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/

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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