Quiet Joys – 24th January 2026

An ambulance was called to the library
and the children all ushered out
After Ms Lee collapsed while reading
The incident, recalled without doubt

“Did the monster get the lady, mum?”
questioned Eli, who had covered his eyes
Ms Lee’s voice was nice but even at age 4
Eli knew that there would be a surprise

Marie was the new library volunteer
And just passed her course on CPR
Jumping up and checking for a pulse
In her story, she became the star

Bobby, Ms Lee’s son, was called
And he felt guilty at his selfish thoughts
He struggled to drive to the hospital
Obviously feeling out of sorts

Old Mrs Gupta had been in the M to N’s
when she emerged to all the commotion
She saw the event as a rehearsal
as it unfolded in slow motion

Ms Lee herself looked to the frightened faces
the sounds and light began to fade
As everything softened and became pale
She recalled all the quiet joys she had made

Written for Reena’s Xploration prompt #414, expanding on this prompt idea:
 A novelist creates a story told by five narrators, each contradicting the others.

Today’s Daily Stoic poem:

Push For Deep Understanding

The first page is not enough,
leaving understanding rough;
For the lesson to remain a keeper,
You gotta go deeper and deeper