Explore the Quillversey Poetry Chest

Welcome to my curated collections, where every verse reflects life and the emotions we gather along the way. Discover poetry that resonates with your own experiences and memories, crafted with heart by The Velvet Quill

71  Poems written and composed by a creative writer and Author

Pen Name: Sunray Ron

 

Sonnets – Free Verse – Limerick - Obe

So long as men and women have eyes that see

So lives my Poetry

 

Tribute Poem to Dolly Parton

Everlasting love

Dolly wore her coat of many colours to her school

To her mother’s joy 

And in the pocket she carried her corndolly toy

Dolly lived in the mountains 

Among the morning dew

And used to sit upon the porch

Which became her stage

And dream of a song or two

Dolly left behind her home 

And became a worldwide country star

And travelled the world, near and far

Thousands loved Dolly

It remains so true

When Dolly sang her now-famous song

     I’ll always love you.  

 

Freedom

When I have more time, I will treat myself to a new

Of summer fields and mountain dew

Rippling streams and waterfalls

Stroll through meadows of buttercups in the midday sun

And watch the hares on the run

I’ll glare at the rainbow after the showers

Which highlights my day and the passing hours.

 

Passing Time

With Passing Time

In the dimly lit room, the wallpaper hangs in threads

And torn curtains block the light

An old, worn-out armchair, tattered and torn, stands in front of 

Two-bar fire

The clock sits upon the mantelpiece, marking the minutes that no longer matter

In the old armchair sits an elderly gentleman

A war medal pinned to his breast pocket

 His memories are still alive, though the years have moved on

The past is a locked  room

For time  without mercy

has left him behind.

 

The Dusty Violin

A dusty violin lies in the corner of the room

Covered in dust as if resting in a tomb

Broken strings tell their story

Of nights of opera and  music filled with glory

Crowds g once gathered

Their emotions running high

while excited hands

applauded beneath the lights

Years have worn the polished grain

And damp air has twisted the frame

Yet somewhere beneath

the dust and decay

a melody still waits

perhaps with a little love

the old violin will play again

Its Shroud wrapped in grey.

 

Are You Sure?           

A face of joy I saw today

A silent smile, I remembered clearly

I thought of lonely days

When we were apart 

yet you remained very dear in my heart

The tears have passed

A new future lies ahead

Then came the sudden urge 

to say the words

I kept inside

OH, how I do love you

 

My New Love

When darkness comes, I’ll hold you

Until the morning breaks

I’ll go to sleep dreaming of you and 

Hope you're still with me when I awake.

 

Make Believe

Children are playing in full of fun

Even in the rain and sun

Never-ending games, they play

Hoping for an endless day

Children play with dreams

Of cowboys, nurses, kings and queens

Make-believe and guessing games.

 

Lost In the Distance

Distant dreams of lost love

Lead to distant days

Distant days lead to distant nights

And you become distant.

 

The Magic of Arran in Scotland

Stars glow as night falls

The moon rises slowly into  the evening  sky

Soon, the morning glow will surrender the darkness

And a brand-new day will start

The Holy Isle appears

Its ancient secrets

Waiting to unfold

The tide is slowly rising

And Goats Fell looks very cold

beneath the fading light

Wish I had my camera; it's such a lovely view

But I have only my memory

That will have to do.

 

Tea at Scorry Breac in Scotland with my son Kevin

Weathered plaque marks Scorry Breac

The land of the free

Purple heather  stretches as far as the eye can see

Giant fir trees shade the lake

Which is a picturesque dream

Daisy’s  sways  gently in the breeze

While in Adria I make the teas

I rest my feet and breathe  the mountain air

Watching the water

Grateful for the chance to simply be there.

 

Goodbye, my old Friend

 Goodbye. Oscar my old friend

No more limping  through summer breeze 

Free from acne and old disease

no more cramping pains as you walk in the park

Sometimes beneath the gentle rain

How can I forget you

When I s have so many wonderful memories?

Your toys remain upon your bed

And your bowl is still in the kitchen,

where you were fed

And your lead still hangs upon the kitchen door

Just like your footprints  you once left on the kitchen floor

No, you will never be forgotten, my old friend.

 

Listen to your Heart

It’s the heart that keeps you going

And keeps your body strong

It’s your courage that keeps you fighting

Sometimes it may be wrong

It’s your strength that lets you climb the mountain

That seems the hardest human. Test

Maybe you might need some time to have a simple rest

Take another step now before you lose the light

As it’s not long now, you’ll soon see the end in sight

Don’t give up now as the challenge is nearly done

And you will feel a whole lot better

When you know you’ve won.

 

Take One Day at a Time

We are in charge of our attitudes

Each day is a new day to use as you will

You can use it to moan, listen, or gossip- hurt someone 

or bully, or cause a family upset 

Or you can use it for good or happiness

Or trust, companionship and friendship

And Joy and peace

For what we do today is important

Because you are exchanging a day of your life for it

When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever

, And in its place is something that you have left behind.  

Let it be something good.

 

Nice Days Out

I’m lucky to have lovely daughters so dear

Who have stood beside me throughout the year

When times were hard, they stood their ground

Until an answer could be found

We met for a meet-up for a chat

And we talked about this, and we talked about that

The day was a complete pleasure

Both have become little treasures.

 

A Stroll in the Glen in Scotland

Rain falls upon my face

And thunder fills my ears. But it’s not new

It’s happened throughout the years

Just like drifting winds that touch my Cheek

That leaves me refreshed with nature’s hand

And heals the earth of ancient earth

After the storm, a rainbow  glows

Which gives great delight

Thunder gone, and the sun returns

With birds rise into flight

Nature shines through the dew with golden slumber

A view of gold that my heart will always remember

Rivers flow as a poet’s dream

Of wonders new or so it seems

Flowers burst open their petals covered in dew

with golden light

A view my heart will always remember

Rivers flow

Like a poet's dream

and flowers burst open beneath the dew

and i walk, still carry a loving thought of you.

 

Did you know him?

Frozen screams heard within the night

From a desperate soul taking flight

As heroin travels within the blood

The mind spins endlessly

And life and future fall into peril

How does one reach this never-ending point?

Where life itself has no  meaning

And broken dreams remain

Where   hope  becomes just a word

and the world a terrible  blur

Food soon becomes less important

Stealing becomes commonplace

As a dirty hoodie hides the face

Sleeping in fear upon the pavement floor

Body wrecked and full of pain

They lie in the streets in the wind and rain

Pockets empty and a life of dread.

Did you know him?

Did you see the person beneath the pain?

 

 

 

A wee corner of Scotland

Weathered stone

Summer Green

Shaded by the stream

Daisy heads in delight

I rest by the stream

And lay back upon the grass

For it’s my turn to lie back and dream

 

Summer Gold

Bright to the eye, the summer scene

Of golden daffodils upon the green

Planted for the common good

And close to the bluebell wood

On the hill stands the old mill

Where I used to hide

Near the bus station

Where I would often take a ride.

 

Are you looking for me?

If you’re looking for me

I will be down by the sea

Building castles in the sand

With the breeze in my hair

And the sound of the fair

And thinking of you.

 

Storms Never Last

Storms never last, it said

As we squeeze hands in the thunder

A rainbow appears to show its face

As we lock arms in a warm embrace.

 

I Believe

Nobody  leaves this planet alive, yet

When we depart, we leave behind our thoughts of reason and our

need for forgiveness. 

We leave hope, courage, and  our desire for goodness

wrapped in conditional love 

One such belief is that just for a moment in time, we ourselves were loved

And understood, and most important of all, hopefully, sometimes a joy to be with

When, as we leave, I believe we do not leave alone,

I believe that an angel or a passed friend waits to guide us,

Together we travel to a higher level of learning

embraced in love and peace

while our hopes and dreams continue on..

 

 

Days with my son

Together in so many ways

 Shared countless laughs on countless days

A love and bond no one can break

Each sharing wisdom for wisdom’s sake

Great adventures out of the blue

Always felt safe with you

Our teamwork is known to be great

Maybe we should celebrate

Maybe with a cup of tea or a glass of wine

Either will be just fine.

 

The Door is always open

Heaven’s door is always open

For you and for others and me

 We all travel through the tunnel of light

To God’s kingdom, behold a golden light

And when we arrive, we feel a great love

As we are protected from the shadows

In this great wonder, we now bestow

One’s mind is wrapped in wonder, and their spirits are now at peace

As some of their emotions are now due to release

Angels greet them in song and pray for them sincerely

As we are all loved so dearly

There is no tension, only calmness around them

As angels meet their friends who brought them

God’s angels then hold their hands in glory

For all of them have heard your story

As times like these will never end

For this is not the beginning of dreams, my friends

In dreams It’s what they call everlasting love

 

Footprints in the sand

Footprints in the Sand

And pyramids found in forgotten lands

Those are changed with the wind

Leaving little trace when new

But life goes on despite the cost

For throughout the years, not all is lost

For Kings and Queens are found across the land

Along with the wind that covers our footprints left in the sand.

 

The Seaman's Dream

Waves crashing upon the ocean floor

Creating new seabeds evermore

Fish swimming to and fro

Not really knowing where to go

And every seaman has a story

Of mermaids in their glory

Seen by just a few in a moonlit creation

Could they be a lost at sea relation?

 

The Wandering Souls of Scorry Breac

How the wind blows through drifting snow

Across the snow-covered moors

Where great men fought for the sake of freedom

The rich, the famous, and the poor

With beating hearts, they scaled the hills

With a battle cry, they crossed the glens

Leaving a trail of blood behind them

Their courage is remembered still

So, raise a glass to the Nicholson Clan

Who fought for us and our freedom.

 

Changing Waves

Waves beating upon the organic shore

Changing the surface ever more

Washing away traces of the past

 Tho the weather may be overcast

Yet every beach has its glory

Of our memories and holiday stories

Of lost treasure not yet found

As seagulls let out a screaming sound

Yet we come back year after year

With happy hearts and cold beer

We even try an ice cream as a treat

And forget about the sand between our toes on our feet

Yet it always comes to an end

So I will see you all next year, my friends.

 

In the Winter Rose Garden

I walked in the garden where the roses grow

The air was filled with a fragrance

With a wonderful glow

Suddenly, I was surrounded by angels

Who left no footprints in the snow?

I stood frozen and amazed and in wonder

As I had nowhere else to go

I realised that my wife was with me in spirit

That shocked my heart, but the worry disappeared

For I knew I was with a friend.

 

My Visions of Nature

I’ve wandered the sleepy hills and golden valleys

And rested next to rivers covered in winter snow

I see the hares hiding in the Scottish heather

And stags taking shade under moss-covered trees

I have felt the rain and the sun and the breeze

I have seen eagles high in flight

And walked miles beneath a bright starlit night.

 

My Dear Son 

Reminds me of what I’m missing

But I’m still wishing

There are often when I wish it could last forever

But time runs out sometimes when we’re together

I forget any trials and tribulations

And enjoy life with its sensations

We both dream of new tomorrows

Forgetting the crossroads and any sorrows

Each day that comes, I’m. glad. to have him near

It’s great to have a son so dear

I’m glad to share his warm embrace

With his kind smile upon his face

A true bond, I’m sure, forever true

As I’ve never seen him blue

lI will always carry the pride

A smile when I’m by my side.

 

The Seaman's Dream

Waves crashing upon the ocean floor

Creating new seabeds evermore

Fish swimming to and fro

Not really knowing where to go

And every seaman has a story

Of mermaids in their glory

Seen by just a few in a moonlit creation

Could they be a lost at sea relation?

 

The Wandering Souls of Scorry Breac

How the wind blows through drifting snow

Across the snow-covered moors

Where great men fought for the sake of freedom

The rich, the famous, and the poor

With beating hearts, they scaled the hills

With a battle cry, they crossed the glens

Leaving a trail of blood behind them

Their courage is remembered still

So, raise a glass to the Nicholson Clan

Who fought for us and our freedom.

 

Lost

My day is  full of worries

As I stand in falling snow

And my heart is beating wildly

Not knowing which way to go

Now standing at the crossroads

With a suitcase and an empty heart

I ask myself the question

Do I go or do I  part?

 

 

The Years Have Taken My Youth

Look upon my face

Every wrinkle tells a story

Of every joy and tear

And any loneliness or fear

Memories of being together

Through all the seasons and all sorts of weather

As hearts and spirit reach for the sky

And we go from day to day just wondering why

We try to hang on to our innocence with passing time

With every mountain we’re seen to climb

We walk silently through drifting rain

Sadly, nothing that’s around us seems the same

Yet our spirit rises with the setting sun

That makes you want to sing or try a run

But alas, it will no longer be

As the years have taken my youth from me

So I sit by my window

And watch the world go by.

And look at all the photos, and shed a little tear

As I silently whisper and pray for another year.

 

My Golden Girls

I’m lucky to have lovely daughters so dear

Who have stood beside me throughout the year.

When times were hard, they stood their ground

Until an answer could be found

We met for a meet-up for a chat

And we talked about this, and we talked about that

The day was a complete pleasure

Both have become little treasures

 

Listen to the Breeze

When you're tired of being out there, doing things alone

And want some peace, and you want to be alone,

Walk upon the beach as the sun heads for the sea

I’ll be there beside you if you listen to the breeze

Don’t think of all the miles, don’t think of wasted years

Remember all the wonderful memories and good times

As the wind whispers in your ears.

 

Forgiveness

We cannot love unless we have accepted forgiveness

And the deeper our experiences are, the greater is our love.

We are haunted not by reality but by those images we have put in place of reality.

 

The Morning Dance

Buttercups covered in morning dew

Under skies of Azure blue

Lambs dancing in midday sun

Paper boy yet to come

A horse alone in a field of green

While the tractor lets go its steam

Windmill in the distance turning in the breeze

While farmer John peddles his cheese

Unseen by women or man

A little dog danced, and the day began.

 

My Thoughts

My inmost thoughts lie captive,

In stilled avalanches of words

Crystalised for posterity in shining grains

now perfect in minds

Preserved until the end of time.

 

 

He sat alone without a care.

He sat alone in the sun without a care

As the world passed him by, he could only offer a stare

The summer breeze was full of promise as the sun touched his face

As he suddenly remembered he had friends within the human race.

 

Fresh Lilies

Bold olive-green stems

Proud and upright, their pointed leaves are clearly seen

As if looking through glass

The Lilies a rich, soft pink, edged in crimson

And in the centre

A place of lavender speckles

Giving sparkle and mystery

A rich tapestry of colour,

Picture of delicacy and grace.

 

Love.

Give me strength when I am weary

Lift my faith from faithlessness

Oh, let me lie down by peaceful waters

When my soul cries out for a rest.

For I cannot climb another mountain

Or cross another stormy sea

But I won’t ever forget the love

that you have shown to me.

 

If I could turn back time

If I could turn the iron gears,

And walk the halls of vanished years,

I’d find the version of myself

Who left the "best of life" on shelves.

I’d stand beside the kitchen chair,

And run my hands through silver hair,

To hear the stories one more time

Before the clocks began their chime.

I’d take back words that cut too deep,

While old regrets are fast asleep,

And choose the path I didn't take,

For every heart I helped to break.

But time is like a river’s flow,

It only learns one way to go.

And if I changed the stormy parts,

I’d lose the map that shaped our hearts.

So, though I dream of "back then" still,

And likely, friend, I always will,

I'll take the lessons time has spun

And live the life that’s just begun

 

The Memories of Our Old Home

The house is colder now and so still.

A heavy quiet rests on every sill.

I remembered I reached across the sheets to find your hand,

But only find the space where you would stand.

Your teacup still sits upon the shelf,

A quiet ghost of who you were—yourself.

Knitting was your pride and joy

And Oscar was a charming pup

A treasure for all the world to see

I hear your laughter in the doorway draft,

The echoes of the many times we laughed.

The seasons turn, the garden full of bloom,

Yet winter lingers in the lonely room.

Oscar and I walked the paths we used to walk as two,

And every path had memories of you.

Every step I took, I felt alone

All I had was my mobile phone

My heart holds  the  memories

We will meet again; I’m sure you’ll see.

 

I’m Mad to think that you are gone.

I’m mad to think that you are gone

And that you're passed and lost your will

Because when I look upon my shoulder

You're living with me still

I am aware you feel my tears, and you feel my pain

And see the things I do, but things are not the same

When I think of the forlorn days

I get a quiet taste of pleasure

For in those years, you were always my fondest treasure

For we’re still one, just you and me, one mind, one soul, together

I’m glad you're always by my side to wipe away the tears

In assorted wind and weather

I’m sure one day we will meet again

And we will be together.

 

My Memory of you.

Your name lingers in the air

And your perfume lingers in the breeze

Memories of you remain intact

Of the years looking back

Life was hard, but together we got through

Even when times were sad and blue

Yet every mountain is hard to climb

Yet thinking things through.

I’m now doing just fine.

 

Just One More Time

I’d stand beside the kitchen chair,

And run my hands through silver hair,

To hear the stories one more time

Before the clocks began their chime.

I’d take back words that cut too deep,

While old regrets are fast asleep,

And choose the path I didn't take,

For every heart I helped to break.

But time is like a river’s flow,

It only learns one way to go.

And if I changed the stormy parts,

I’d lose the map that shaped our hearts.

So, though I dream of "back then" still,

And likely, friend, I always will,

I'll take the lessons time has spun

And live the life that’s just begun.

 

Lost Love.

All alone in the pouring rain

In the hope I will see you again

For without you my life is just not the same

You left, leaving me without a clue

Of what you needed or what made you blue

Clouds burst with more thunder and further rain

In the hope It’s carried in the wind, I shout out your name

And hope it’s not in vain.

 

The Old House on The Hill

This old house is crumbling and ready to fall

And no one visits or stops to call

As the roses no longer bloom now

And the curtains are tattered and torn

Its grass is overgrown now that once was a lovely lawn

Strange laughter echoes in the playroom

And the floorboard creaks under the strain

The family left now in search of fortune and fame

I’m sure the weather is solely to blame.

 

My old bike

My old bike’s a goner

With a twisted wheel or two

The frame is bent and out of shape

And my seat is broken too

But I’m still lucky as one can tell

Because I still have my running shoes

And my own leftover rusty bell.

 

Velvet Roses in the Snow

The snow is gently falling

Upon the velvet roses that look like dew

In the graveyard of the angels

Where Love lingers with the memories

Of unforgotten love

In the community gardens of broken dreams.

 

Not Forgotten

We place our names upon the gravestones

In the hope we shall be remembered

And not forgot

As you pass us by.

 

Autumn Leaves

Falling Leaves in Autumn

There’s nothing more we adore

They fall in all shapes and sizes

And colours upon the forest floor

If I could have a wish or two

Or three or four

I’d wish that Summer never ends

Who could wish for more?

 

Under the moonlit sky

Will you dance with me in the dark?

Under the moonlit moon

Will you give me your heart?

As we promise never to part

Will you dance with me in the rain?

As we both dance intertwined

In love beneath the moonlit sky.

 

Two hearts beating together

Both hearts beating as one

In Southsea Park

Under the midday sun

Each with a smile yet no care

After enjoying the thrill of the fair

Now sitting together on the park seat

Where next week they hope to meet.

 

A Needing Heart

In a loving smile, I give you my heart

And can I give you a kiss or two

In the morning light

Embraced in your perfume of delight

Which makes me want to hold you tight.

Which calms the wanting heart

 

The Years Have Taken My Youth

Look upon my face

Every wrinkle tells a story

Of every joy and tear

And any loneliness or fear

Memories of being together

Through all the seasons and all sorts of weather

As hearts and spirits reach for the sky

And we go from day to day just wondering why

We try to hang on to our innocence with passing time

With every mountain we’re seen to climb

We walk silently through drifting rain

Sadly, nothing that’s around us seems the same

Yet our spirit rises with the setting sun

That makes you want to sing or try a run

But alas, it will no longer be

As the years have taken my youth from me

So I sit by my window

And watch the world go by.

And look at all the photos, and shed a little tear

As I silently whisper and pray for another year.

 

That special Moment in time

It may have been in a dream or a gentle thought

A wish of a special hope in the beating heart

Or on holiday with the rolling sea or rising of the sun

Or a love so dear you can never part

That special moment in time will remain a memory

Held safely in your warm heart.

 

Memories of Gold

I see shadows in the dark

That form memories in my heart

As I quietly sit here in the dark and pray

For a new summer’s day

One that will give great surprise

Like a rainbow in the sky.

In front of clouds of azure, blue.

With the memory of you.

 

Lost

My mind is full of worries

As I stand in falling snow

And my heart is beating wildly

Not knowing which way to go

Now standing at the crossroads

With a suitcase and an empty heart

I ask myself the question

Can I make a brand-new start?

 

I share my memories with you.

I recall the land of the purple heather and pipers in gifted style

Loch Ness with waters dark and green,

Where Nessie is claimed to be seen;

Morning mist in all its glory

Only adds excitement to the story.

The tartan battle glen and field where spirits linger still

Along with snow-covered mountains and gorse hill.

Scottish whisky swallowed by the dram

And haggis and totties and fields of lamb

The Curse of the Kelpies Tale

That hides in dark waters with an unearthly smell

Yet through the mist, the sun does rise

Followed by a new day and maybe a new surprise.

Our hearts tremble with mountains so high

That shed the snow and clouded sky

Field shared by a Highland coo

And scented heather and phrases like och aye the noo.

There are many long trails with ghosts upon the moors

Men of courage who fought the cause, for Freedom.

 

Reflection

Life, I have learned that life is complex

and we can sometimes lose our way.

We are uncertain of what lies ahead.

Therefore, it is important to forget your troubles

and count your blessings.

And think what may lie ahead

It is equally important not to take the present for granted.

Life is constantly changing, and it is crucial to make time

for those you love and let nothing stand in your way.

 

Fulfilment

Suddenly, my lips met yours

Inevitable it seemed to be

One minute, you were far away

The next is very close to me

Our bodies seemed to be intertwined

There was nothing that I could do

It happened suddenly

When I was close to you.

 

Stranger in the Night

In the silky web I spied

A tiny fly which had died

I wondered when it met its plight

Because it was not their last night.

 

Lost In the Distance

Distant dreams of lost love

Lead to distant days

Distant days lead to distant nights

And you become distant.

 

The California Wildfire

The morning glow reflects in the ash

Scorched land as far as you can see

Charcoal memoirs smoulder in the dust

Trees all around stand twisted and torn

The sky is empty of birds

In the smoke-polluted air

With crying eyes

Humans ask in confused silence

Why God, why?

 

When I get some spare time 

I will reward myself with a new

Of summer fields and festivals new

Rippling streams and waterfalls

I’ll stroll through the meadows of 

buttercups in the midday sun

And watch the rabbits on the run

I’ll share the rainbow after the showers

That highlights the day and becomes 

A memory of my hours and great days.

 

Storms Never Last

Storms never last, it said

As we squeeze hands above  the thunder

A rainbow appears to show its face

That gives the day a common grace

As we lock arms in a warm embrace.

 

 

Taking a Dive

I share the world with swallows up high

In skies of blue they fly

Across meadows and fields of green

Where daisies and buttercups can be seen

They swoop in rivers for a fish to catch

But sometimes sadly there is no match.

 

Seasons of the Heart

Days and Years used to flow

Carried me through seasons’ glow
And lines appeared where smooth skin used to be,

Upon the smiling face you still see

Age has changed the child you knew

Like an ancient dream coming true

But hope is still carried in the heart

With each day that I start.

 

Not Forgotten

We place our names upon the gravestone

In the hope we shall be remembered

And not forgot

As you pass us by.

 

Velvet Roses in the  Snow

The snow is gently falling

Upon the velvet roses that look like dew

In the graveyard of the angels

Where Love lingers with the memories

Of unforgotten love

In the community gardens of broken dreams.

 

Message of Hope

I hope you enjoyed your visit to my digital world,

where thoughts crystallise into verses and emotions

find their expression through carefully chosen words.

Poetry, for me, is the art of capturing fleeting moments

in daily life in the way morning light filters through leaves,

the echo of a distant memory, or the quiet strength found

in solitude. Each poem is an invitation to pause, reflect,

and perhaps discover something familiar in the unfamiliar.

These poems are my offerings to fellow wanderers

and poets, those who seek beauty in the everyday

and meaning in the spaces between words. -- Enjoy

 

About The Author and Creative Writer

Sunray Ron

Sunray was born in Paisley, Scotland, in the year 1943

He has travelled to the island of Bermuda and spent five years there

He Also Travelled To Scotland. England and Wales

Whereupon he gained further inspiration to write more poetry

Plus, he had the support from his friends and family members

 

 

All rights reserved.  [Copyright - No part of this publication may be reproduced

or transmitted without written permission from the author,

excepting brief review quotations.

Contact: ronnb1943@gmail.com for permissions.

 

I Thank You for your time, and I hope you enjoyed reading my poetry

 I wish you love – Hope – Peace – and Joy

If you have time, send me a message on

my contact page about the poem you liked the best