Never preoccupied by screens screaming
unknown friends, nor business buzzing heads.
Mine sit in wait, pocket ready, stacked bedside,
cursive faded on the bathroom mirror. Ever-ready
to ask courageous questions, with reassuring palms
warmly press down on my shoulders. They lead
remind from behind, cocoon me from nightmare bombs
and disappearing green, when my inside raisins.
Trustworthy friends of ink, folded and unfolded
because the need is so great.
© Ali Grimshaw 2018
Poem in Your Pocket Day 2019 is on April 18 and is part of National Poetry Month. On this day, select a poem, carry it with you, and share it with others at schools, bookstores, libraries, parks, workplaces, street corners, and on social media using the hashtag #pocketpoem.
“You will never be alone with a poet in your pocket.” – John Adams.
flashlight batteries - Ali Grimshaw 
Ahh–a poem in your pocket. Lovely.
The handwritten poetry makes me think of the movie we saw today about Emily Dickinson. There’s a scene where she’s writing a poem on the back of a gingerbread recipe.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Just think how many writers have written on scraps of paper over the years. It would make such a grand collage if we could collect them.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, it would!
LikeLike
I love a poem carried around like this…
LikeLiked by 1 person
They make reliable friends.
LikeLike
Not certain I am smart enough to grasp the full extent here, but i found the read captivating Ali…!
LikeLiked by 1 person
There is no right way to read a poem. You are absolutely always smart enough to take away the meaning that works for you. Thank you for taking the time to leave your feedback. Much appreciated.
LikeLike
Technology..a blessing and a curse, but poems, no matter how written or shared are true friends indeed, validating our struggles and emotions.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very well said Mish. Thank you so much for your reflection.
LikeLike
because the need is so great.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is amazing how far changes in communication have come in my lifetime! Pencil and paper to social media! Well don on the poem!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Agreed. That is why a poem in my pocket is more calming than ever.
I hope you are enjoying poetry month.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, there is nothing like the written word on paper!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Those are valuable friends who can “cocoon me from nightmare bombs”.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Poems are powerful.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful, Ali. Do you really do your writing on paper? I think the need to be connected 24/7 is changing the way our brains are wired! Kind of scary.
LikeLike
this is indeed poetry. ❤ beautiful!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for the kind words.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautifully written, I especially like the “cocoon me from nightmare bombs”, it gives an edge to the piece.xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for the specific feedback. I really appreciate it.
Poems and writing poetry really does help me to deal with the many frightening parts of living on this planet.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Clever poem about poems!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Brad. Poems have brought joy to me on so many days.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Me too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I bet there are many of us who carry words in our pockets. 🙂 I really enjoyed this Ali.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you colleen. I know you understand the power of words to left us. Make it a great day.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Ali.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your poem reminds me how we are connected 24/7. We can reach out to each other 24/7, but usually what is said within our messages is what draws us to each other, especially if it’s more than a short one and taken some time and thought to craft. Then again, as your poem seems to allude to, sometimes these messages can wait as we immerse ourselves in the present no matter how uncertain it may be.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much for taking the time to leave your reflection Mabel.
Poetry is a connection across time and space for me and for many others as well.
LikeLiked by 1 person