S2 E7: “Not What” by Mary Jo Malo

Posted byRebecca BuddPosted inPoetry in the Evening, Reading RoomTags:, , ,

Welcome to Poetry in the Evening.  

I am on a nature walk along the Vancouver Seawall with a poem by Mary Jo Malo.  

Please join me in reciting “Not What” by poet, Mary Jo Malo.

Not What

Who spoke into being
lily, sparrow,
redwood tree
and galaxies?

Who lavishes light
upon our eyes
and deepens shadow
for rest at night?

Who cries out wisdom,
the way of love?
Who liberates 
the heart with law?

Who calls each one
by our secret name
that none but Him
has ever heard?

Who is and has
the first and last? 
Not what, but who.
Undying Word


Mary Jo Malo

Celebrating World Poetry Day with Carrie Williams Clifford – Rebecca's Reading Room

S3 E3: Celebrating World Poetry Day with Carrie Williams Clifford March 21, 2023 marks the celebration of World Poetry Day. This day was established by UNESCO in 1999 to promote the reading, writing, and teaching of poetry worldwide. The celebration aims to recognize the unique ability of poetry to capture the creative spirit of the human mind and to promote cultural exchange and understanding. On this day, people from all over the world come together to appreciate the beauty and power of poetry, and to reflect on its importance in our lives. Carrie Williams Clifford was an American poet who lived from 1862 to 1934. Born in Providence, Rhode Island, she began writing poetry at a young age. Clifford published her first collection of poetry, "The Widening Light," in 1893 and went on to publish several more collections throughout her career. Her poetry often explored themes of nature, spirituality, and the human experience. She was an active member of the women's suffrage movement and used her poetry to advocate for women's rights. Quest by Carrie Williams Clifford My goal out-distances the utmost star, Yet is encompassed in my inmost Soul; I am my goal—my quest, to know myself. To chart and compass this unfathomed sea, Myself must plumb the boundless universe. My Soul contains all thought, all mystery, All wisdom of the Great Infinite Mind: This is to discover, I must voyage far, At last to find it in my pulsing heart. This poem is in the public domain. Music by Jo Wandrini “Puzzle of Complexity” Epidemic Sound: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/ctczJjeHrf/

Published by Rebecca Budd

Blogger, Visual Storyteller, Podcaster, Traveler and Life-long Learner

9 thoughts on “S2 E7: “Not What” by Mary Jo Malo”

  2. Thank you for the lovely surprise, Rebecca. I’m honored to be among your selected authors. For some reason I hadn’t seen your Reading Room blog but am delighted now to be a follower. Hugs+++

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Rebecca’s Reading Room is a new project that has been in the back of my mind for several years. As you know I have been reading poetry out loud and wanted to a space to bring them altogether. Poetry is a gift to the world. Thank you for your poetry which has added depth to my experience and understanding..

      Liked by 1 person

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