“I only went out for a walk, and finally concluded to stay out till sundown, for going out, I found, was really going in.”
– John Muir
In slowing my pace to lightly step
I saw the power of the hummingbird
defeating the odds again
to fly, even though science says it shouldn’t be able.
I leaned on the elder tree that stood through hurricanes.
Touched sprouts forcing through cracked concrete.
Studied a cactus with magenta bloom
in the desperate dry landscape.
Outside I found my mentors.
Along singing creek waters, trails of bright birdsong
and pausing in cliffside meadows where the ocean roars.
I heard the strength of the outside.
The river knows where it is going
and I will follow it.
© Alicia Grimshaw 2020
photo by antilandscpaper 2-26-20
Hummingbirds have been baffling scientists for years. Matt Ransford commented, “The hummingbird is an animal that by all rights shouldn’t be able to fly” (Popular Science). But not only can this bird fly, it is the only bird able to fly forwards, backward, up, down, sideways, upside down, and even hover. – Mar 23, 2012
Not only me Alicia, so many readers before me felt the love rivers can press them to emote, and we as messengers who are/were blessed to carry on their love and message for the world. For each one who read and loved may once and thereafter go become or try to, rivers themselves. Beautiful. Rivers are and can be the best teachers.
My wishes dear Ali
Nara x
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Nara,
My spirit is so touched my your response. Yes. Rivers are the best teachers. Thank you for these words, “For each one who read and loved may once and thereafter go become or try to be, rivers themselves.”
Keep shining your light.
Ali
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I was also happy that you shared the link Alicia. And for reason it helped me know you better
🙂
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The hummingbird jumped to my eye. Do you know there is an insect that flies like a hummingbird? I wrote about it and also posted a video, if you are now curious 😉: https://ladybird.earth/2018/09/30/on-the-fly-like-a-hummingbird/
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I am always curious. I will go check it out.
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😃😊🙏🏼😃
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Thank you for reading.
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My pleasure
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I heard the strength of the outside.
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Thank you for this reflection my friend.
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Love the thought of what you can find on the outside… and following the river will either lead you to the source or the sea.
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Thank you Bjorn. Rivers can be powerful teachers.
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Beautiful and uplifting! Thanks, Ali, I needed this today.
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I am doing my best to shine my light bright. Glad to hear that this brought you a lift. Take care Ann.
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Reblogged this on The Reluctant Poet.
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Glad to hear you enjoyed this one. Make it a great day.
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A refreshing and uplifting read. Soothing to the spirit. Bravo
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Thanks for the “Bravo” Beverly. I appreciate it.
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This is very beautiful, especially the last line.
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I appreciate your feedback greatly. Thank you for stopping by.
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A beautiful visual poem indeed – such a pleasure to read.
Anna :o]
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Great to hear from you, Anna.
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Wow what an amazing poem, Ali. Nature at its best and the picture was beautiful.
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Thanks for the “Wow”. Much appreciated.
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Welcome always Ali.
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A beautiful poem and wonderful ending! Nature has a way of touching our souls!
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Indeed. Thanks for your kind words.
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Nature is a great teacher and a healer!!
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Agreed. I hope you get your outside time today.
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Ali this is a beautiful piece, it will go so perfectly in my heart when I go on hikes or sit and watch a waterfall (which I just discovered one lives just 25 minutes from me!).
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Lucky you. Yes, please take my poem with you to the waterfall.
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❤
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Excellent poem Ali – beautifully cohesive and it runs like the river showing how poetry comes from the outside in ❤
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Laura, Thank you so much for your poetic complement. May nature continue to inspire us all.
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I haven’t had breakfast yet, Ali, but I’m getting my spiritual sustenance from your poem this morning. I’ve been up for a while and watched the sun fill the garden, and now I’m imagining a hummingbird ‘defeating the odds again’. Nature tends to achieve the (almost) impossible and amazes me every day! The image of the cactus with magenta bloom is especially stunning. The strength of the outside is constantly calling.
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I so appreciate this stunning photo by antilandscaper and that is why I wanted to share it. Long live the hummingbirds. May they continue to inspire us to beat the odds. Have a beautiful day.
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Beautiful and nature is such a great muse. Love the ending lines:
The river knows where it is going
and I will follow it.
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Thank you for your reflection Grace. I appreciate your visit.
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Your poem, is uplifting. When I read it I thought of the tiny home movement, where the home travels with the person and it is meant to be a place to bop in from time to time and most of the living takes place outside. I very much enjoyed the reading and the perspective shift of it ❤
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Yes, tiny homes and camping, when we spend more time outside than inside. Glad you found the shift positive. It is always fun to see what all the dVerse Poets share on an Open Link Night.
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Oh I absolutely love, love this! 💝 The poem offers more depth and meaning on every reading.
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It’s comments like this that make my day. Thank you so much
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As a lover of hummingbirds, I really enjoyed this, Ali.
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Thanks Jill. How can you not love the beauty and power of hummingbirds? Do you ever weave birds into your writing?
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Not as much as I should, Ali. I don’t know if you’re on Facebook, but I share a hummingbird photo along with a quote each evening on my author page. I can’t get enough of those sweet fellas! ❤
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I am on FB. I will look you up.
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I saw you! 🙂 I sent an invite for the Author Page…that’s where I’m most active.
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Loved the true power of such a simple line; “the strength of the outside’ Ali I found there is much here you’ve captured that I very naturally resonate with… I find your writing really makes me smile because it is both brave and bold… Thank you…
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Scott, what a great message. I am so happy to hear that this resonated with you. My goal is to create connection between the reader and my words in a way that inspires. I really appreciate you taking the time to leave your feedback.
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Lovely poem and sentiments Ali. Hummingbirds and nature are endlessly fascinating. Lean on…
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Great to hear from you. The last week here has been amazing. We are having an early Spring so I am getting more time outside. Thank goodness.
Hope you are well.
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I love spring and the explosion of life. Enjoy!
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I really like this one, Ali. I read it and re-read it–the magic of the hummingbirds, the elder tree, and following the river. I think trees and rivers have seen so much.
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Yes, they are wise beyond humankind. Thanks for letting me know how much you liked this one. May you soon have time in nature.
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I like the thought of the hummingbird beating the odds.
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Me too, Frank. I adore hummingbirds for many reasons. We all need that kind of inspiration.
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Reblogged this on Ivor.Plumber/Poet and commented:
This poem by Ali Grimshaw is my first read for the day…..and what an awe-inspiring read….. your lazy bones will rattle, and you’re sleepy senses will be awakened…..so go and follow your day…
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Thanks for sharing Ivor. I hope this poem inspires others to seek out nature to sooth and guide us. It is so wonderful how people, like John Muir, can continue to inspire us long after they have left the planet. Let’s keep our passion for nature alive.
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I always wonder when people say they can’t think of anything to write about…. wow … we’ve a world of nature….. maybe ‘Robert Okaji’ is a great example with his wondrous perspectives on nature….
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I agree. I always have something or many somethings to write about. Writing is such a great release.
And I agree, Robert Okaji is marvelous poet.
Take a look https://theantilandscaper.org/ for some amazing photos.
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Thanks for the link Ali, I’ve had a little browse, and I loved the photo ‘of the fox sitting on the green mossy logs’, truly inspiring….xx
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There are so many fabulous photos of our lovely world.
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Great piece, Ali. I love John Muir’s work.
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River, I appreciate this compliment greatly. It is always a wonderful sense of satisfaction to know that I connected with another poet.
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It’s 8.00am here in Geelong Ali…. and your poem is my first read for the day…..and what an awe-inspiring read….. my lazy bones are rattling ,and you’ve awaken my sleepy senses….. the finale lines have my toes twitching in my walkers….. and I’m about to follow….
“I heard the strength of the outside.
The river knows where it is going
and I will follow it.”
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Thanks for having breakfast with my poem. Nature can teach us so much. It offers me peace and examples of resilient hope. I am glad my words brought this message to you. Follow the river of words, my poet friend, and have a marvelous day.
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Hi Ali, I would Like to reblog your lovely poem on my site, is that Ok with you… 💚🌏
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I would be honored if you would share it with your readers. Thank you.
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Thank you Ali, the honour is all mine….xx
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Such a beautiful visual poem Ali and a perfect accompaniment to John Muir’s sentiments. Loved it.
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Thanks for the compliment. I sat down and wrote this out this morning.
John Muir’ love for nature is such an inspiration to me. Every school year I used to read a short biography about him.
Enjoy your trails and trip planning. Ali
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