The quiet between us
like floating icebergs
frostbit tongues in stillness.
Is it that we have forgotten what to say
misplaced our formula to speak,
a habitual slow retreat to safety?
“What are you thinking about?”
“Nothing.”
I am uncertain how to start the
defrost cycle.
© Ali Grimshaw 2019
flashlight batteries - Ali Grimshaw 
Wonderful imagery, Ali! We’ve all been there…not knowing how to thaw things out and get the conversation, and connection, going again.
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Thanks Ann. We all hit roadblocks when trying to connect with others. We just can’t give up. Have a great week.
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Reblogged this on The Reluctant Poet.
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Thank you for sharing my voice.
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Always happy to share your posts, Ali!!
xoxo
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Oh, Ali. this poem so beautifully conveys a terribly sad scene. You make every word count. Unthawing frozen hearts does take warmth and light.
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We all have times when we struggle to communicate and get stuck. We just need to be kind to ourselves and others along the way. Then keep reaching out.
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Frostbit tongues and uncertainty. Paints a weighty image of frozen hearts.
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I think that often there is great love between people we just don’t know how to communicate it. Happy Sunday my blogging friend.
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Goosebumps. Deeply profound and your words, Ali, with this image really spoke to me. How many of us have forgotten how to use the defrost cycle? Beautiful post!! xo
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Thank you so much Amy. I think there is so much love to be spoken but we so often get stuck in habits that feel like being frozen. Luckily it is never too late to learn. Have a beautiful day.
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It can be too late at times, Ali. For real. A recent post of mine is about a death of a 20 year old young man at the gym I attend which shocked me to my soul. It’s good now that we have time and have a pulse, to make sure those old habits of frost we undo with love. Hope you had a beautiful day!
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a habitual slow retreat to safety
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Thank you my friend. Unfortunately, we often retreat instead of continuing to reach out.
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A deep and profound words so well composed, Amy and the picture was apt with your poem.
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Thank you. I am glad you enjoyed it.
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Welcome dear Amy 😊😊😊
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This is so accurate and beautifully said!!
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Great to hear from you. Thanks for the compliment. I hope peace lands on you today.
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“Nothing” is about the weightiest reply I’ve ever heard … the opposite of the word’s meaning … and one is left to fill in the remainder “… that I want to discuss with you” … “that I can admit even to myself” … so many possibilities, and probing seems to drop that 32 degrees down below 0!
You’ve captured the essence of communication’s demise. Ouch, but well said.
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Sometimes conversations go no where and I am left with only air.
I would think a lot of parents who have teenagers could especially relate.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
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