Phrases on Fire – Poem by Ali Grimshaw

~ Ali Grimshaw

image

Now I sit inside heated regret
what I wish I would have said

rapid words that flew off my tongue
like butterflies leaving my mouth

beautiful at first sight, fluttering
toward you. With closer inspection

upon landing, were really illegal
firecrackers of burnt red destruction

flames that left you singed speechless
while I coughed on my smoking impulsivity.

© Ali Grimshaw 2018
Rewrite of a poem from 2017

Fire Up Creativity—dVerse Poetics

50 thoughts on “Phrases on Fire – Poem by Ali Grimshaw”

  1. Wow, this is powerful and so succinct––goes right to the core of the experience of regret. Love the butterfly analogy that turns into something different. e.g., “With closer inspection upon landing, were really illegal firecrackers of burnt red destruction”

    One line can be more poignant than a thousand words. Thank you!! Blessings to you Ali and all who read this.

    Love and Light,
    Debbie

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Debbie,
      Thank you for seeing the value in a few words carefully chosen. I think this poem resonates with many because we all say things that we wish we wouldn’t have. Communication is such a challenge for us humans.
      Wishing you a beautiful day of wellness.
      Ali

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  4. You eloquently described such a common occurrence. I try to repeat chakra mantras each morning and the fifth chakra’s mantra for me is to speak honestly from my perspective with compassion and respect. In an altercation, I do pretty well with the honesty part but have a long way to go with the compassion and respect part. Your poem is another good reminder to pause before speaking.

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    1. Thank you LuAnne. I can tell that your are committed to living with intention.
      This poem is a reflection of the challenges of communication between people. No matter how hard we try sometimes what we send doesn’t land the way we sent it.

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  8. Wow, Ali !! This is such a super poem and has such insight and truth about words spoken – like the old saying “you can’t unring a bell” You can add this to your “Best of Ali” poem list!!
    Bellissimo, Ali, Bellissimo!!!
    xoxoxo

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Bjorn, I appreciate your reflection. Sometimes our intention does not match the words that come out of our mouths. Communication has always been a topic that fascinates me. Thanks for stopping by.

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  22. Oh, how I relate to this poem. I have spoken so many times when I should have held my tongue. I have spoken unnecessarily harsh words when I should have been more considerate. Beautifully written!

    Liked by 2 people

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