Simply Story Poetry
by Beverley Joy
Beverley Joy, the author of Simply Story Poetry - A Top 5 Best Australia Poetry Podcasts. With over 200 poems published weekly since 2021, Beverley simplifies complex thoughts and shares insights about nature, love, relationships, life experiences and Christian faith. Her poems entertain, inspire, and encourage my readers and listeners to contemplate various aspects of life through the rhythm and rhyme of poetry. Visit Simply Story Poetry on Podcast platforms, Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin and simplystorypoetry.com. You can buy verses and poems on products at beverleyjoy Redbubble Shop.
Episodes
-
From romance to love
How attraction evolves into familiarity and love. This poem illustrates the journey from attraction to deep familiarity and love, highlighting how the relationship flourishes. It reflects the warmth of love and the growth of a strong friendship, emphasising the comfort and simplicity of their...
-
Time will tell
The vulnerability and emotional complexities of new love. This poem highlights the awkwardness and uncertainty as Brian and Grace open their hearts to love. Despite a sense of playfulness and enthusiasm, an underlying struggle with self-doubt and the challenge of letting love in. It illustrates a...
-
A romantic first date for young love
The vulnerability and excitement of a first date for young adult love. My life story up to the age of 18 is told in the book The Wilted Rose. My teenage relationship with Alex only lasted one year. Melbourne, Victoria, was too cold for me, just as my puppy love for Alex had grown cold. In 1980, I...
-
The Qualities of a Gentleman
Enduring virtues and character of a gentleman. This poem lovingly describes the gentleman's enduring virtues and character, from love and dedication in marriage to commitment as a partner, father, son, and friend. The expression 'Gentleman' is not used very often anymore. The meaning of this word...
-
The Passion of Mary Magdalene - Easter Story Part 2
Women visit Jesus' tomb on Easter morning. It is the story of Mary Magdalene at the tomb on that first Easter Sunday morning. Mary Magdalene and other women visit Jesus' tomb on Easter morning and find it empty. After encountering angels and witnessing Jesus, Mary spreads the news. Her deep…
more -
A Few Faithful Women - The Easter Story Part 1
The Easter Bible story. This Christian poem is Part One of two Easter poems. It tells the story of the few faithful women, including Mary Magdalene, who cooked, helped, and supported Jesus as He travelled through townships and villages, preaching, healing, and teaching His disciples. They were...
-
Imprisoned by God’s Love - A prisoner's transformative journey of faith
A prisoner's encounter with God. I wrote this Christian poem while serving as a prison chaplain in a men's high-security prison. I went inside the prison each week with a male Chaplain. We were allowed to sit and chat with prisoners in the common area, inside the cell blocks. I often felt like I...
-
Life is a tapestry - Understanding the Threads of Our Experiences
A metaphor of life as a tapestry. This poem visualises life as a tapestry, woven from threads of varying lengths, colours, and textures. Each individual's life is depicted as a unique piece of art. While each tapestry is unique, common life experiences bind us together across different cultures…
more -
Familiar Diversity - Courage and connection
Shared life experiences within communities. This poem explores the shared human experience and the connections between individuals. The challenges, life lessons, and aspirations for truth, joy, and harmony within familiar settings of cities and communities where people navigate life's ups and…
more -
The Rose - Mirroring the beauty and pain of a rose to that of life
This poem uses the rose as a metaphor for life’s beauty and pain, illustrating resilience amid hardships. The rose endures nature's elements and flourishes despite its delicate vulnerability. The Wilted Rose book ends with Grace leaving home at 18. Though The Wilted Rose concludes, Grace's…
more -
A Scribble In Time
New Year's Resolutions. Happy New Year to my readers and listeners. Diaries and calendars are on sale now that the new year has burst out of the starting blocks and will soon gain speed. New Year's Resolutions are made this month. By the end of January, some people will have already broken their...
-
The Best Gift to Give is You
The True Value of Free Gifts: Quality Time and Talents. As we enter this year's busy time of shopping for the perfect gifts for our friends and family, remember that, as well as giving physical gifts this Christmas, there are many gifts we can give that are free yet priceless. Time is one of…
more -
Far Away For Christmas
Spending Christmas far away from family and friends. Many families and friends are separated at this special time of the year. We have to enjoy Christmas Day the best way we can when our family cannot get together. I chose this Featured Image partly because of what is written on her coffee mug -...
-
Together For Christmas
It's wonderful to enjoy Christmas Day all together in one place. But even the best plans can be turned upside down; Christmas Day can present challenges in getting the family together or getting along with everyone who has been invited. We want the day to run smoothly on this special day of the...
-
Back To the Garden - The Christmas Story Part 10
The Story of Jesus Christ began in the Garden of Eden and will end in God's new garden. This Feature Image is the same one I used in The Christmas Story in the Garden of Eden Part 1. My interpretation of this image is that God's hands hold the garden. The smoke and fire rising from the garden...
-
Quick, Save The Saviour - Christmas Story Part 9
Joseph, Mary and Jesus escape to Egypt. This poem is about the events that followed the Wise Men's (Magi) visit to Joseph, Mary, and the child King, Jesus. You can read the story in Matthew 2:13-23. The ruler of that region, King Herod, who was known for murdering anyone he believed was a threat…
more -
Distant Family and Friends
I wrote this poem while recalling memories of times spent with my brother and his wife and family, who live 800 km north of my hometown of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. They come down to visit family and friends a few times a year. Every year, I wish I had the money and time to go up and see...
-
Gifts Fit For A King - Christmas Story Part 8
Wise men visit the child Jesus. It is uncertain exactly when the Wise Men, or Magi, visited Jesus. Still, it certainly wasn't at the same time as when the shepherds visited him, at his birth in the animal stable, as is commonly represented in Christmas scenes and on Christmas Cards. Apparently…
more -
The Saviour is Born - The Christmas Story Part 7
Baby Jesus is born. After waiting many 1000 years and prophesied in Genesis 3 verse 15, finally the Saviour of the world is born, the King of all kings is born without any human royal celebration. Yet, far off in the fields, an army of angels appears to a small group of common shepherds to…
more -
Joseph - The Christmas Story Part 6
Joseph's story. Mary has told Joseph that she is pregnant. What would Joseph do now? Was Mary telling him the truth? While Joseph was trying to decide how to handle this serious challenge that had arisen between himself and Mary, God sent His angel to explain the situation to Joseph in a dream.…
more -
Mary and Elizabeth - The Christmas Story Part 5
Mary visits Elizabeth and tells Joseph. What would Joseph think of her? What would her family and community say? This is the story of Mary's visit to stay with her cousin Elizabeth after telling Joseph she was pregnant. This poem looks at Mary's reaction to receiving this wonderful yet...
-
Mary - The Christmas Story Part 4
The Angel speaks to Mary. This poem zooms in on the momentous, yet private moment in history when Mary was visited by God's angel and told of her imminent pregnancy of Jesus, the son of God. Her story is found in Luke 1:26-38. Finally, the prophecy was to be fulfilled many thousands of years…
more -
700BC - The Christmas Story Part 3
Isaiah's Prophecy of a Saviour. This poem is based on the prophecy in Isaiah 9:1-7, which dates to about 700 years before the birth of Jesus Christ. This prophecy was made by the 8th-century BC Israelite prophet, Isaiah. In this passage, Isaiah prophesied the future birth of the Saviour of the...
-
Four Unusual Women - The four women in the genealogy of Jesus - The Christmas Story Part 2
Four women in the genealogy of Jesus. This Christian poem is Part 2 of the Christmas Story. It is based on Matthew Chapter 1, verses 3-6, in which four women are mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus. These women had troubled or scandalous life stories. It seems unusual for God to have chosen them…
more -
Christmas in the Garden of Eden - The Christmas Story Part 1
The Prophecy of a future saviour through Eve. The Christmas Story begins in the Garden of Eden. Genesis 3:15: God gives Christians a future Saviour of the world. Christmas in the Garden of Eden - The Christmas Story Part 1. This poem is Part 1 of 10 parts to the poetic script that follows the...
-
The Web of Love
This poem illustrates the allure of love, comparing it to a sparkling web that captivates and ensnares us in its threads. It emphasises the duality of love, both the nervous excitement and the challenges of embarking on a new romance. The depiction of love's threads shining in the light of...
-
The art of being alone
The Balance of Isolation and Community This 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…
more -
Desert Mind - Life changing disease Part 10
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…
more -
The hidden power of a Wallflower
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...
-
In Loving Memory
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…
more -
The qualities of a Gentleman
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...
-
Sailing through Life's Storms
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...
-
Workplace Bullying
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...
-
Best Friends
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…
more -
A Mother's Love Sent from afar
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...
-
I'm Waiting, Anticipating
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...
-
Climbing Back to Normal - Life changing disease Part 9
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…
more -
Zapped - Life changing disease Part 8
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...
-
Roots of Healing - Life changing disease Part 7
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...
-
Rods and Screws - Life changing disease Part 6
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...
-
The Diagnosis - Life changing disease Part 5
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...
-
Waiting for results - Life changing disease Part 4
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...
-
Stop and Listen - Life changing disease Part 3
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...
-
The Friendship of Pain - Life changing disease Part 2
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…
more -
Loving differences in each other
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...
-
The Attack of the Big C - Life changing disease Part 1
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…
more -
Simply Story Poetry - A Top 5 Best Australia Poetry Podcasts
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…
more -
Footprints of a Monkey Mind
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...
-
A Golden Thread between you and me
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...
-
Unmask the truth
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…
more
About this show
Beverley Joy, the author of Simply Story Poetry - A Top 5 Best Australia Poetry Podcasts. With over 200 poems published weekly since 2021, Beverley simplifies complex thoughts and shares insights about nature, love, relationships, life experiences and Christian faith. Her poems entertain, inspire, and encourage my readers and listeners to contemplate various aspects of life through the rhythm and rhyme of poetry. Visit Simply Story Poetry on Podcast platforms, Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin and simplystorypoetry.com. You can buy verses and poems on products at beverleyjoy Redbubble Shop.
Hosted by
Beverley Joy
Categories