As soon I read “Not What” by Mary Jo Malo, it reminded me so much of my dad, I knew I had to record it to commemorate his birthday on April 27. The photograph is my favorite of him in his vestments. It captures all the best of who he was.
Call-and-Response
As this is a call-and-response post, in which a fellow blogger’s post has inspired my own, I hope you will spend some time on Mary Jo’s site exploring her insightful and beautifully-written poetry.
Mine is not the only post inspired by “Not What.” Rebecca Budd was also inspired to read the poem aloud and share it on Rebecca’s Reading Room, her blog for sharing spoken word versions of poems that have moved her. I hope you can spend some time with Rebecca as well
Elizabeth Gauffreau 
Reblogged this on NEW BLOG HERE >> https:/BOOKS.ESLARN-NET.DE.
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Thank you for the reblog, Michael!
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🙏
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A beautiful remembrance, Liz! Thanks for sharing, and have a nice day! xx Michael
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Thank you very much, Michael–and you’re welcome!
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🙏 Thank you as well, Liz! Enjoy a nice rest of the week! Over the half is done.. 😉
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I loved your photo and reading! I was unable to make your reading the other day unfortunately. Was this the poem you read? By the way I think you’d be great at audiobooks.
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Thank you, Bonnie! I am planning to do an audiobook for my first short story collection, so thank you for the affirmation!
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That’s great! I can’t wait to listen to it.
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Thaks for the vote of confidence, Bonnie!
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A lovely poem and even more special because it reminds you of your father. Thanks for the reading.
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You’re welcome, Darlene. I’m glad you enjoyed my reading of Mary Jo’s poem.
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Ah, what a beautiful reading of a moving poem by Mary Jo, to honor your father’s birthday.
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Thank you very much, Marina! I’m glad you enjoyed my reading of Mary Jo’s poem.
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Very much! Thank YOU, my dear Liz! 🙏🤗
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🙂
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😘
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What a precious photo! Your dad looks joy-filled.:-)
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That’s why it’s one of my favorites of him. 🙂
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Liz, beautiful recitation of a powerful poem by Mary Jo — who’s a superb poet. And that’s quite a photo of your dad, on his birthday.
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Thank you on all counts, Dave! I agree that Mary Jo is a superb poet.
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A beautiful recording of Mary Jo’s poem, Liz, and a lovely reflection on what your dad meant to you. Enjoy his memory today on his birthday.
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Thank you, Mary Jo. He’s been very much on my mind of late. I miss him.
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Thank you for sharing your memory and the lovely poem. Meryl
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You’re welcome, Meryl! I’m glad you enjoyed the post.
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A beautiful poem by. Mary Jo Malo and so beautifully read. Thanks for sharing Liz.
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Thank you very much, Goff–and you’re welcome!
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Cheers. Enjoyed.
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Liz, your reading does this elegant poem great justice. continue…
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Thank you, Tony. The poem was a real pleasure to read.
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A beautiful poem and reading Liz.
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Thank you, Suzette! I’m so glad you enjoyed them.
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A pleasure! You are most welcome Liz.
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Your dad has a kindly countenance., and your voice speaks for him and for his faith. An honorable reading, Liz!
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Thank you very much, Marian. Your thoughtful comment means a lot to me.
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I’m surprised, delighted, and overwhelmed, Liz. So many thoughtful comments on the memory of your father. It’s a joy to be part of it. 🙂
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Thank you for writing the poem, Mary Jo.
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It was a labor of love. You are blessed to have such a wonderful father.
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I’ve never taken that blessing for granted.
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Very interesting, Liz. I love the photo of your father! My father wore a black coat and color very similar to that!
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Thank you, Dwight! The standard issue rev. suit?
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Ha ha… yes, I guess so!
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Wonderful, Liz. You do know how to please your readers!
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Thank you very much, GP!
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Such a beautiful reading, Liz! And a lovely tribute for your dad. Hugs for you today, as you remember him. 💙
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Thank you, Merril! (And thanks for the hugs. I do miss him.)
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You’re welcome. I know you do.
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🙂
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A super reading, Liz.
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Thank you, John!
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Love the photo!
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Thank you, Valerie! I apologize for the delayed response. Your comment ended up in my spam folder.
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No problem!
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It’s wonderful when a poem resonates like that. I liked your reading.
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It is! I love it when a poem speaks directly to me. I’m glad you enjoyed my reading.
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Beautiful reading, Liz. ❤️
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Thank you very much, Jill!
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Beautiful rendition Liz. And thank you for introducing Mary Jo Malo to us. I just visited her blog and loved being there.
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Thank you, Sonia. I’m so glad you spend some time on Mary Jo’s blog. She’s a very talented poet.
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😊😊
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One of the most beautiful parts of writing is the connections we make in our lives through someone else’s words. It’s one of the most underappreciated parts of reading.
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I agree, Pete!
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Beautiful read Liz and lovely post.
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Thank you, Cindy. I’m glad you enjoyed them.
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HI Liz, a beautiful poem by Mary Jo. I enjoy both Rebecca and your readings.
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Thank you, Robbie. I’m glad you enjoyed the readings.
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Thank you for reciting that beautiful poem in the most beautiful way possible. I enjoyed it thoroughly!
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You’re welcome! I so glad you enjoyed it.
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A beautifully loving tribute, Liz
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Thank you very much, Derrick.
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Loved your reciting of “Not What” and the beautiful photograph of your father – I can see how this is your favourite photo!
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Thank you, Terese. I’m so glad you enjoyed the post.
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I enjoyed your reading, Liz, and what a lovely photo of your father.
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Thank you, Eugi. I’m glad you enjoyed them.
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You’re welcome, Liz.
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That’s a lovely poem and a beautiful reading.
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Thank you very much, Tim.
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What a lovely poem, you read it so well, Liz, making this a delightful tribute to your father. I agree with Bonnie about the audiobook. That’s going to be such a pleasure to listen to.
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Thank you very much on all counts, Chris!
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Very moving poem, lovely to see your dad (I see a likeness – but of course)
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Thank you, Paul. I am my father’s daughter.
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🙂
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was he a priest or so? dear Liz
Best regards
BERnhard
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Hi, Bernhard. Yes, my dad was an Episcopal priest.
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Love this. The kind of poem you can listen to again and again.
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Thank you so much, VJ. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
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My pleasure.
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I keep looking at the photo of your father. He has the aura of a kind man, full of life and giving to others. No wonder it is your favorite. Lovely poetry!
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You’re absolutely right about the man my dad was.
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I’m so glad. It was written all over his face.
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Lovely! The first lines really drew me in–who speaks into being?–and the list that follows is so pure.
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I’m so glad you enjoyed Mary Jo’s poem!
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Liz, your reading is very special. Beautiful poem. And I love that photo of your dad! He looks like a baby! What is a call and response post?
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Thank you, Luanne. My dad was in his early thirties when that picture was taken. I’m using call-and-response to mean being inspired by someone’s post and writing one of my own to respond to it. Usually, the phrase refers to music or a church service.
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Beautiful, Liz, and I love the idea of call-and-response post.
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Thank you, Jacqui! I love the idea of the call-and-response post as well.
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A wonderful nod to your father, Liz. He sounds like he was a wonderful man. 🙂
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Thanks, Mark. He was.
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Love this poem! thank you, Liz!
You are right, Rebecca does fab recitations.
Will stop by Mary Jo Malo’s blog.
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I’m so glad you enjoyed my reading of Mary Jo’s poem, Resa! I think you will find much to appreciate on her blog.
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I’m sure I will. I do follow her, but don’t get there often. LOL… listening to the poetry read right now. About 1/2 way, and have to stop to make dinner. I’ll be back to finish listening!
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What a lovely photograph of your father. He was shining on that picture. And most times I’m sure.
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Thank you, Brian. He was shining most of the time, although he had his weight-of-the-world-on-his-shoulders moments, too.
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I can imagine. Being a Priest means you are full of Hope, but then the world slams back at times…
As we try to do with all those who left us, let’s remember the shining moments…
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Yes. I’m relieved that he didn’t have to see what’s happened to the US in the past 10 years. The presidency of “he who shall remain nameless” would have killed him.
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Indeed. He would have been appalled. Though if I guess well, he might have found words of comfort and hope?
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He would have struggled, but he would have found the comfortable words to help others.
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Up to us now to find the words. 😀
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It is. 🙂
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This is an inspiring poem by Mary Jo Malo. Your reading makes the poem more sensational, Liz! You have a great photo of your father. Thank you very much for sharing his photo!
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Thank you very much, Miriam! I’m so glad you enjoyed my reading of Mary Jo’s poem.
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I did very much, Liz. You should do an audio book for Grief Songs.
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Thank you for the suggestion, Miriam! I was considering doing a video.
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That’s wonderful, Liz. You don’t use YouTube. Do you get more audience from the other app?
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I don’t think so. I’m probably going to have to break down and post on YouTube as well.
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Well, several bloggers and I followed each other on YouTube. YouTube maybe a little popular.
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Wonderful photo of your dad – and then the reading. I’m impressed that you’re thinking of making an Audible of your short story book. Looking forward to hearing more about that.
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Thank you very much Pam, on all counts! I appreciate your reading, listening, and commenting.
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Read mine too motivational thaughts and poetry
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Thank you for the invitation.
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