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 Mind

I sit here quiet with my desert mind

Wondering why this barren time.

My pace is slow, I thirst to know

How disease became my troubled foe.

I endure through life’s desert storm

I hide in a cave, wondering when, if, tears will rain.

I stand in peace, now that I see

Answers whisper mid mountain tremor

Elijah, Hagar, promised relief, and strength received.

I walk the walk, in contemplative thought

Mountains high, through valleys low

Across desert sands and rivers deep

Oasis relief, meditative breeze.

I stand in peace, now that I see

Answers whisper mid mountain tremor

Elijah, Hagar, promised relief, and strength received.

Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry © 2025 All Rights Reserved

You can BUY my poems and verses at ⁠⁠beverleyjoy.redbubble.com⁠⁠

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.

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 Wallflower

I 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 wallflower

To be exact, a Sunflower.’

My favourite flower, bright yellow and gold

Like the Van Gogh that hangs on my wall.

That draws attention and arouses artistic passion

Viewed with curiosity, speaks out silently

Identified immediately, known for his creativity

Respected and discussed intellectually.

People ponder and smile, question and pause

It brightens their day with wonderment and awe

I'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 Pixabay

You can BUY my poems and verses at ⁠beverleyjoy.redbubble.com⁠

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.

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 Memory

Your prayer has been answered, you've left us for heaven

To be with beloved family and friends

No longer suffering, now in God's heavenly realm.

I shed my tears as I said goodbye

To your earthly body as they lowered you down

Fragrant rose petals sprinkled with love

Though you rest in peace, I miss you so much.

Hundreds of people showed their respect

We sang your favourite songs and shared memories

As old friends reunited, we were all inspired

By your faith and courage throughout your life.

Every day, I think of you fondly

It seems so strange that you are not here

Walking this earth, living just down the road

Chatting to me on the telephone.

The cycle of life, generations come and go

Leaving memories in dreams and photos

Babies are born with new hope and love

The family tree continues to grow.

Your life was well-lived, I learnt from you - strength

Strength 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 Unsplash

You can BUY my poems and verses at beverleyjoy.redbubble.com

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.

Beverley Joy

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's Day to all the gentlemanly dads out there.

The qualities of a Gentleman

“What do you see in me?” he asked

“A gentleman is what I see.”

“I’m no gentleman”, he laughed.

I said, “Please let me explain.”

I once saw a young man

Who won the true love

Of a young woman, and as one

Their love has lasted a lifetime.

Then I saw a fiancé

Whose strong, rugged hands,

Softly and tenderly

Embraced his sweetheart.

Now, I see a husband

Whose gentle embrace

Engulfs her in peace

And protects her from harm.

I see a mature man

With old-fashioned values

Weathered and wrinkled

From the harsh Australian sun.

I see a father

Who devoted his youth

To raise his children

And provide for his family.

I see a working man

Who goes the extra mile

Proud of his work ethic

Striving for the best.

I see a handsome man

Who likes to dress smart

Who looks quite charming

In suit and tie.

I see a grown man

Who sheds a tear

When he shows gratitude

In exchange for kind deeds.

I see a family man

Whose heart does ache

With the loss of loved ones

So dear to him.

I see a healthy man

Who has suffered illness

But continues to want

To live life to the full.

I see a true friend

Whose smile enchants

Warms my heart

And approves of me.

I see a mate

Whose kind laughter is heard

Infectiously causing

Laughter in return.

I see a son

Whose words comfort his mum

With a message of love

That melts her heart.

I see a gentleman

Whose gentle, kind nature

Relaxes people

And banishes their fear.

Outside appearance doesn’t matter to me

I see his soul and spirit

Unique and special

God’s gift to his family.

Beverley Joy © 2014 of Simply Story Poetry. All Rights Reserved.

You can read or listen to my poems at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Simply Story Poetry⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, Youtube, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pinterest ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠simplystorypoetry.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Thank you for listening.

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. 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.

This poem was inspired by the film True Spirit, a true story about the 16-year-old Australian Jessica Watson, who sailed solo non-stop around the world in 2009. I was also inspired by Michael Singer's podcast - Navigating the Ocean of Life.

You can read my poems on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Simply Story Poetry⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pinterest ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠simplystorypoetry.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Thank you for listening.Beverley Joy

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

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. Feeling misunderstood and unheard when voicing WHS issues in the workplace. 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 dismissive response from management.

The poem reflects my decision to leave, feeling unheard, overpowered and unsupported, and emphasizes the need for workers' and volunteers' help around workplace bullying. Should I have reacted differently? Should I have fought longer?

Some good came out of the confrontation. About 6 months later, the organisation eventually put WHS policies in place, which was the issue I originally raised. 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

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 on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Simply Story Poetry⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pinterest ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠simplystorypoetry.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Thank you for listening.

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.

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 to resume writing and sharing poetry. You can read my poems at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Simply Story Poetry⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pinterest ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠simplystorypoetry.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Thank you for listening.

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.

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 at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Simply Story Poetry⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pinterest ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠simplystorypoetry.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Thank you for listening.

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 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.

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 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry.

Acceptance and respect for individuality.

This poem emphasises the value of gentleness, understanding, and acceptance. It encourages caring, laughter, and fairness in relationships while acknowledging and respecting differences.

It conveys the power of love through unspoken gestures and genuine connections in this heartfelt piece. Beverley Joy

You can read my poems at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Simply Story Poetry⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pinterest ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠simplystorypoetry.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Thank you for listening.

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.

Hi. I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. 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.

Following extensive research on Google and podcast search tools, Feedspot discovered and ranked my podcast based on expertise and credibility, content quality and relevance, longevity and consistency and audience engagement in niche categories.

Feedspot curates and ranks exceptional content from Podcasts, Web blogs, YouTube Channels, and News Sites.

So what is Simply Story Poetry? Well, it just so happens I wrote a poem back in 2018 to explain what type of poems I write, which I am sharing again with you now. With over 200 poems, published weekly over 3 years, this award is a welcome encouragement to me.

'May the fragrance of my poetry send you ripples of encouragement.' Beverley Joy. Simply Story Poetry © 2018 

I perceive your curiosity

About Simply Story Poetry

As a wordsmith I compose

Verse, thoughts, taglines and poems.

I write poems of two different kinds

The Christian Faith and general life.

I study faith and share what I find

Bible stories and verses I clarify

My general life poems are my reflections

Of nature, life, love and friendship.

My poems may simply entertain

Those who are game to venture and stay

With things I’ve seen, places I’ve been

People I’ve met and life experiences.

I post poems and verses every week

Here at Simply Story Poetry

Or if you prefer to be notified

By email, via the link, subscribe.

With words that describe Who, What and Why

To simply convey in a condensed way

It may be a poem, a jingle or a song

However it may come along.

I play with words, the rhythm and the rhyme

And complex thoughts I simplify

So, come spend some time in these pages of my mind.

You can read my poems at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Simply Story Poetry⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pinterest ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠simplystorypoetry.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Thank you for your support.