What a gorgeous celebration of absolutely the coolest girl on Substack, Mary. So grateful for the space Maya holds for so many of us. And I so look forward to spending more time in CWC - summer holidays + time zones permitting xo
Thanks, Antonia! I'm excited for CWC. Things are calming down for me now, so I'll be able to spend more time there. I hope this post did Maya justice. I ran into some tech glitches toward the end, so I don't know if it got posted to Notes, if Maya's face got cut off . . . It's 4:44 a.m. here.The witching hour has come and gone.
I subscribe to Maya…had no idea of her background and accomplishments!
What a stunning young woman she is… talented, bright and such a kind and caring soul! I cannot afford paid subs or courses, kiddo but I want to thank you for this beautiful piece on Maya! Love her even more now! 🥰❤️I’m learning from you and Maya… Deborah too… about poetry. I love the words falling out in rhythmic cadence, rhyme or not…that flow right into our souls!
Happy Monday and much love, dear friend… look forward to your ring story ! 🥰❤️
Mary, what a radiant and well-deserved tribute to Maya, who sheds such radiance on the world of words. Your virtual friendship is a thing of power and beauty.
Oh, my goodness, Mary. This post makes me teary with gratitude--YOU are the cool girl. I've been your fangirl from the moment the universe connected us. You make every space you're part of better; I hope you deeply know how much value, strength, and solace you bring to your readers and the world. You have alchemized all that grief and pain so beautifully. I am grateful for your friendship, grateful for your support, and so, so honored and grateful to work with you in CWC. I'm SO lucky.
Maya, you have my heart. I think of you whenever I sit down to write. “I can’t disappoint Maya!” is my first thought. You are so generous and kind. I feel as if the stars aligned when we found each other here on Substack. And now, CWC is such a gift. As are you.💕🫶🥰
Ah, Mary... your generosity of spirit and ability to truth-tell in the loveliest, loving-est, most approachable way shine in this feature on Maya and CWC. You aim to connect, support and uplift. You are much more than an accomplished writer. You are a stellar human.
Kim, I’m overwhelmed. I try to see the good in us. Connecting is everything. The best part of being in this Substack community - and now in CWC - is the opportunity to grow, learn, and share with amazing writers like you, Angela, Victoria and I’d be here all day if I tried to list everyone. Thank you for your generous words. Now go publish that poem.🙏🫶💕
Love (gorgeous name!) thank you for your generous comment. I’m excited to be on Substack, and so very glad that you’re here. Maya is a huge inspiration to me. She really does bring out the best in people. I hope you check out her Substack. And follow her on Notes! She sends out selections from a diverse group of poets several times a week. Her choices are brilliant, thoughtful, and accessible. So great to meet you. Welcome to Substack!🙏💕🫶
Thanks Mary! I can 100% see why on all fronts and I absolutely have that's how I discovered your wonderful self. Great to meet you too! Hehe Love is a gorgeous name. It's a little experiment new social media handle from "Love Benergy" (a work in progress hehe) a bit of a play on words with a nod to writing that's evolved from my 'That Big Benergy' travel socials lol. I should probably finesse it as time goes on but hey, to paraphrase Burt Bacharach, I don't think the world can ever truly have too much love. Excited to follow along and continue reading your awesome work :)
Yes, she is a beautiful soul. I love her writing and poetry so much. And now I discovered you and your writing and cannot wait to dive in. Thank you for sharing!
What a wonderful post and a great opportunity for writers who don't/won't go through an MFA program. I agree that poetry is life. In fact, besides being an artist, I'm a poet. I am currently working on a book of poetry on breast cancer from a young woman's perspective. Like you, I love words, and this program sounds like a great one!
Beth, so thrilled that you’re a fellow lover of poetry. To hear the stories of young women who’ve had breast cancer is something I look forward to. There’s a huge gap in our understanding of what it means to be left out of the conversation. My daughter has been through much, with such little support.
I received my MFA from an excellent program, with great teachers at a small private university. That school was affordable, at that time, for a working adult. It’s now the most expensive college in the state. I can’t imagine what that same degree would cost me now.
That’s one of the reasons I’m so excited about CWC. I’m learning more than I did back then. Seriously. It just blows me away. Not everyone can afford it, and there’s no credential at the end. But the experience is priceless.
There are many artists in CWC, by the way. Right now, there’s a hugely popular project going on, in which people can post a work of art - their own or someone else’s - and over the course of a week, others respond with a poem. It’s very generative. Something to consider.
Thanks for stopping by. It’s always a pleasure.🙏💕❤️
I've never really had a champion but this piece gave me such an incredible insight into what a beautiful relationship it must be. I adore Maya's Substack have always imagined her to be such a special person so I'm very glad to now have that suspicion confirmed! Gorgeous writing, as always, Mary. xx
Karla, thank you for your lovely remarks. Maya is an absolute gem. It was wonderful to find her here. She’s one of those rare people who’s generous enough to share her enormous gifts out of pure kindness. I knew she was a great teacher and wonderful poet, but when I saw her bio my jaw dropped. And her choosing my site as a Feature is truly the greatest honor I’ve ever received. I’m just happy to do whatever I can to let people know about this treasure in our midst.💕
Joe, thank you. Words just can’t do justice to Maya. The free library is a favorite destination in my neighborhood. My kids made a great tribute to their dad. He was a librarian.
You should definitely check out CWC. I could have skipped my MFA and done this instead. Absolutely worth it.
Dear Mary, I’m new to Substack, opened the link and there you are, sharing your sorrow, your journey, and showing gratitude to Maya. I am no one of significance. I now subscribe to you and Maya, looking forward to being inspired and getting back to writing, getting back to being and feeling fully human in a way that only poetry can heal.
Julie, it hurts my heart to hear you say that you’re no one of significance. I’ve felt that, myself, so many times that I know how toxic it is. In fact, I sometimes have to talk myself out of bed by saying -and this is true - the words I say to my cat. It sounds cheesy, but it works. “Love you, honey,” is magic.
I’m so glad you subscribed to both Maya and me! Poetry does save lives. If you check my archives, you’ll find a post titled “Can a Poem Save a Life?” that describes this very real truth. And the way to get back to writing is to write.
Thank you for sharing your similar experience. It means a lot to me. My seventeen year old cat is my confidant, my little hero, and we have morning conversations. I look forward to reading your poem, "Can a Poem Save a Life?" The title reminds me of Toni Morrison's words at the end of her essay, "Peril."
I'm happy to get back to writing by writing, and I want you to know that your title "Writer Interrupted" caught my attention.
I appreciate you.
Have a wonderful day. Not sure how to add emojis, but here ya go :-). <3
Thank you for this inspiring post. And the introduction to Maya. I probably won’t join CWC this year, since I have committed to finishing my first book, but I will follow along and enjoy watching others bloom. Padraig O Tuama is amazing. I keep his facts of life poem open in my Sarai tabs at all times, and re read it frequently.
Teyani, how wonderful to hear that you’re finishing a book! That’s awesome. There are times you need to focus on the work, and put distractions aside. But Maya always chooses the most inspiring poems to post. Definitely a reason to subscribe.
Isn’t Padraig marvelous? I keep wondering why no one’s given him a Nobel. Peace, Literature, both. I have his books by my bedside.
So sorry for your loss from a mother, young widow and lover of poetry. Poetry definitely is life. Wonderful to have found your Substack.
Thank you, Lezel! I'm glad you're here.
What a gorgeous celebration of absolutely the coolest girl on Substack, Mary. So grateful for the space Maya holds for so many of us. And I so look forward to spending more time in CWC - summer holidays + time zones permitting xo
Thanks, Antonia! I'm excited for CWC. Things are calming down for me now, so I'll be able to spend more time there. I hope this post did Maya justice. I ran into some tech glitches toward the end, so I don't know if it got posted to Notes, if Maya's face got cut off . . . It's 4:44 a.m. here.The witching hour has come and gone.
I subscribe to Maya…had no idea of her background and accomplishments!
What a stunning young woman she is… talented, bright and such a kind and caring soul! I cannot afford paid subs or courses, kiddo but I want to thank you for this beautiful piece on Maya! Love her even more now! 🥰❤️I’m learning from you and Maya… Deborah too… about poetry. I love the words falling out in rhythmic cadence, rhyme or not…that flow right into our souls!
Happy Monday and much love, dear friend… look forward to your ring story ! 🥰❤️
Good morning, Joan! Yes, she really is an amazing person. It’s a great course. She’s a fantastic teacher. Just incredibly talented and smart.
Mary, what a radiant and well-deserved tribute to Maya, who sheds such radiance on the world of words. Your virtual friendship is a thing of power and beauty.
She really is a sweetheart. It astounds me that she’s only 35.
Well, Yeats was writing canonical poetry in his 20s, but no one ever called him God’s gift to other writers.
And yet, he was! It’s so evident now that he was such a huge influence, then as much as now. But these attitudes, and motivations, are always complex.
Oh, my goodness, Mary. This post makes me teary with gratitude--YOU are the cool girl. I've been your fangirl from the moment the universe connected us. You make every space you're part of better; I hope you deeply know how much value, strength, and solace you bring to your readers and the world. You have alchemized all that grief and pain so beautifully. I am grateful for your friendship, grateful for your support, and so, so honored and grateful to work with you in CWC. I'm SO lucky.
Maya, you have my heart. I think of you whenever I sit down to write. “I can’t disappoint Maya!” is my first thought. You are so generous and kind. I feel as if the stars aligned when we found each other here on Substack. And now, CWC is such a gift. As are you.💕🫶🥰
You could never EVER *ever* disappoint me. Just be you. Beautiful, generous, gifted you.
Maya, 🙏🫶🥰💕
Ah, Mary... your generosity of spirit and ability to truth-tell in the loveliest, loving-est, most approachable way shine in this feature on Maya and CWC. You aim to connect, support and uplift. You are much more than an accomplished writer. You are a stellar human.
Kim, I’m overwhelmed. I try to see the good in us. Connecting is everything. The best part of being in this Substack community - and now in CWC - is the opportunity to grow, learn, and share with amazing writers like you, Angela, Victoria and I’d be here all day if I tried to list everyone. Thank you for your generous words. Now go publish that poem.🙏🫶💕
Mary, only you could do justice to the amazing, Maya! I am so glad you are here and blessing is all with your writing.
Angela, you are so kind. I hope I did justice to Maya’s gifts, and the great group of people in CWC. Thank you for your lovely words.❤️🙏
So much 🫶🏼 Angela 💕
Omg love this! Thanks for your beautiful writing Mary it’s awesome. Newbie to Substack here but thrilled to have stumbled upon you already.
Love (gorgeous name!) thank you for your generous comment. I’m excited to be on Substack, and so very glad that you’re here. Maya is a huge inspiration to me. She really does bring out the best in people. I hope you check out her Substack. And follow her on Notes! She sends out selections from a diverse group of poets several times a week. Her choices are brilliant, thoughtful, and accessible. So great to meet you. Welcome to Substack!🙏💕🫶
Thanks Mary! I can 100% see why on all fronts and I absolutely have that's how I discovered your wonderful self. Great to meet you too! Hehe Love is a gorgeous name. It's a little experiment new social media handle from "Love Benergy" (a work in progress hehe) a bit of a play on words with a nod to writing that's evolved from my 'That Big Benergy' travel socials lol. I should probably finesse it as time goes on but hey, to paraphrase Burt Bacharach, I don't think the world can ever truly have too much love. Excited to follow along and continue reading your awesome work :)
Yes, she is a beautiful soul. I love her writing and poetry so much. And now I discovered you and your writing and cannot wait to dive in. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you, Manuela 🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼
Hi Mary,
What a wonderful post and a great opportunity for writers who don't/won't go through an MFA program. I agree that poetry is life. In fact, besides being an artist, I'm a poet. I am currently working on a book of poetry on breast cancer from a young woman's perspective. Like you, I love words, and this program sounds like a great one!
Beth, so thrilled that you’re a fellow lover of poetry. To hear the stories of young women who’ve had breast cancer is something I look forward to. There’s a huge gap in our understanding of what it means to be left out of the conversation. My daughter has been through much, with such little support.
I received my MFA from an excellent program, with great teachers at a small private university. That school was affordable, at that time, for a working adult. It’s now the most expensive college in the state. I can’t imagine what that same degree would cost me now.
That’s one of the reasons I’m so excited about CWC. I’m learning more than I did back then. Seriously. It just blows me away. Not everyone can afford it, and there’s no credential at the end. But the experience is priceless.
There are many artists in CWC, by the way. Right now, there’s a hugely popular project going on, in which people can post a work of art - their own or someone else’s - and over the course of a week, others respond with a poem. It’s very generative. Something to consider.
Thanks for stopping by. It’s always a pleasure.🙏💕❤️
I've never really had a champion but this piece gave me such an incredible insight into what a beautiful relationship it must be. I adore Maya's Substack have always imagined her to be such a special person so I'm very glad to now have that suspicion confirmed! Gorgeous writing, as always, Mary. xx
Karla, thank you for your lovely remarks. Maya is an absolute gem. It was wonderful to find her here. She’s one of those rare people who’s generous enough to share her enormous gifts out of pure kindness. I knew she was a great teacher and wonderful poet, but when I saw her bio my jaw dropped. And her choosing my site as a Feature is truly the greatest honor I’ve ever received. I’m just happy to do whatever I can to let people know about this treasure in our midst.💕
I will never apologize for loving T Swift! <3
Never, ever apologize. The woman’s a force of nature.🫶🫶🫶
Beautiful write up! No I really have to sort out a way to get in on the CWC.
That little library memorial!!
Joe, thank you. Words just can’t do justice to Maya. The free library is a favorite destination in my neighborhood. My kids made a great tribute to their dad. He was a librarian.
You should definitely check out CWC. I could have skipped my MFA and done this instead. Absolutely worth it.
Dear Mary, I’m new to Substack, opened the link and there you are, sharing your sorrow, your journey, and showing gratitude to Maya. I am no one of significance. I now subscribe to you and Maya, looking forward to being inspired and getting back to writing, getting back to being and feeling fully human in a way that only poetry can heal.
Julie, it hurts my heart to hear you say that you’re no one of significance. I’ve felt that, myself, so many times that I know how toxic it is. In fact, I sometimes have to talk myself out of bed by saying -and this is true - the words I say to my cat. It sounds cheesy, but it works. “Love you, honey,” is magic.
I’m so glad you subscribed to both Maya and me! Poetry does save lives. If you check my archives, you’ll find a post titled “Can a Poem Save a Life?” that describes this very real truth. And the way to get back to writing is to write.
I’m happy that you’re here.🙏💕🫶
Mary,
Thank you for sharing your similar experience. It means a lot to me. My seventeen year old cat is my confidant, my little hero, and we have morning conversations. I look forward to reading your poem, "Can a Poem Save a Life?" The title reminds me of Toni Morrison's words at the end of her essay, "Peril."
I'm happy to get back to writing by writing, and I want you to know that your title "Writer Interrupted" caught my attention.
I appreciate you.
Have a wonderful day. Not sure how to add emojis, but here ya go :-). <3
Thank you for this inspiring post. And the introduction to Maya. I probably won’t join CWC this year, since I have committed to finishing my first book, but I will follow along and enjoy watching others bloom. Padraig O Tuama is amazing. I keep his facts of life poem open in my Sarai tabs at all times, and re read it frequently.
Teyani, how wonderful to hear that you’re finishing a book! That’s awesome. There are times you need to focus on the work, and put distractions aside. But Maya always chooses the most inspiring poems to post. Definitely a reason to subscribe.
Isn’t Padraig marvelous? I keep wondering why no one’s given him a Nobel. Peace, Literature, both. I have his books by my bedside.
how come you (always) make me wanta cry
i know thats not what you want to do
(but) here i am (at work)
stupid chest trying to choke my throat
💙