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

Seeking For Happiness By Ella Wheeler Wilcox – Rebecca's Reading Room
S2 E13: Seeking For Happiness By Ella Wheeler Wilcox
Seeking for happiness we must go slowly;
The road leads not down avenues of haste;
But often gently winds through by ways lowly,
Whose hidden pleasures are serene and chaste
Seeking for happiness we must take heed
Of simple joys that are not found in speed.
Eager for noon-time's large effulgent splendour,
Too oft we miss the beauty of the dawn,
Which tiptoes by us, evanescent, tender,
Its pure delights unrecognised till gone.
Seeking for happiness we needs must care
For all the little things that make life fair.
Dreaming of future pleasures and achievements
We must not let to-day starve at our door;
Nor wait till after losses and bereavements
Before we count the riches in our store.
Seeking for happiness we must prize this –
Not what will be, or was, but that which IS.
In simple pathways hand in hand with duty
(With faith and love, too, ever at her side),
May happiness be met in all her beauty
The while we search for her both far and wide.
Seeking for happiness we find the way
Doing the things we ought to do each day.
Photography and poetry recitation by Rebecca Budd
Music by Gavin Luke “All That You Will Be” #EpidemicSound
https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/PbIHP0zsMX/
Location: Simon Fraser University, Burnaby Campus

How beautiful!
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I knew you would love this poem, Mandy. Mary Jo has a marvelous way of distilling complex thoughts and ideas into words of poetry.
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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+++
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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..
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This is a very special treat listening to Mary Jo’s wonderful poem by your beautiful voice, Rebecca… a wonderful treat indeed.
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I am delighted that you enjoyed this poetry recitation, Marina. Mary Jo’s poetry has deep insights that comfort the spirit. Many thanks for your visit and comments. Sending many hugs!
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I couldn’t agree more about Mary Jo’s poems. Many more hugs back! ❤🤗
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I, too, bookmarked this poem to read loud. It immediately spoke to me of my dad.
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*aloud – I won’t shout!
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