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Novelist and poet Carey Wallace, explores the idea of friendship with God in response to John 15:15.

John 15:15

The Society of Friends

By 

Carey Wallace

Credits: 

Curated by: 

Spark+Echo Arts

2012

Poetry

Image by Giorgio Trovato

Primary Scripture

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John 15:15 is the foundational verse of the Society of Friends, better known as the "Quakers", whose social justice and fiery mysticism were rooted in the idea that Jesus didn't consider his followers servants, but friends. I was raised Quaker, and the early training I received to listen for the "still small voice of God" laid the foundation of my creative life, which I also see as a practice of radical listening and obedience.

Spark Notes

The Artist's Reflection

Carey Wallace is the author of The Blind Contessa’s New Machine. She was raised in small towns in Michigan. Carey is the founder of the Working Artists Initiative for the International Arts Movement, which helps emerging artists establish strong creative habits; and The Hillbilly Underground, an annual arts retreat which draws nationally-recognized filmmakers, writers, fine artists, and musicians to rural Michigan each summer. She lives and works in Brooklyn.


Find out more about Carey at www.careywallace.com.

​Carey Wallace

About the Artist

​Carey Wallace

Other Works By 

Related Information
Image by Aaron Burden

You are my only friend
but I am a worm and not a man
a breath left on a glass

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The Society of Friends

by Carey Wallace


You are my only friend

but I am a worm and not a man

a breath left on a glass

mud and spit, a blade of grass

grown from the dust, soon dust again

not even good for a servant.

But at the word you shake your head,

hold out your hand and call me friend

and though you set each star on fire

built every bird, invented night

and drowned death with your own blood

I love this wonder best of all:

that to this pile of bones and dust

only waiting to be burned

you spoke the secrets of the world,

and made a friend of God.




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Image by Aaron Burden

You are my only friend
but I am a worm and not a man
a breath left on a glass

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