Poetry

Echos from an empty heart
Time is a lie, you live as though the future is promised, as though every second must be hoarded. But death knows. It knows that, there’s no before nor after. Only now slipping through your fingers. There are grave yards filled with people who thought they had more time.
By Blessing chukwu2 years ago in Chapters
CHAPTER I:The Well of Unspoken Melodies
At times, late into the night, just before dawn arrives, I find myself standing at the brink of the well behind my apartment, which is but the lame remains of a stone opening from which an unwelcome dampness and an inexplicable nostalgic odor egress. The woman I have fallen in love with exists in the silence of the well, although she has never visited, lived, or moved into this space. She could reside in the negative spaces: the interval between the drops of water, the shadow that hugs the bricks, the remembered laughter of a laugh I dreamed once. I have made a secret of her name even to myself.I met her in a jazz bar in Shinjuku, Tokyo, while the saxophone's vapid breath fogged the windows and the ice in my whiskey would freeze in time. She sat two barstools down from me and was reading from an old edition of The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle, her fingers slowly stroking the book's spine as if it were an artifact of divine significance. Her hair settled as a curtain of protection between us, and every time she turned a page, the sound rumbled like nearby thunder. I made myself order another drink that I didn't want, to remain comfortable to the warm silence while she had not left. She left before the set was over and left a hair clip, which was shaped like a small sparrow.I concealed it within my pocket, where it buzzed against my thigh like a caged cicada.The hairpin now rests upon my poor, sad desk next to an unwanted stack of letters that regretfully, I have never sent. Of an evening, when the pulse of the city becomes somewhat relaxed, I will press it to my ear and imagine I can hear something—a jazz standard played backward or a train running on tracks too far out of the imagination to fully comprehend. I write her about these oddities; “The well is deeper than it seems,” I scrawl once, and crumple the paper. The language fails. It lays claims to the canted shape of desire.The dreams started in October. I am trapped in a hotel with a winding labyrinth of a space; a corridor might break into the sky without stars, an elevator opening into a field of wheat, not a cloud, or an elevator. She is always there, just out of reach type of way; a shadow out of a window, and a voice, somewhere down a corridor. At one point, a cat, a black stray that seemed to be unchanged in my likeness was about to meet me like a time traveler. Flicking its tail like a pendulum, I made eye contact, finding my girl's reflection on the solid blackness of its iris. “You are chasing a ghost, you know,” it said, though it had no working mouth. “The question is, isn't that the point of the story, for you to chase a ghost?"
By LUCCIAN LAYTH2 years ago in Chapters
Vanishing Village
Deep in the heart of the Amazon rainforest, there was a village called Tuhana. Unlike other settlements, this village had no recorded history—no maps, no mentions in ancient texts. It was as if it had never existed. Yet, travelers spoke of a place where strange lights hovered above the trees, and whispers filled the air at night. Dr. Marcus Hale, an anthropologist obsessed with lost civilizations, became fascinated by the rumors. He gathered a team of explorers and set out to uncover the truth. Equipped with modern technology and satellite maps, they ventured deep into the jungle, determined to find the village that the world had forgotten. The Journey into the Unknown The journey was grueling. Thick vines blocked their path, and the dense humidity made every step unbearable. Strange markings appeared on tree trunks—symbols that resembled no known language. At night, they heard distant chants, though there was no sign of human life. The deeper they went, the stronger the feeling that they were being watched. After nearly a week, they stumbled upon the village. At first, it seemed abandoned, but the structures were perfectly intact—huts made of stone and wood, arranged in a precise circular pattern. There were no signs of decay, no overgrown vegetation. It was as if the villagers had simply vanished into thin air. A Discovery That Defied Logic Marcus and his team explored the village cautiously. They found bowls of food left untouched, fires that had long since burned out, and even clothes neatly folded on wooden benches. Everything suggested that people had lived here recently. But where were they? In the center of the village stood a towering stone obelisk, covered in strange carvings. As Marcus traced his fingers over the symbols, a sudden gust of wind howled through the village. The ground beneath them trembled, and an eerie blue glow flickered around the obelisk. Then, they heard it—a whisper, soft at first, then growing louder. It wasn’t in any language they recognized, yet it felt… familiar. Marcus turned to his team, but their faces were frozen in horror. Shadows began to move within the huts, shifting and stretching unnaturally. The Vanishing Begins Again Panic set in. One by one, members of the team disappeared before Marcus’s eyes. They didn’t scream or run; they simply faded, as if being erased from existence. Desperate, Marcus backed away from the obelisk, his heart pounding. The whispers grew deafening. He closed his eyes, trying to block out the sound. When he opened them again, he was standing at the edge of the jungle. His team, the village, even the obelisk—everything was gone. There was no sign that the village had ever existed. The trees stood undisturbed, the ground unmarked. His equipment was still intact, but all his recordings and photos had vanished. The only proof he had was his own memory—fading with every second. Some Places Should Remain Forgotten Marcus stumbled back to civilization, trying to make sense of what had happened. He attempted to retrace his steps, but every path led to nowhere. The village of Tuhana had disappeared once again. No one believed his story. The expedition was written off as a failure, and soon, even Marcus began to question what he had seen. But at night, when the wind howled, he could still hear the whispers. Some places, he realized, were never meant to be found.
By SHAKIB2 years ago in Chapters
"The Awakening of Zerathis"
Chapter 1: The Search for the Lost City For centuries, historians and explorers searched for the legendary city of Zerathis, an ancient civilization said to have been swallowed by the desert. Myths spoke of golden temples, towering structures, and knowledge far beyond its time. But one fateful night, a massive sandstorm arrived, burying the city and erasing it from history. Most dismissed the tale as legend, but Dr. Evelyn Carter believed otherwise. As an archaeologist obsessed with lost civilizations, Evelyn spent years studying ancient texts and deciphering forgotten languages. Her research finally led her to a fragile, faded map that hinted at Zerathis’s location deep within the Sahara Desert. Determined to uncover the truth, she assembled a team and embarked on an expedition that would change history forever. Chapter 2: The Discovery Beneath the Sand After weeks of enduring relentless heat, dehydration, and sandstorms, Evelyn and her team reached the marked coordinates. At first, all they saw were endless dunes, stretching as far as the eye could see. Just as doubts began creeping in, Daniel, her assistant, stumbled over something solid beneath the sand. His foot struck stone. With renewed determination, they dug feverishly, uncovering a stone structure buried beneath the shifting sands. As the sand fell away, intricate carvings emerged—symbols unlike any they had ever seen. It was undeniable proof that Zerathis was real. Excitement turned to astonishment as they unearthed a grand staircase leading deep underground. The air grew cool as they descended, torches illuminating walls covered in mysterious glyphs. What lay beneath was beyond anything they had imagined. Chapter 3: A City Frozen in Time Beneath the desert lay an underground city, untouched by time. Streets of stone stretched into the darkness, flanked by towering statues and buildings still intact. Golden artifacts shimmered in the dim torchlight, untouched for centuries. The eerie silence made it seem as if the people had simply vanished in an instant, leaving everything behind. At the heart of the city stood a grand temple with massive golden doors. Something about it called to Evelyn. She approached cautiously, pressing against the heavy doors. They groaned as they slowly opened, revealing a vast chamber covered in ancient inscriptions. But what she found inside sent a chill down her spine. Chapter 4: The Hidden Warning of the Ancients The inscriptions spoke not of a natural disaster, but of something far more terrifying—something the people of Zerathis had tried to escape. They warned of "The Awakening." The city had not been buried by chance; it had been sealed away on purpose. Whatever lay within these ruins was never meant to be disturbed. Evelyn’s breath hitched. Had they just undone centuries of protection? Before she could process her thoughts, a deep rumbling filled the chamber. The walls trembled, and dust rained from the ceiling. The very air around them felt heavy, suffocating. Then the ground beneath them began to shake violently. Chapter 5: The Escape and the Buried Truth Panic erupted among the team. Cracks splintered through the stone floors, and statues toppled as the city seemed to awaken from its slumber. Evelyn grabbed Daniel’s arm and sprinted toward the surface, their torchlight flickering wildly as they ran. As she reached the entrance, she turned for one final look. The golden doors of the temple were slowly closing, as if the city itself was sealing its secrets once more. Then, as if guided by an unseen force, the sands began to pour back into the ruins, burying Zerathis once again. Exhausted and shaken, Evelyn stood at the edge of the desert, watching as the lost city disappeared beneath the dunes. The world would never know the full truth of what lay beneath the Sahara. Some lost cities, she realized, were meant to stay buried. ---
By SHAKIB2 years ago in Chapters
The Chronicles of Forgotten Souls
hidden journal reveals the stories of forgotten lives. Samantha had always loved reading, but she never expected to find a story hidden within the walls of her own house. It was her grandmother’s house—old, dusty, and filled with relics of a past long forgotten. One afternoon, while cleaning the attic, Samantha stumbled upon an old, leather-bound journal. It wasn’t large, but its pages seemed thick with history. The journal was untouched for decades, its cover cracked with age. As she opened it, the words on the first page caught her eye: "These are the Chronicles of Forgotten Souls." Every chapter uncovers a mystery tied to a long-lost secret. The journal contained several chapters, each one dedicated to the life of a different person from the past. Samantha read about a woman named Eloise, who had once lived in the house with her family. But the more Samantha read, the stranger the stories became. Eloise had vanished without a trace, leaving behind only whispers and rumors. The pages spoke of secret meetings, hidden rooms, and a treasure buried deep beneath the house. Each chapter was like a puzzle, slowly piecing together the mystery of her disappearance. But there was something more—something darker. The more pages they read, the more the past comes alive. As Samantha continued to read, she noticed that strange things began happening in the house. At night, she would hear soft whispers, as though someone was speaking just out of earshot. Footsteps echoed down the hall when no one was there, and the air grew cold in certain rooms. One evening, as she flipped through the next chapter, the words on the page seemed to shimmer. The story was of a man named William, a former servant of the family who had been wrongly accused of a crime. The chapter ended abruptly with the words: "And William’s vengeance will be the end of us all." Suddenly, the lights flickered, and a shadow passed across the room. Some stories are forgotten for a reason—but others demand to be remembered. The journal seemed to have a life of its own, as if the characters were reaching out from the past, trying to complete their unfinished tales. Samantha’s curiosity turned into obsession, and the more she read, the deeper she felt pulled into the stories of the past. But she soon realized that some stories were never meant to be told. Each chapter brought her closer to uncovering the tragic fate of Eloise, William, and the others—and the terrifying truth behind their disappearances. The final chapter was incomplete, with only a cryptic message left behind: "The final secret is buried where no one can find it, but you are the key to unlock it." With those words, Samantha understood. The stories weren’t just tales from the past; they were warnings. And now, she was the one who had to face the consequences of bringing them to life. As she closed the journal, the whispers grew louder, and the shadows seemed to move closer. Some secrets, it seemed, were never meant to be uncovered.
By SHAKIB2 years ago in Chapters
I Suppose This is Love
I suppose it's love When I touch, look, and feel her near. I suppose it's love When her radiant eyes pull me deep inside.
By Arjiris2 years ago in Chapters
Echoes of the Forgotten
Echoes of the Forgotten A Journey Through Memory and Regret The rain poured down in sheets, casting the old town in a cold, gray haze. The streets were slick with water, the cobblestones reflecting the dim glow of street lamps that flickered weakly against the storm. In the heart of the town stood a crumbling mansion, its once-proud facade now covered in ivy and years of neglect. The windows, dark and empty, seemed to stare out at the world with an expression of quiet sorrow.
By Afia Sikder2 years ago in Chapters
A Brief History of Love Letters
Bad soul! I am sure I had an idea of it, I had not joked about it for all my money. But then you know, how can I suppose such a thing? I have certainly made But a common love-letter, and you know young people liked to laugh at them.
By SJ_Insights2 years ago in Chapters
Mughal Era Love: A Historical Love Letter
**Mughal Era Love: A Historical Love Letter** This story is set in Mughal-era India, a time when love and loyalty were immortalized in history. It narrates the love between a prince and an ordinary girl, who overcame time and societal constraints to unite. Their story unfolds through letters that capture their love and longing.
By Nikita Angel2 years ago in Chapters
Captain Blackthorn
Henry Ashcroft had always been drawn to the quiet sanctuaries of history, where stories whispered through the cracks of time. On a rainy evening in his family’s sprawling estate, he found himself seated at an oak desk in their ancient library. The air smelled of leather and damp parchment, and the flickering candlelight cast dancing shadows across the shelves.
By Karun 2 years ago in Chapters
Shadows and Light
The garbage I watch, deep into the night. The dark knight, bursts into the light. Incapable might, losing sight. Hope is to put a fight, but we're lost in pride. Deluded insights, a wounded kind. The echoes of war, still haunt the land, Footsteps of ghosts, trace lines in the sand. Justice is blind, or so they claim, Yet the scales tip for wealth and name. The stars above, they flicker and fade, Whispers of time, in silence laid. The past still lingers, a burdened chain, History repeats, yet we call it change. A child cries in a world gone cold, Dreams forsaken, bought and sold. The towers rise, the forests fall, A kingdom built, yet doomed to crawl. The river runs, its waters black, Reflections twisted, no way back. A mirror cracked, a shattered face, Chasing purpose, losing grace. Yet somewhere beneath the ruin and rust, A seed still sleeps beneath the dust. A dawn may break, a light may shine, If hands still reach, if hearts still find. But will we rise, or drown in the tide? Will love survive, or be cast aside? The answer waits, beyond the night, In hands that build, in souls that fight. Analysis and Explanation of the Poem This poem touches on deep and universal themes such as struggle, disillusionment, corruption, environmental destruction, and the potential for hope and redemption. Let's break it down in detail: 1. Darkness, Corruption, and Lost Purpose "The garbage I watch, deep into the night." This opening line suggests a sense of helplessness and reflection. "Garbage" can symbolize the wastefulness of society, both physically and metaphorically. It may refer to the destruction of values, moral decay, or even personal regrets. Watching it at night represents a lonely, silent contemplation of everything wrong in the world. "The dark knight, bursts into the light." A "dark knight" represents a figure who once thrived in shadows but is now forced into the open. This could symbolize truth being revealed, or a corrupt force being exposed. It also suggests the idea of facing reality rather than hiding behind illusions. "Incapable might, losing sight." This line speaks to the irony of power. Many individuals, governments, and institutions hold immense strength, yet they lack wisdom or vision. They may act recklessly, failing to see the true consequences of their actions. "Hope is to put a fight, but we're lost in pride." Fighting for a better future is essential, but pride stands in the way. Many people refuse to change or admit mistakes, leading to unnecessary conflict. This could refer to personal struggles, political battles, or humanity’s tendency to prioritize ego over progress. "Deluded insights, a wounded kind." Humans often believe they understand the world, but their perceptions are flawed. We think we know what is right, yet our actions bring pain. The phrase “a wounded kind” suggests that humanity is hurt—by its own hands, by history, by repeated mistakes. 2. The World’s Struggles and Injustice "The echoes of war, still haunt the land, Footsteps of ghosts, trace lines in the sand." This points to the lasting effects of war and violence. Even after battles end, their scars remain. The ghosts could symbolize both the literal loss of life and the psychological burden carried by survivors. "Justice is blind, or so they claim, Yet the scales tip for wealth and name." Justice is meant to be impartial, but in reality, it is often influenced by money and power. The rich and powerful escape consequences while the poor and voiceless suffer. 3. The Passage of Time and Repeating History "The stars above, they flicker and fade, Whispers of time, in silence laid." Time moves forward, and even the brightest lights (civilizations, leaders, ideals) eventually fade. The whispers of time suggest history quietly warning us, though we rarely listen. "The past still lingers, a burdened chain, History repeats, yet we call it change." Even as we claim to progress, we often repeat the same mistakes. Wars, corruption, greed—these have existed for centuries, yet we convince ourselves that we are improving. 4. Environmental and Moral Decay "A child cries in a world gone cold, Dreams forsaken, bought and sold." Children symbolize innocence and the future. This line suggests that the world has lost its warmth—both emotionally and physically. Greed and materialism destroy dreams, turning everything into a transaction. "The towers rise, the forests fall, A kingdom built, yet doomed to crawl." Modern development comes at the cost of nature. Skyscrapers replace trees, but what good is progress if it destroys the foundation of life? Despite technological advancements, humanity still struggles with basic moral and ethical issues. "The river runs, its waters black, Reflections twisted, no way back." Pollution and corruption have tainted nature and truth. Looking into a polluted river is like looking at a distorted reality—what we see is no longer pure. "No way back" suggests irreversible damage. 5. A Glimmer of Hope and the Possibility of Redemption "Yet somewhere beneath the ruin and rust, A seed still sleeps beneath the dust." Despite destruction, hope still exists. A seed represents potential—a chance for growth, change, and renewal. Even in a broken world, there is room for healing. "A dawn may break, a light may shine, If hands still reach, if hearts still find." Change is possible if people are willing to work together. "Hands still reach" symbolizes effort, unity, and compassion. "Hearts still find" refers to rediscovering kindness, love, and purpose. "But will we rise, or drown in the tide? Will love survive, or be cast aside?" This presents the ultimate question: will humanity choose growth, love, and wisdom, or will it allow itself to be consumed by destruction and ignorance? "The answer waits, beyond the night, In hands that build, in souls that fight." Our future depends on our actions. If we choose to build instead of destroy, if we fight for what is right, then hope remains. Advice to the Readers 1. Acknowledge the Problems Don’t ignore the struggles of the world. Whether it’s corruption, environmental destruction, or inequality, be aware of the issues that affect humanity. 2. Learn from History The mistakes of the past continue to repeat because people fail to learn from them. Study history, recognize patterns, and work toward real progress. 3. Put Aside Pride Pride prevents growth. Whether in personal relationships or global politics, admitting mistakes and seeking improvement is essential for change. 4. Take Responsibility Change doesn’t happen by itself. Whether through activism, education, or simple acts of kindness, everyone has a role to play in making the world better. 5. Preserve Nature Development should not come at the cost of the environment. Support sustainable practices and be mindful of the planet’s resources. 6. Seek and Spread Hope Even in dark times, hope exists. Be a source of inspiration for others. Encourage change, support one another, and believe that a better future is possible.
By Kelly Munala Brookes2 years ago in Chapters
Espionage
Espionage, also known as spying, is the act of secretly collecting information about governments, organizations, or individuals. It has been an important part of history and is often used by countries to gain intelligence about their enemies or rivals. Espionage can involve secret agents, technology, and hidden codes. This article will explore the history, methods, risks, and effects of espionage in simple and easy English.
By Farhan Sayed2 years ago in Chapters