Who decides where you fit in?
Walking into a room full of others
feeling like you don’t belong, not one of them.
Severed, the other, a misfit.
Open faces smile, glance your way.
But you have already closed the door
on belonging.
Doors open both ways. Exit this one.
Return again with this knowing
you are not held separate. Proving your worth
was never a requirement. The family of all things*
has been waiting for you.
Take this place, a space saved just for you.
Anywhere in the room will work.
Acceptance comes from inside.
* Acknowledgement to Mary Oliver’s words from her poem “Wild Geese”
© Ali Grimshaw 2016 (photo taken on the Oregon coast.)
flashlight batteries - Ali Grimshaw 
I ran a series on belonging about two yrs ago. It’s funny how most people (the guest writers as well as commenters) have always felt like outsiders.
Your “family of all things” took me to Mary Oliver’s poem:
calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting —
over and over announcing your place
in the family of things.
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Yes, I think it is human to feel like an outsider at least some of the time. I also think we have a need to belong to something outside of ourselves.
After I wrote my poem and published it on my blog I realized that “the family of things.” definitely came from my love of Mary Oliver’s poem. I know that what I write comes from all of my life experiences. Soaked up. Baked. Rearranged. With my own twist of lime. And I am forever grateful to all those who contribute to my learning experience.
Thanks for reading and sharing.
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Absolutely. We write from our storehouse of experiences and collective words. But in case you’d like to consider…it’s protocol to cite, give credit where it’s due so you might do an asterisk by the phrase and reference her as a footnote or something. I just don’t want you thought ill of or finding yourself in an unwelcome situation down the line. My two cents to take or toss. Have a great wk, Ali.
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I appreciate that feedback very much. I didn’t think much about it until I read your comment. I feel very strongly about giving credit to the creator and will edit my piece to show this. I really appreciate your feedback to make this right. I am still very new to the writing world and welcome opportunities to learn from others. Thank you.
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I appreciate the receptivity, Ali. Shows character. The attributions also make us look more credible.
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I just edited it. If it still isn’t right let me know. Thank you for saving me from a mistake I didn’t wish to make.
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…you have already closed the door
on belonging.
Doors open both ways. Exit this one.
Return again with this knowing
you are not held separate. Proving your worth
was never a requirement. The family of all things
has been waiting for you.
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Thank you for reading and for your reflection. Much appreciated.
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Beautifully written and uplifting 😊 thanks for sharing
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Thank you for your kinds words.
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Exactly. You don’t belong anywhere. You make places your own.
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Thank you for sharing your reflection.
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No problem!
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