Simply Story Poetry

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, h...

This poem lovingly describes the enduring virtues and character of the gentleman, from love and dedication in marriage to commitment as a partner, father, son and friend. 'Gentleman' is not a word I hear very often anymore. I originally wrote this poem for my two wonderful brothers, who are true gentlemen. I added the last few verses to reflect a loving marriage relationship. Happy Father&...

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, focusin...

This poem is about a Workplace Health and Safety issue I faced back in 2015. When voicing WHS issues in the workplace, I felt misunderstood and unheard. I wrote this poem many years ago, after resigning from a workplace position. Naive and eager to serve, I faced workplace politics and felt misunderstood. Despite raising concerns about bullying and harassment, I was met with mistrust and a dismiss...

This 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 t...

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 e...

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...

Amidst struggles with nausea, pain, and fatigue, I emphasise 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. After overcoming spinal surgery and radiation for cancer, I am grateful to be able t...

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. Thi...

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 JoyYou can read my poems a...

The impact of spinal fusion 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 f...

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 accompany such a...

The shock and uncertainty of facing a serious medical condition. This poem is Part 4 of a series about my journey with cancer. 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 hospitalisation. I reflected on life as I waited for further tests and results while in the hospital. The poem captures the...

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 s...

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 holi...

This poem reflects on acceptance and respect for individuality. It emphasises the value of gentleness, understanding, and acceptance. It encourages caring, laughter, and fairness in relationships while acknowledging and respecting differences. This poem conveys the power of love through unspoken gestures and genuine connections in this heartfelt piece. Beverley Joy You can read my poems at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...

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...

I am honoured and excited to have been discovered and ranked in the 5 Best Australia Poetry Podcasts by Feedspot. "I personally give you a high-five and want to thank you for your contribution to this world. This is the most comprehensive list of  Top 5 Australia Poetry Podcasts  on the internet and I'm honored to have you as part of this!" Anuj Agarwal, Founder of Feedspot. Followin...

This poem reflects on the struggle to control a busy mind and the importance of being present in the moment. It emphasises 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...

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 reunited. Until then, their love will overcome the challen...

This poem depicts the moment when a friend reveals a truth about themselves that comes as a surprise. A mask of deception crumbles, exposing the truth. But as the relationship is solid, both parties realise 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 poem speaks of the far-reaching effects of being bullied during school years are still evident in the lives of those whom I know have, 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...

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...

The most hurtful part of theft, besides the breach of trust, is the loss of sentimental items. 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 m...

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,...