This poem illustrates the impact of the disease on my life, including strong pain relief medication, physical limitations, and strained relationships. It goes into the cognitive and physical changes following surgery and the support received from loved ones during my recovery. Despite the challenges, the support of loved ones played a crucial role in my journey to recovery. Beverley Joy The difficulties of surgery and the support received from loved ones during recovery This poem illustrates the impact of the disease on my life, including strong pain relief medication, physical limitations, and strained relationships. It goes into the cognitive and physical changes following surgery and the support received from loved ones during my recovery. Despite the challenges, the support of loved ones played a crucial role in my journey to recovery. Beverley Joy You can read my poems at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Simply Story Poetry⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pinterest ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠simplystorypoetry.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Thank you for listening. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/simply-story-poetry/message

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. Shock and emotional turmoil on receiving a cancer diagnosis. This poem is Part 5 of a series about my journey with Cancer. This poem delves into my shock and emotional turmoil when I received the diagnosis of spine cancer. I grapple with questions about the extent of the disease and its impact on my life and future. The poem vividly captures the devastation and sense of loss that accompanies such a diagnosis, despite the initial reassurance from the doctor about treatment prospects. Beverley Joy You can read my poems at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Simply Story Poetry⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pinterest ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠simplystorypoetry.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/simply-story-poetry/message

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. The shock and uncertainty of facing a serious medical condition. This poem is Part 4 of a series about my journey with disease. I had a CAT scan for back pain, leading to a series of urgent medical appointments. A scan reveals a concerning issue, prompting immediate action and hospitalization. I reflected on life as I waited for further tests and results while in the hospital. The poem captures the shock and uncertainty as I faced a serious medical condition and the impact it had on my life and relationships. Beverley Joy You can read my poems at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Simply Story Poetry⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pinterest ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠simplystorypoetry.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Thank you for listening. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/simply-story-poetry/message

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. When the pain gets severe, we are forced to stop and listen. This poem is Part 3 of a series about my journey with disease. This poem is my journey of how, when enduring chronic pain, I was finally forced to visit a medical doctor, revealing a long-neglected condition. My hectic schedule and determination to push through the pain eventually forced me to stop. Despite my reluctance, I realize the severity of my situation. This poem reflects the struggle to balance a busy, hectic life with the determination to keep going and push through the pain barrier and the need to listen to our bodies and respect the message it is trying to give us. It was only when my pain could not be relieved by natural therapies and over-the-counter pain relief, that I succumbed and went to consult a doctor. Beverley Joy You can read my poems at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Simply Story Poetry⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pinterest ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠simplystorypoetry.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Thank you for listening. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/simply-story-poetry/message

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. Physical pain is a warning message, telling us to take notice and action. This poem is Part 2 of a series about my journey with disease. I've always thought of pain as my enemy. I wanted to get rid of it, ignore it. I didn't want it in my life. It was a foreigner, an enemy, not a friend. How could something so annoying be a friend? I'd get relief from natural therapies but I refused to take a holistic balanced approach to my pain. I did not go to a medical doctor to get it investigated, even though one natural therapist wanted me to. I foolishly gritted my teeth and soldiered on. How I interpret this feature image is the hand touching the face is pain being felt, making its presence known. The beautiful swirling colours are pain being seen as a friend, not an enemy. Beverley Joy You can read my poems at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Simply Story Poetry⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pinterest ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠simplystorypoetry.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Thank you for listening. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/simply-story-poetry/message

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. Life-threatening illnesses, like cancer and other diseases, change our life course. This poem is Part 1 of a series about my journey with disease. The plans I had laid out for my future were smashed up against a brick wall in 2023. The wall of a disease that has been building slowly within my body, unbeknown to me, for many years. I did not post poems during the months I was in hospital, receiving treatment and recuperating from my battle with a disease. Many life-changing decisions can be made once disease interrupts our lives. Changes in relationships, career, physical ability, mental health, and faith to name a few. Some existing values and beliefs are strengthened, and some are weakened and fall away and replaced with new ones—some for the better, some for the worse. There are new challenges to face, such as memory pain that arises from the trauma. This is the one that stopped me in my tracks many times throughout my recovery. I am in awe and praise of the doctors and nurses who have done amazing work to rescue me from the life-threatening claws of disease. I wrote a series of poems throughout my journey, not to whinge, moan and groan 'Woe is me' but to describe how pain has become, and still is, my friend and my rescuer. Also to share how this experience has strengthened me and taught me well-needed life lessons. This poem is the first of that series. I hope they bring you awareness, encouragement, and connection if you have also experienced a journey with a disease. Beverley Joy You can read my poems at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Simply Story Poetry⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pinterest ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠simplystorypoetry.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Thank you for listening. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/simply-story-poetry/message

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. This poem reflects on the struggle to control a busy mind and the importance of being present in the moment. It emphasizes the impact of memories and worries on our ability to fully engage with the present. I seek to quiet my "monkey mind", which runs here, there and everywhere with thoughts from the past and worries about the future. I have read 'How to' books which have taught me how to practice mindfulness, to help me embrace peace, abundance, and love in a world with aggression and greed. While my mind is busy remembering or thinking of the future, I am missing the moment right here and now and all the wonder and beauty that exists in the present. Beverley Joy You can read my poems at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Simply Story Poetry⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pinterest ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠simplystorypoetry.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Thank you for listening. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/simply-story-poetry/message

On Valentine's Day many lovers, partners and spouses will celebrate their love together. Yet many lovers, partners, and spouses, who are separated by thousands of miles, find comfort in the unbreakable bond of true love. Despite the physical distance, because their love is deep and strong they patiently wait till the day they will be reuniting. Until then, their love will overcome the challenge of distance between them because they believe in the unbreakable bond of true love. Beverley Joy You can read my poems at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Simply Story Poetry⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pinterest ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠simplystorypoetry.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Thank you for listening. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/simply-story-poetry/message

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. A mask of deception crumbles exposing the truth. I wrote this poem many years ago. It depicts the moment when a friend reveals a truth about themselves that comes as a surprise. But as the relationship is solid, both parties realize that truth deepens the bond of friendship. Pride, guilt, and shame fall away with the grace shown. United in love, they leave the past behind. How wonderful it is when friendships pass through this surface level, throw away the masks and get real with each other. Beverley Joy You can read my poems at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Simply Story Poetry⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pinterest ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠simplystorypoetry.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/simply-story-poetry/message

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. The far-reaching effects of being bullied during school years are still evident in the lives of those who I know had, unfortunately, experienced this toxic behaviour. I wrote this poem decades ago. It is based on a true story which took place before policies around bullying in schools were implemented. It is based on a friend's experience. He was 60 years old when he told me, with vivid clarity, of the continuous bullying that he endured as a young boy. He was beaten on the way to school and at school. He dreaded walking to school in fear the bullies would beat him up. He often hid under a bridge and deliberately missed catching the school bus. Then he would walk the distance to school arriving late to avoid meeting the bullies along the way. He was a gentle-natured happy person. Some people can heal from these past traumas, but other gentle people struggle to heal from this trauma. With the start of a new school year, let's look out for our children to keep them safe and happy during their school years. Let's stop bullying in schools. Beverley Joy You can read my poems at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Simply Story Poetry⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pinterest ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠simplystorypoetry.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Thank you for listening. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/simply-story-poetry/message

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. I have experienced living in diverse styles of houses and lifestyles in different locations and climates around Australia. Why? I must have some gipsy in my blood. I'm curious to experience lifestyles that look interesting to me—different modes of transport, daily routines and activities. I may never have experienced different house styles and climates if I had never changed location. I lived in a motorhome for three years while exploring Australia. I've house and pet sat around the Gold Coast, Yeppoon and Brisbane Queensland, with different breeds than I have owned dogs and cats. All of these amazing and interesting experiences have enriched my life. You can read my poems at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Simply Story Poetry⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pinterest ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠simplystorypoetry.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Thank you for listening. Enjoy your adventures. Beverley Joy --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/simply-story-poetry/message

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. The most hurtful part of the theft, besides the breach of trust, was the loss of the sentimental items that were among them. I originally wrote this poem in 2013 after I had thousands of dollars worth of belongings stolen from me by a male friend who lived in another state, a six-hour flight away from where I lived. I tried my best to get justice, to no avail. I have twigged the original wording of this poem after I had money stolen from my online bank account by a con woman. For a moment I was angry and I found it hard to accept that there are people who steal from fellow human beings, who have done them no wrong. But then I remember the days when I was a prison chaplain and that the prisons were full of thieves and criminals. If not imprisoned physically, thieves are imprisoned in their selfishness and greed. What lesson did I learn from these thefts? Be very careful who you trust, be it a friend or an employee of a trusted company. I also learnt how to let go of the disappointment and loss. Beverley Joy. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/simply-story-poetry/message

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. When we reflect on past events, it can stir up a mixture of thoughts and emotions often linked to a song's melody and lyrics. A song's melody and lyrics awaken memories for us, both pleasant and disturbing. How we react to those memories can have benefits or disadvantages. You can read my poems at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Simply Story Poetry⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pinterest, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠simplystorypoetry.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Thank you for listening. Beverley Joy. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/simply-story-poetry/message

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. I wrote this poem after both of my young adult daughters moved out of the family home, leaving an empty net. You can read my poems at ⁠⁠⁠⁠Simply Story Poetry⁠⁠⁠⁠ on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Pinterest, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠and at ⁠⁠⁠⁠simplystorypoetry.com⁠⁠⁠⁠. Thank you for listening. Beverley Joy. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/simply-story-poetry/message

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. The story of Grace continues...Together with the need, and desire, to help her dad care for their mentally ill mother. Her husband seemed happy working six days a week and spending his spare time helping his mates. Grace scheduled a monthly date night, but over time, that didn't provide enough to meet her need for affection. She felt so lonely in her marriage. After 16 years of marriage, what would she do? You can read my poems at ⁠⁠⁠Simply Story Poetry⁠⁠⁠ on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠Pinterest, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠and at ⁠⁠⁠simplystorypoetry.com⁠⁠⁠. I hope your lover, partner or husband, gives you loving hugs, like no other. Beverley Joy. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/simply-story-poetry/message

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. The story of Grace continues...Grace and Darren were struggling to keep their marriage together. They could not recover from the financial losses they had experienced a few years earlier. Darren had fallen into a deep depression. Grace didn't want to stay in a marriage that was dead, but neither did she want to leave a ten-year marriage. They kept trying to fix what had broken in their relationship. You can read my poems at ⁠⁠⁠Simply Story Poetry⁠⁠⁠ on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠Pinterest, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠and at ⁠⁠⁠simplystorypoetry.com⁠⁠⁠. I hope your love enjoys fine weather. Beverley Joy --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/simply-story-poetry/message

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. To love or not to fall in love again? Should Grace risk falling in love again? The story of Grace continues...These questions churned over in her mind. It had been two years since her marriage had broken down with Darren. She felt safe being single and on her own. To fall in love again would mean becoming vulnerable. But she wanted more than to feel safe. She wanted to love someone and be loved in return. But was she ready? Was she wise enough to make a good choice this time? This poem explores the decision of whether to fall in love again following the breakdown of a previous relationship. You can read my poems at ⁠Simply Story Poetry⁠ on ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠Facebook⁠, ⁠Pinterest, ⁠⁠and LinkedIn ⁠and at ⁠simplystorypoetry.com⁠. May your decision to risk falling in love again bring you happiness. Thank you for listening. Beverley Joy. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/simply-story-poetry/message

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. This poem explores the moment Grace realizes her relationship with Darren must end. The story of Grace continues. Grace is visiting family 4,000 kilometres away from her husband, Darren when she receives news that resulted in her deciding to end her marriage with Darren. They had been happily married for 10 years. They had lived and travelled in their motorhome around Australia for the past 4 years. This poem focuses not on what Darren did, but on her thoughts and emotions as Grace comes to terms with her situation and the decision she must make. You can read my poems at ⁠⁠Simply Story Poetry⁠⁠ on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Pinterest, ⁠⁠⁠⁠and LinkedIn ⁠⁠and at ⁠⁠simplystorypoetry.com⁠⁠. My thoughts go out to my listeners who are going through a relationship break-up. Thank you for listening. Beverley Joy. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/simply-story-poetry/message

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. I wrote this poem just before we left Brisbane Queensland in the motorhome to travel across to Western Australia. We moved from a large home to a motorhome. Grace and Darren set off on their journey around Australia in their motorhome. It had been a challenge deciding what to take and what to leave behind. Grace felt a mixture of excitement and anxiety. She could only take a few changes of clothes and only the essentials for every other part of her life. She had accepted the challenge to live a minimalist life and live without all their material possessions, just like the monks had to do. Darren had built them a comfortable motorhome. Beverley Joy. You can read my poems at Simply Story Poetry on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, LinkedIn and at simplystorypoetry.com. May love travel comfortably with you. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/simply-story-poetry/message

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. I wrote this poem while staying in the picturesque seaside town of Mandarah in Western Australia. This poem compares protective love to that of a small boat tied to a mooring. Early one evening, Darren parked their motorhome beside a small boat harbour to stay for the night. Grace walked down to the pier. The wind was getting stronger. Grace was feeling nervous about sleeping off the beaten track, as she often was. She was afraid someone would come along and bang on the side of their motorhome in the middle of the night or a branch would fall from the tree overhead. Throughout their travels, Darren continued to gently reassure her that they would be safe. Beverley Joy. You can read my poems at Simply Story Poetry on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn and at simplystorypoetry.com. May love rock you to sleep. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/simply-story-poetry/message

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. Grace and Darren continue to grow in their love for each other. Darren is over the moon in love with her, but Grace steps carefully forward. She still doesn't trust herself enough to relax fully into the circle of love with him. She knows it will take time and there is no rush. She is like a fresh tender stem breaking through the soil, hardened by past hurt, into the sunshine and fresh air of love. Grace is patient, she understands that soon she will blossom into full-bloom love. Beverley Joy You can read my poems at Simply Story Poetry on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn and at simplystorypoetry.com. May love blossom into full bloom for you. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/simply-story-poetry/message

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. As Grace falls in love again she hesitates, feeling a mixture of excitement and fear. She doesn't want to make the same mistake as she did in her first relationship. She wants to ensure that she chooses a partner that is more suited to her values and interests. Grace has learnt life lessons since her first relationship and now those lessons are put to the test. It sounds mechanical compared to the first time she fell in love which had her head spinning and her emotions running out of control. The time was right for her to decide to step over or step away. Beverley Joy You can read my poems at Simply Story Poetry on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn and at simplystorypoetry.com. May the steps of love be kind to you. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/simply-story-poetry/message

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. I wrote this poem on a postcard-perfect day while living in Broome Western Australia, on my journey around Australia in a motorhome. The love story of Grace, titled Wilted No More, continues. Grace and her husband, Darren, have travelled right across the top of Australia to the northwest coast. Both of them feel relaxed having left their troubles way back east in Queensland. They have travelled through small country towns, and desert land, climbed mountains to take in majestic views and walked through lush green valleys along the way. Now, for a few months, they are staying on the coast where the sun sets over the ocean. Hundreds of tourists come each day, during the dry season, to Cable Beach at sunset to watch nature's breathtaking show. Some choose to sit inside a beachfront restaurant, and others sit on the back of a camel for a sunset ride along the ocean's edge. A select few sail out on a yacht sipping champagne and caviar. Some drive further up the beach in their four-wheel drives, while many others sit on the beach. Late in the afternoons, Grace and Darren would perch on their favourite 'rock,' along the foreshore away from the crowds, sipping cheap wine and snacking on crackers and cheese while they waited for nature's show to begin. They loved their new simplified uncomplicated life in which they were discovering so many unrushed, enjoyable experiences. Beverley Joy. You can read my poems at Simply Story Poetry on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn and at simplystorypoetry.com. Happy Valentine's Day. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/simply-story-poetry/message

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. Grace had travelled a roller coaster journey of love through the decades of her life. From a teenager to now in her 50s, love and romance had come and gone in and out of her life. Now she chooses to reminisce about the many good times she had while being in love and not dwell on the bad times. Through all her experiences of love, Grace had known true love, and she still holds hope that she will once again find true love, just like her father did at the age of 75. Well, she doesn't want to wait that long! The young woman Grace was, entering her first marriage, now seems like a stranger to her. She has matured and mellowed, wised up, and forgiven both herself and her previous loves. The journey of love has many facets, like the making of a diamond - it is dug out of the dirt where it was found, then cleansed, cut and refined to finally sparkle in brilliance and shine forth happiness. Beverley Joy. You can read my poems at Simply Story Poetry on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn and at simplystorypoetry.com. May the journey of love be kind to you. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/simply-story-poetry/message

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. I wrote these love verses while writing the draft for the sequel to The Wilted Rose titled Wilted No More, which I have decided not to publish, instead I am sharing the poems and excerpts from the story that relate to the poem. The story begins with Grace, the main character falling in love with her future husband. These verses of love flowed up from my heart during this time of writing the story. I have compared love to different elements of nature and music. Beverley Joy. You can read my poems at Simply Story Poetry on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn and at simplystorypoetry.com. Open your heart to love another. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/simply-story-poetry/message

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. I am continuing through February and Valentine's Day, with the theme of Love. The experience of falling in love, whether it is young love or falling in love as a mature aged man or woman, there are many similarities. Although I wrote this poem as a mature-aged woman, who was falling in love again, publishing it today took me back to the days when I fell in love as a young woman. The curiosity and excitement of meeting someone, and then over time, getting to know that person intimately. Although at present I am single, I look forward to the day that I fall in love again. A decade after the death of my mother, my dad fell head over heels in love and at 75 years of age, married a beautiful woman, both physically and spiritually, 10 years younger than him! They have enjoyed nearly two decades of loving and caring for each other. Life is too short to not embrace love in its fullness. It is never too late to fall in love again. Beverley Joy. You can read my poems at Simply Story Poetry on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn and at simplystorypoetry.com. Melt into the mood of love with me this month. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/simply-story-poetry/message

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. Those early weeks and months of falling in love are so intense with love-soaked emotions and thoughts that drip into every area of our waking day. A constant drip that catches our attention, drawing us away from our work, our study, and our task at hand. Reminiscing past times that we spent together or dreaming of future times to be spent together. Even as the months roll on and the frequency of these thoughts and emotions slow down, love still longs to steal away and be alone together. Stolen moments quench love's thirst and keep the romance flowing. Story Excerpt from Wilted No More - Standing out on the balcony admiring their surroundings, he wrapped his arms around Grace and tenderly kissed her. They turned and looked out at the dark expanse of ocean that stretched out before them. ‘Well, I don't think we could have had a better day,' Grace commented. ‘I agree. It was perfect.' They had travelled south to the small seaside village of Fingal Head in northern New South Wales, where they had booked a small cabin in a caravan park for one week. Situated right on the beach, the setting was tranquil and the view magnificent. There was nothing between them and the beach but the sand dunes. The beach was practically empty, and it was easy to imagine that they were on a deserted island. Their mobile phones were out of range, and technology was quiet for a change. You can read my poems at Simply Story Poetry on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn and at simplystorypoetry.com. Thanks for letting me steal a moment of your time to listen to my poem. Beverley Joy. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/simply-story-poetry/message

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. Simply Story Poetry launches into this new year with the theme of LOVE. Ah, that's Amore. The story of Grace continues after she fell in love for the first time at 17 years of age. The last poem that I posted on 2nd December 2022 was about Grace 'Leaving on a Jet Plane' to move from Brisbane in Queensland, down south to Melbourne Victoria to live closer to her boyfriend Alex, leaving all her family dramas far behind her. Now, a year later, she was stepping out into the adult world to build her own life, make her own decisions and learn from her mistakes and benefit from her good decisions and adventures. The teenage love between Grace and Alex only lasted one year. Grace returned to Brisbane to live close to her family, but not in the family home. She moved into a small unit in a neighbouring suburb with her best friend from high school. Grace went on a blind date with Brian, a friend of a work colleague from her new place of work back in Brisbane. Brian rang her the next day to ask Grace out on their first official date. This date was old-fashioned and picture-perfect, like in a romantic movie. The guy and the girl are dressed in formal attire. He picks her up in a fancy car and drives her to a five-star restaurant where they eat seafood and drink champagne while chatting and looking out over the river lights of the city from their intimate table-for-two. Story Excerpt: You can read my poems and the excerpts from the story Wilted No More, which is the sequel story to the book The Wilted Rose, both written by Kate Kelsen at Simply Story Poetry on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn and at simplystorypoetry.com. Enjoy this series of poems of love. Beverley Joy. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/simply-story-poetry/message

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. After Grace returned from her Easter weekend in Melbourne with Alex, she decided to take the bold step forward and left home to live in Melbourne on her 18th birthday. Moving far away from the family home and all its chaos to start fresh, as a young adult, pursuing love and happiness. Book Excerpt from The Wilted Rose by Kate Kelsen: Inside the aircraft, she followed the narrow aisle along to her seat. More and more people boarded, and as Grace watched the cabin fill up, in her mind's eye she could still see her parents' sad faces as she had so happily and boldly waved goodbye... She was being a selfish teenager, she knew, but she was only trying to survive. As the plane climbed higher into the sky, Grace smiled to herself. She was destined for a new city, a new future. The rest of her life awaited her at the other end of this flight. You can read the poems and book excerpts following Grace's childhood, which I have posted on my blog throughout October and November 2022, at simplystorypoetry.com. You can read my poems at Simply Story Poetry on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn and at simplystorypoetry.com. Thank you for listening. Beverley Joy --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/simply-story-poetry/message

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. Over the past few months, the postman had been busy delivering letters to and fro between Grace in Brisbane and Alex in Melbourne, two teenagers in love. When he called her, Grace run from her room to answer the phone that was attached to the lounge room wall. She had to strain to hear Alex and whisper back into the house phone in an attempt to keep her conversation private from her father and brothers sitting in the adjacent lounge room of their small family home. Book Excerpt from The Wilted Rose by Kate Kelsen: That coming Easter weekend, instead of bathers and towels, she packed her bag with beanies, scarves, jumpers and jeans. On Thursday evening, Jack drove her to the airport...Grace breathed in deep the freedom she felt. Alex oozed confidence, made her laugh and was exciting to be with. He opened up a whole new world of fun and adventure to her. You can read the poems and book excerpts following Grace's childhood, which I have posted on my blog throughout October and November 2022, at simplystorypoetry.com. You can read my poems at Simply Story Poetry on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn and at simplystorypoetry.com. Enjoy. Beverley Joy --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/simply-story-poetry/message

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. This short poem is my final thoughts regarding the Beatitudes of Jesus, a series of poems I published a few months ago. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/simply-story-poetry/message

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. Grace was falling in love for the first time. Now seventeen years of age, back in the 1970s. Falling in love for the first time is such a unique experience. Nervous excitement and fear spun around in her mind and body. Feelings that have never been felt like this before in her young life. Thoughts, full of the excitement and fear of what ifs, leading up to her first date. Book Excerpt from The Wilted Rose by Kate Kelsen - Grace ignored her brothers' teasing as they travelled back up along the East Coast toward home. She was head over heels in love, and she didn't care what they thought of it. Gazing out the window, the breathtaking landscape passed by her eyes, but she didn't take it in. Her mind was elsewhere, replaying every precious moment of the last week over and over in her mind. You can read the poems and book excerpts following Grace's childhood, which I have posted on my blog throughout October and November 2022, at simplystorypoetry.com. You can read my poems at Simply Story Poetry on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn and at simplystorypoetry.com. Beverley Joy --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/simply-story-poetry/message

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. This series of poems follows the love life of Grace, the daughter in the story of The Wilted Rose written by Kate Kelsen and based on the story of my life. Come with me over the next few months as we take a poetic journey of romantic love. This poem picks up the story of Grace when she was 17 years of age and going on a holiday to a youth camp with her brothers at the end of her first year of full-time work. It turned out that Grace was the last to discover that the spunky most popular guy at the youth camp was interested in her. "Why would he be interested in me?" she thought to herself. A few guys during her high school years had shown interest in her, but that was nothing out of the ordinary for the average high school girl. Maybe it was because she had a rich golden tan and was visiting Victoria from the envied sunshine state of Queensland. There was no doubt that Grace was fit and healthy as she had lived an active high school life on the school athletic and sports teams and on weekends her dad would take her and her brothers, and cousins water skiing at Esk and Moogarah Dams. Now she felt self-conscious as the other girls at camp whispered as they looked at her. It was awkward enough being the new kid in town, but now this unsolicited attention. Beverley Joy. You can read the poems and book excerpts following Grace's childhood, which I have posted on my blog throughout October and November 2022, at simplystorypoetry.com. You can read my poems at Simply Story Poetry on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn and at simplystorypoetry.com. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/simply-story-poetry/message

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. This is the first poem in a series following the love life of Grace, the daughter in the story of The Wilted Rose written by Kate Kelsen and based on the story of my life. You can read the poems and book excerpts following Grace's childhood, which I have posted on my blog throughout October 2022, at simplystorypoetry.com. The Wilted Rose book finishes with Grace leaving home at eighteen years of age. Though the story of The Wilted Rose concludes, the story of Grace's pursuit of true love continues. Though her mother's life wilted in mental illness, Grace's adult life was just beginning. Full of hopes and dreams of love and happiness, just like her mother had decades earlier, Grace was determined to forge a brighter and healthy future for herself than her mother had lived and it starts with moving far away from the strict religion of her youth and her mother. Buy a Wilted Rose for Christmas! (The Wilted Rose ebook) You can read my poems at Simply Story Poetry on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn and at simplystorypoetry.com. Come with me over the next few months as we take a poetic journey of romantic love. Beverley Joy. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/simply-story-poetry/message

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. What is wisdom? Is it only found in religion? Is it a spiritual or a physical quality? Some wisdom that I have gained has come as an after effect of experiencing challenges in life. Some wisdom has come from knowledge I have acquired through education, which has prevented me from making foolish decisions and choices. Common sense and good judgement are qualities of wisdom. For me wisdom is knowledge gained through education and good and bad experiences in life and then drawing on that knowledge that is stored in my mind down through my heart and out into loving actions toward myself and others. I believe that just having knowledge stored in your head is not wisdom. Wisdom is knowledge applied into intelligent sound actions. Wisdom must be perused continuously throughout life's journey as we can learn something new every day from everyone and every experience we encounter. You can read my poems at Simply Story Poetry on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn and at simplystorypoetry.com and follow me on Instagram. Thank you for listening to my poem. Beverley Joy. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/simply-story-poetry/message

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story. This is the last of the Beatitudes taught by Jesus in Matthew 5:10-12. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. It has been interesting studying The Beatitudes taught by Jesus. A pattern immerses throughout them which I have included after this short poem. You can read my poems at Simply Story Poetry on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn and at simplystorypoetry.com and follow me on Instagram. Thank you for listening to my poem. I appreciate it. Beverley Joy --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/simply-story-poetry/message

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. This poem is based on the seventh of The Beatitudes in Matthew chapter 5 verse 9 'Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.' This Beatitude has a clear practical meaning - working toward peaceful living with ourselves, others and being at peace with God. Throughout history the cry for peace continues to echo across the world. Let us always pray for leaders who pursue wisdom and world peace. Let us all strive for wisdom and peace in our homes and radiate them out into our individual worlds. You can read my poems at Simply Story Poetry on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn and at simplystorypoetry.com and follow me on Instagram. I appreciate you taking the time to listen to my poem. Beverley Joy --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/simply-story-poetry/message

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story. This was one of the first self-development books I had ever read, way back in 1994. I had left full time work, four years earlier, to be a full time mum. One day I went to a network marketing women's breakfast and Bert Weir was the guest speaker. After hearing his explanation of how self-talk affects our behaviour, both for the good or the bad, I was so excited to get home and start reading it. This book was a life changer for me. I did the exercises he suggested in the book. I followed his method of recording, in a pocket-sized notebook, any negative self-talk and behaviour at the time of saying or doing them. During the day, I took time out to think up a positive statement and then write it underneath the negative statement that I had previously recorded that day in my notebook. I did this for one month, as recommended by Bert. Each time I went to say or do the negative talk or action, I stopped myself and replaced it with the new positive way. At the end of the first month of doing this exercise throughout every day, I had changed, for the better, many bad habits both in my self-talk and my general behaviour. I still use this method to this day. You can read my poems at Simply Story Poetry on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn and at simplystorypoetry.com and follow me on Instagram. I appreciate you taking the time to listen to my poem. Beverley Joy --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/simply-story-poetry/message

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story. This poem tells the story of the unnamed woman's extravagant action in pouring a whole jar of expensive perfumed oil over Jesus' head dripping down to His feet found in Luke 7:36-50. Some commentaries say it was Mary Magdalene, some say, Mary, sister of Martha and Lazareth. I am leaving her nameless because the Bible does for a reason. The significance of what this woman does is the focus of the story. In Mark 14:1-11, this story of loving devotion to Jesus appears between two stories of hatred toward Jesus. This story tells of her love and devotion to Jesus and Jesus showing mercy and grace toward her. And again, Jesus stands up and protects a woman from the scoffs and criticism of the men. Listen to my other poems on Women in the Bible - A Few Faithful Women - Easter Story Part 1, The Passion of Mary Magdalene - Easter Story Part 2, Her Touch of Simply Faith The women with the blood issue, The Busyness Excuse, Mary and Martha, Mary and Elizabeth, Mary, Four Unusual Women Sweet Temptation, Eve Genesis 3, She Gave From Her Heart The Woman and the Two Coins Luke 21:1-4, Takes Two To Tango The Adulterous Woman of John 8:1-11 I Am Ruth, A Daughter's Care Ruth, 'Thirst Quenching' The Woman at the Well. Thanks for listening. Beverley Joy --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/simply-story-poetry/message