FanStory.com - Sories Poetically Speaking by BethShelby

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"Sories Poetically Speaking"

Chapter 1
Tattooed Angel

By BethShelby

My mate and I were on our way
to visit friends this holiday.
The day hot. The trip was long.
A warning light; something was wrong.

Half way to our destination,
dripping wet with perspiration,
We pulled into a tiny town.
T'was July fourth-- no one around.

We drove until the engine died.
It looked as though our goose was fried.
We had no phone and little cash;
our checkbook left at home in stash.

An old dilapidated shed,
we saw just off the road ahead.
A man emerged with stringy hair.
Tattoos and grease were everywhere.

He had a big wrench in his hand.
We were unnerved about this man.
He took a peek beneath our hood,
and said he thought he understood.

Our alternator was quite shot.
Good information, this was not.
No store was open on this day,
and had there been, we couldn’t pay.

“Wait! Let me look,” the young man said.
“There might be something in the shed.”
He found a used one that would fit.
He said a twenty would buy it.

We had enough to buy the part.
In record time, our car would start.
He wouldn’t take another dime,
`cause fixing cars was his pastime.

We learned a lesson on this day.
Judging by looks is not God’s way.
He sent an angel to our aid.
You never know how they’re portrayed.

Author Notes It was the 4th of July and my husband and I were going home to visit our parents. I forgot to bring our checkbook and we only had a little money between us, when a warning light came on. The stranger who came out to help frightened us at first. The part he found was his uncle's, who only wanted $20. The guy wouldn't charge anything for his time.

Chapter 2
Bozo

By BethShelby

We never knew where he came from.
He appeared in our yard one day,
and this handsome German Shepherd
refused to be driven away.

At first, we were somewhat leery,
unwilling to befriend a stray.
But when he refused to leave us,
we chose to allow him to stay.

We grew to trust and adore him,
and finally, gave him a name.
Though Bozo might not have fit him,
when we used it, he always came.

When he first arrived, I was eight,
I was lonely with no friends near,
To him, my secrets I whispered,
and he always lent me an ear.

A canine guardian angel,
he was there to keep me from harm.
Whenever danger would threaten,
his barks would sound the alarm.

In the weeds, lived poisonous snakes,
but Bozo was there at my side.
He'd attack and oft be bitten,
and he'd swell, but he never died.

I grew and could fend for myself.
His guard duty seemed to be done.
He vanished the same way he came,
but we'd had a wonderful run.

I wasn't ready to lose him.
I grieved, and we searched everywhere,
but Bozo had simply vanished,
and seemingly into thin air.

Maybe he was a guardian
sent to Earth from Heaven above.
I'll always remember Bozo,
the canine that I grew to love.

Chapter 3
Joan

By BethShelby

Joan was eight when she joined our class.
Her hair was a tangled mess.
She eyed us with defiance and
an expression of distress.

Unimpressed by her appearance,
we didn't ask her to play.
She looked like she'd been in a fight
with her clothes in disarray.

She didn't fit in with the girls,
preferring to play with boys.
But they ignored her when she asked.
She possessed no sense of poise.

She finally won acceptance
with a party at her home,
and we were shocked to realize,
it was stately, with a dome.

In time she became my rival.
Our pleasure lay in reading.
For the class prize of Best Reader,
we vied with no conceding.

In dramatics we competed
each reading for the best role.
We both wanted recognition,
and the lead part was our goal.

She grew up to be a beauty
with boyfriends by the dozen.
The team captain was her prom date,
while I went with my cousin.

I guess I always envied her.
Her life seemed so delightful.
It took all of my self-control
to keep from being spiteful.

Years passed, and we met recently
at the school homecoming game.
She wanted to confess to me
a thing that had caused her shame.

We hadn't been that close as friends,
so whatever could it be?
Surprise was written on my face,
when she claimed she'd envied me.

Chapter 4
Disclosure

By BethShelby

A man is bound with earthly ties
entwined around his heart,
but sometimes he uncovers lies
that shatter them apart.

My mother seemed a saint to me.
She bore her load with grace.
But hell became the destiny
my mother had to face.

She tried to spare me from the truth
about the family tree,
a factor that could ruin my life
but also set me free.

One night I heard her groan in pain
and hurried to her side.
Aware her life was on the wane,
I hung my head and cried.

Her cheeks were flushed an orange glow.
Her voice was slow and weak,
"I'll tell you what you need to know.
The truth is what you seek."

"You never were my child," she said
"You were kidnapped at two.
"Look in the box beneath my bed.
I think it's time you knew."

"I hope that you'll forgive me, son.
I hope that God will, too.
There's no excuse for what I've done,
but oh, how I've loved you."

A man is bound with earthly ties
entwined around his heart,
but sometimes when he learns the truth,
it tears his world apart.

Author Notes Write a poem that includes the following words:
family - cry - spare - heart - orange - factor - bore - shatter - saint - hell

. A word can be plural (so "cry" can be "cries"). But not changed. So "cry" can be "cried" but not "sob".

Thank you jgrace for the lovely art "Web of Deception

Chapter 5
The Shepherd King

By BethShelby

Young David was a shepherd boy
out on the hills alone.
If wild beasts tried to steal his sheep,
he slew them with a stone.

He taught himself to play the harp
and made up songs to sing.
What were the odds a shepherd boy,
one day, would be crowned king?

God sent Samuel to Bethlehem
to find the next to reign.
God knew that David's heart was pure
and chose him to ordain.

King Saul needed a musician
to soothe his blues away.
He heard that David wrote fine tunes
upon his harp to play.

The king had David bear his arms
so he could have him near.
The music was so sweet he played,
it quelled his every fear.

Goliath was Saul's enemy,
a giant who loved to boast.
He terrified the Israelites
and vowed to make them toast.

For forty days, he prowled around,
and no one dared defy.
But David said I'll fight the giant,
and God won't let me die.

Saul gave the boy his coat of arms,
but he cast it aside.
With just a pebble from his sling,
the giant fell down and died.

David became a hero then;
The people danced with joy.
The enemy was defeated by
a simple shepherd boy.

King Saul was filled with jealousy
and vowed to take his life.
From then on till the death of Saul,
his days were filled with strife.

But the Lord watched over David
and saw him become king.
Today we still recite the psalms
that David used to sing.

Author Notes The Biblical story of David can be found in the books of 1 Samuel and 1 Kings. He is also thought to be the author of many of the Psalms. Jesus Christ is of the line of David.

Chapter 6
It Wasn't Her Time

By BethShelby

The year was eighteen ninety-four
and Annie was sixteen.
Then days of illness came in waves
with no relief between.
`Twas typhoid fever which had struck
and left poor Annie ill.
Thus whether she would live or die
would be the good Lord’s will.

Near death, she lay upon her bed.
Her fam’ly gathered round.
They'd come to say goodbye to her
and lay her in the ground.
Then Annie spoke these words to them
and asked them did they hear
a choir of angels singing sweet,
a song which seemed so clear?

They said they didn't hear a thing.
"It must be in her head.
It's something people think they hear
when they are nearly dead."

"But listen! Surely you all know
the words the angels sing,
and can’t you see that river there?
It’s bubbling from a spring.
I need to cross that river now.
I see the other side.
It looks like Heaven over there.
It’s where I must reside."

"But No! They say it’s not my time.
I have more work to do.
I can’t go home, until I’m old
and when my journey’s through."
Right after that, her fever broke,
and Annie soon got well.
She lived until she reached old age,
and had a tale to tell.

My grandma never feared her death;
she knew what lay ahead.
She raised her children by the Word,
and kept her family fed.
She often told me as a child
to trust God and be bold,
because one day we’d meet again
upon the streets of gold.

Author Notes This is based on the story my grandmother told, many times, about when she almost died of typhoid fever. The song the angels were singing was one they sang in church about crossing a river. It must have been a near death experience. I've written what said she saw and heard. She always believed she wouldn't die until her time came. She was eighty-five when she died.

Chapter 7
Spring/December Friendship

By BethShelby

I didn’t have a lot of choice

when I was only five,

but everybody needs a friend

as sure as we’re alive.

There wasn’t anyone my age

who ever came around,

but older ladies need friends too,

whenever they're in town.

Miss Mattie was the friend I chose,

because she liked me too.

She visited my grandma when

she’d nothing else to do.

My grandma had too much to do

to sit around and chat,

but I was just the perfect one

to help her out with that.

Miss Mattie told me lots of tales

because she loved to talk,

and even though she used a cane,

sometimes we’d take a walk.

She told me stories of her life

of when she was a child.

The things she did were so funny,

they always made me smile.

I loved it when Miss Mattie came

and stayed a day or two.

I knew I'd have a good time with

the nicest friend I knew.

Some people said she liked to come,

cause room and board were free.

but I am sure the reason was,

she came because of me.

Author Notes Mattie knew my grandparents and often visited. Although they didn't welcome her visits, they put up with her, because I loved it when she came. I was an only child with no kids around my age to make friends with.

Chapter 8
One Witch's Halloween

By BethShelby

I’ll tell you a tale of a wise old crone,

who flies a broomstick, but she's not alone.

With a one-eyed cat and a wee wishbone,

‘Maggie Ophelia Belinda Malone.’

This witch makes house calls on Halloween night.

You may get lucky and see her in flight.

Don’t be afraid as she comes into sight;

she means no harm, and her kitty don’t bite.

On one night a year, she carries some treats.

The kids trick or treating enjoy her sweets,

but she will make sure no one overeats.

and everyone’s safe when crossing the streets.

So, if you go out on Halloween night,

look for the good witch and carry a light.

There are some witches who’ll give you a fright,

But Maggie Ophelia tries to do right.

Chapter 9
Tempted to Stifle

By BethShelby

The honeymoon was over after Susie married Stu.

Reality was setting in, but what could Susie do?

Each night when Stu would fall asleep, his snores could wake the dead.

It kept poor Susie up all night. She tossed and turned in bed.

She’d tell him to turn over, but it wasn’t any use,

She started to believe herself the victim of abuse.

Her love for him in daytime turned to hatred every night.

It seemed Stu couldn’t help it, and to hate him wasn’t right.

She knew she had to find a way to stop this awful noise.

The life with Stu, she’d hoped for should be filled with married joys.

Now truly tempted she’d admit, it was a big mistake

No longer could she spend each night, both angry, and awake

Her ear plugs didn’t cut the sound enough so she could doze.

Temptation made her crazy, so she rammed them up his nose.

Stu thought she’d tried to smother him, so now he stayed awake,

but went to see his doctor to get help for Susie’s sake.

The doctor had a nose device to help him get more air,

and now things are more pleasant in the bed that they both share.

Still, Stu makes sure she is asleep before his eyes dare close.

He’s too afraid to take the chance she won’t mess with his nose.

Chapter 10
Don't Mess With My Holiday

By BethShelby

Oh, how clearly I remember,
it was nearly mid-December.
as I paced to get more limber,
round and round my parlor floor.

I was pregnant and expecting
I would shortly be connecting
with my doctor and selecting
twin names for babes I bore.

The year, shortly, would be ending.

Birth on Christmas Eve was pending.
It's a date I planned amending.

"They’ll come earlier," I swore.

I determined on that Sunday
I’d deliver them on Monday
Never doubting there’ll be some way.
“Doctor, please," I would implore.

My midsection was gigantic.
Making love-life less romantic.
I was starting to get frantic.
"I'm not waiting any more."

My man had turned misogynic
Morning found me at the clinic.
Grateful doctor was no cynic.
He said “Let’s see what’s in store."

He smiled wide and teeth were pearly.
He'd be glad to do it early.
Working Christmas made him squirely.

Home in three days or before.

In the prep room with a neighbor;

my heart beating like a tabor,

with a drip, I started labor.

Soon, we’d learn what lay in store.

Time crept by and seemed unending.
Nurses round the clock were tending.
Five p.m. births were impending.

My boy was the first to score.

Moments later, girl arriving
Thanks to God, we’re all surviving
Weight was proof, they had been thriving.
We’d go home with kids galore.

Twas worth all anticipation.
Christmas was a celebration.

Grateful hearts filled with elation.
Quote my husband "Nevermore."

My apologies to Edgar Allen Poe

*misogynic Not quite trusting of women

Chapter 11
Green Beer

By BethShelby

St. Patrick’s day will soon be here.

With that in mind, I sipped green beer.

That little drink went to my head.

I took a pill and went to bed.

Saw Ireland with its grassy hills,

All filled with magic myths and thrills.

A leprechaun, with silly grin,

Motioned to me to come on in.

Leading me to a fairy glen,

He danced a jig, and with a spin,

He let me see his pot of gold

With coins that sparkled bright and bold.

When I dared reach to touch his prize,

He glared at me with flashing eyes.

“This gold belongs to me alone”

“I think it best we journey on.”

We passed by castles tall and grand,

And fields of green spread through the land.

With ancient ruins steeped in lore,

And stories spun in days of yore,

He took me by the ocean’s edge

Where waves were pounding on the ledge.

He told some tales of guts and gore,

Of banshee’s wail and pooka’s roar.

When it came time to say goodbye,

The Leprechaun let out a sigh,

"Remember things aren’t as they seem.

Your trip to Ireland's just a dream.

Before you went to bed last night

That cup of green beer made you tight."

"We Leprechauns get in your head.

You can’t believe a word we’ve said.

I’d never really show my gold,

I’m not so dumb as you’ve been told,

But if you've enjoyed our little trip,

Just have yourself another nip."

Author Notes On St. Patrick's Day, bars in big cities serve green beer. The paraders stop and are served for free. By the end of the parade, they are feeling no pain.

Chapter 12
Night at the Cemetery

By BethShelby

Down in the graveyard on Halloween night,
the zombies and goblins started a fight.
The ghosts and the ghouls joined in the squabble.
You should have seen all those tombstones wobble.

The gatekeeper asked “What is the trouble?
You guys will turn this place into rubble.
You Spooks ought to know, tonight is your night.
It’s time to party before it gets light.”

The zombie declared it wasn’t his fault;
a goblin had tried to break in his vault.
He said he’d agree to share space and dance,
as long as the goblin called in advance.

The Specters agreed the timing was wrong.
Tonight, they’d revel with spirits and song.
Recalling the dance named The Monster Mash,
they kicked up their heels and had a wild bash.

When the night ended, they went back to sleep.
By morning, there wasn’t one single creep.
This festival had been one of their best.
The graves were silent, and all were at rest.

Author Notes Meeting the challenge with an 'all in fun' poem.

Chapter 13
Betrayed by Mom

By BethShelby

How could betrayal come from Mom?
She’s who I trusted most,
and then she let me think ’twas him
who’d turned my life to toast.

We had a date planned in advance.
I was so sure he’d come,
but this time he would stand me up
thanks to my dear sweet mom.

She’d slipped and read my private mail,
deciding it was best
if she told him to stay away
and give our love a rest.

I didn’t know she was involved,
and threw myself a fit.
How dare my guy should stand me up!
He won’t get by with it.

Mom realized she’d gone too far.
Apology was late.
She saw she’d overstepped her bounds
to interfere with fate.

Soon things were back on track again
complete with wedding plan.
It’s not a mother’s place to step
‘tween daughter and her man.

Author Notes True story. Mom read my private mail and decided she needed to get involved.

Chapter 14
Sleep Well, My Friend

By BethShelby

The year’s gone by so quickly,
and yet, it seems like yesterday.
There was no indication, when we hung up the phone,
that call would be our last.
We were on our way to help you move,
knowing there’d be tears.

You loved your home and didn’t want to sell.
Maybe God looked down and said,
“You don’t have to.
Close your eyes and rest. I’ll handle it.
I know a place you’ll like much better.”

The following morning as we traveled
We were alarmed when your phone kept on ringing
Perhaps, a power outage?
We could hope,
but hope wouldn’t bring you back.
Your soul had left the building.

It was a shock to find you there.
You looked as though you’d nodded off
in your favorite chair.
The solitaire cards spread, waiting
for a move that never came.

I miss our daily phone calls.
How do you close a chapter which began
in the innocence of childhood,
when no secret was too personal to hold back
from my best forever friend?

You believed in closure; a time to say,
“Goodbye. It’s okay to go, now.’’
You knew I didn’t care to deal with last farewells.
You left me there to merely wave and say,
“I’ll see you later, Joy. Sleep well, my friend.”

Author Notes It's been a year this month, since my daughter and I traveled to North Carolina to help my best friend get ready to move near her children in Florida. She wasn't feeling great, and she was dreading the move, because she loved her home in the mountains. What a shock to find she'd passed away the night before we arrived. We suspected covid but we never knew. It looked as if she merely closed her eyes. Photo by Joy

Chapter 15
Halloween at Ghost Lake

By BethShelby

There is a haunted spot just out of town,

where people warn their children not to go.
A crime of horror happened in that place
and demons linger still from long ago.

It’s said, on moonless nights at Halloween
when howling wind drowns out the lonely owl,
a shadow creeps among the darkened oaks,
and suddenly the air turns deathly foul.

A hollow-sounding, crazed. demonic wail
will reverberate across the frozen lake,
and creatures scurry deep into their dens,

and leave uneasy stillness in their wake.

What evil lurks beside the old lagoon,
where once a ruthless killer dragged his prey,
and slashing out her palpitating heart
consumed it then, to leave her where she lay?

The victim was the daughter of a witch,
The lake was known to be her special place.
So many suitors sought to win her hand,
enchanted by the beauty of her face.

The folk in town used hounds to track his wake,
and found the killer crouching near the mill.
No mercy did they show this wicked thug.
Like him, they too, were ready for the kill.

They hanged him from the old oak by the lake
and nameless buried him in a shallow grave.
Her mother cast a spell upon the place,
and nights like this are only for the brave.

Hark! Who comes to tempt the apparition?
Two strangers daring fate walk hand in hand.
Could it be they scoff in face of danger...
or maybe no one warned them of this land.

The night was fit to lure the spirit's wrath..
On such a night as this the deed occurred.
the couple halts and strains their ears to learn.
was it the wind, or sobbing, which they heard?

Suddenly, a scene unfolds before them;
a replay of a crime done long ago.
In frozen terror, they are doomed to watch
A gruesome, gory, heartless, horror show.
-------------------------------------------
People speculate about the strangers
Found wandering with vacant staring eyes.
They'll never guess what caused their minds to snap.
The specter knows what they must theorize.

Author Notes Horror isn't my cup of tea, but the contest seems to call for it.

Chapter 16
Irish Stew

By BethShelby

Paddy O’Flanagan and his bride Nellie Rose
left old Ireland behind, where the Shannon still flows.
Her parents were worried, because Rose couldn’t cook,
but tucked in their baggage was Mom’s recipe book.

At their apartment in Queens, Rose gave it her best,
but when writing back home to her mom she confessed,
“My food tastes just awful and Paddy won’t eat it.
Please send food in jars, and I’ll try to reheat it.”

So, Mom sent it dry and told Rose to add water,
and Paddy never knew his Rose was a plotter.
The food tasted good and the couple was happy,
till, one day a jar came from Nana and Pappy.

“I guess Mom told Nana, and she’s sent me a stew.
How much water should I add? A cupful should do.”
The stew was prepared, and as they sat down to dine,
Paddy said “It’ taste better to have it with wine.”

Poor Rose was soon saddened and dissolved into tears.
When a letter came later confirming her fears.
The mail had been delayed, and the message was late.
Pappy’s dream was to visit the “Big Apple” state.

But Pappy had passed without his dream coming true
His final request was what he wished Rose to do.
He wanted his ashes spread on Central Park’s green,
but instead, he’d become his granddaughter’s protein.

The moral of this story is convincingly true,
If you’re not a good cook, the best thing you can do
is to make sure you know what your package contains,
and you won’t be caught cooking your grandpa’s remains.

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