Appreciation Poems

When my colleagues find out that I'm pretty good at cooking, they start organizing dinners at my place. Lucy Holt, one of the junior accountants, suggests that we split the groceries evenly between us. As a result, I don't think I can reject their request without being rude. On my last day of work, the group gathers at my place for one last meal. "You're such a good cook, Jess! We'll all be transferring you 500 dollars later. It's just a token of our appreciation," Lucy declares with a bright smile. But the very next day, she sends me a message. "Hey, Jess. You know it's illegal to operate an unlicensed catering business from your home, right? Your house will get sealed off for further investigation. More importantly, the value of goods has passed the threshold of 10,000 dollars, which means the fine you'll have to pay is probably going to be about 20 times that amount. "Since we worked together, we decided not to report you to the authorities. We'll just settle this matter privately. All you have to do is give us the fine you would've had to pay instead." This is how I realized that, combined with yesterday's meal, the total amount they've given me for groceries thus far is exactly 10,001 dollars.

Samantha had been with her husband Alex for 12 long years, dutifully raising his child from a previous relationship. Yet as the years dragged on, the deep resentment she felt could no longer be ignored. Alex took her endless sacrifices for granted, never expressing an ounce of appreciation for all she did to keep their family afloat. His domineering mother only fanned the flames of drama, inserting herself into every aspect of their lives. And their once passionate marriage had become a sexless, loveless obligation. Samantha's only solace was her job at the local hardware store, a seeming world away from the suffocating doldrums of her home life. It was there that she met Jack, her new boss - a charismatic man whose radiant charm and flirtations slowly but surely began chipping away at Samantha's resolve. At first, she dismissed the growing attraction as a harmless crush. But as the weeks ticked by, the chemistry between them became undeniable, an all-consuming force that made her feel truly alive for the first time in years. One fateful night, passion overcame reason, and Samantha surrendered to her desires in Jack's arms. The guilt was searing, but it paled in comparison to the euphoria of being wanted, needed, desired again. Thus began a torrid affair, one built on lies and deception as they stole away for clandestine rendezvous. Samantha was playing with fire, but she couldn't bring herself to stop.

Adeline Cruz was orphaned. At an early age she learnedto stand on her own feet. Due to poverty she could not finish school so when shewas accused of a crime which she did not commit. She could not defend herselfagainst evil people. She was imprisoned for two years. There came, Hernan. He is one of the sponsors who provides assistance for inmates such as food, personalhygiene, etc. There he saw Adelaine and he investigated her case until hehelped settle her case and get released. After a few months, their pathscrossed again and Hernan offered her a job as his personal maid, which sheimmediately accepted, especially since she had a lot of money to earn and shehad nowhere else to go. They got along well and it was only then that she feltthe appreciation of someone like him. Hernan was kind and caring so shecouldn't stop herself from falling in love with the man. Until one day, Hernancourted her and she immediately accepted his love. The days and months thathave passed have been happier and exciting for them. But when Hernan's ex-girlfriend returned, the man had changed. Until, Hernan proposed to the ex-girlfriend rightin front of her. Adelaine’s world almost collapsed especially when Hernan saidthat the good image of his name would be ruined if they continued theirrelationship because she was an ex-convict. He leaves Hernan's house and tries toforget him. She studied hard until she met Robert. With the help of Robert shewent abroad and they stayed there for several years. Five years later, Adelainereturned to the Philippines and unexpectedly, she and Hernan had crossed pathsagain because Hernan and Robert were working as business partners. Adelaine thoughtthat she had forgotten everything but the hatred flared up again in her heartwhen she saw her ex-boyfriend.