Welcome to Tea Toast & Trivia
Thank you for listening in.
I am delighted and thrilled that my dear friend and poet; Jean-Jacques Fournier is with me today to speak about crows, and ravens within his poetry.
As background, ravens and crows are embedded within our mythologies from ancient times. In Greek mythology the crow was a symbol of Apollo in his role as god of prophecy. In Norse mythology, Odin is portrayed by a raven. In Celtic mythology, Morrighan, the warrior goddess appears in the form of a crow or raven. Crows and ravens have been envisioned as a mediator animal between life and death. They have been known as tricksters and mischief makers.
Jean-Jacques has great insight into these magnificent creatures.
Mary Jo Malo on a Poet’s Calling – Tea. Toast. & Trivia.
Season 2 Episode 48: Mary Jo Malo on a Poet’s Calling
A word has power
Whether mined by
demagogues
for control
or carved into stone
for memorial
It can carry us
into exile
From ourselves
From our homes
A word can steel
the heart
or build an edifice
of faith in the future
It sifts or unites
and defines
Yet
destroy the word
You steal
time.
Mary Jo Malo, Stele
Welcome to Tea Toast & Trivia.
Thank you for listening in!
I am your host Rebecca Budd and I am looking forward to sharing this moment with you. There are times when it is impossible to connect across the miles via technology. Today, Mary Jo Malo and I are establishing a new dynamic in podcasting in the form of letter writing, which many consider a lost art. And yet, Mary Jo and I believe that letter writing has not been forgotten.
Thank you dear listeners, for joining Mary Jo and me on Tea Toast & Trivia. And a very special thank you and shout out to Mary Jo. I invite you to meet up with Mary Jo on her blog, This Shining Wound, Original Poetry by Mary Jo Malo. It is a place where the music of words dwell.
Until next time, stay safe, be well.
A very dear friend you are, and lest we forget ‘The Hostess With The Mostess’ to say the least, for having conceived and hosting this, your marvelous Tea Toast & Trivia. Thus so and of course all the more for inviting me to spend a most enjoyable time on the subject of poetry and our mutual penchant for those magnificent Ravens and Crows. I’ve just finished listening to us again, and “absolutely” concur with the recent mention of you being “the very talented host of TT&T. What a treat to have been given the pleasure of being your guest, in such a relaxed and easygoing style of conversation. Thankful I am indeed, Lady Budd, for having invited me…! Et à bientôt, chère Rebecca.
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Thank you so much for graciously accepting my invitation to tea. Our conversations awaken me to the breadth and depth of poetry – how words give voice to humanity’s longing for understanding and acceptance. Embracing the amazing creatures that share our world is essential. Your poetry allows us to see the world from the high vantage point of crows and ravens in flight. And in so doing, we recognize kindred spirits and fellow travelers. Sending many many thanks for sharing your poetry.
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I enjoyed the conversation about crows and of course Jean-Jacques’ reading of his poem. Are you familiar with the Australian blog, Reflections of an Untidy Mind? For the past several weeks, this blog has featured a Corvid challenge. I was wondering if Jean-Jacque’s comments about the young woman with the crow who said “Hello” were about a video that was featured. What I learned about Corvid behavior and intelligence was just fascinating!
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What a wonderful blog – fabulous photos of corvids! Another example of how creativity is bringing together a virtual community. Thank you for the introduction. Here is the video that shows a raven talking – I smile every time I listen to it!!: https://youtu.be/AfsnHVaScjg
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I’m so glad you checked out Tracy’s blog, Rebecca! I just watched the video of the large crow with a mind of his own.
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I also meant to mention that I enjoyed Rebecca’s “A Gathering of Crows.”
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You are a wonderful encouragement to me, Liz!!! Thank you.
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You’re welcome, Rebecca!
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My fave part was the JEAN-JACQUES recitation. It’s always great to hear his voice and his poetry.
Thank you to both of you!
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I agree, Resa. Jean-Jacques voice brings out the full measure of his words, his deep resonance adds layers of meaning within his message. So glad that you listened in.
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Me too! His voice is excellent for reading/reciting. So is yours.
I wonder if there is a poem that would suit your voices together…. like Sonny and Cher … sorta, but poetry…. Rebecca and Jean-Jacques?
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What an honour that would be!!!
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I’ll bet he has a poem for that!
I would love to hear the 2 of you!
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