The rope winds gently around my waist,
twisted, smoothly strong by years of mistakes,
trying again, doubt and wondering how.
Thick with memories of others who
believed with the strength of solid ground.
Believed that all earthquakes eventually stop shaking.
Believed in soil’s ability to grow what we need next.
The end of this rope was handed to me long ago.
A generous lifeline offered for free
to keep me on the planet.
Now I look down at the rope in my calloused hands,
threads of the millions, an explosion of frayed ends,
their forgivings, endurance,
the woven learnings of my ancestors.
The rope loops back and around me,
over and over,
then off into the distance.
I don’t need to see the end now
to trust it is anchored deeply somehow.
© Ali Grimshaw 2020
Inspired by William Stafford’s poem “The Way It Is”
dVerse – Final Couplet Prompt
Photo taken in on my last trip, Château de Suscinio in France.
flashlight batteries - Ali Grimshaw 
Ali you have said it well, great couplet and a profound message of hope and endurance 🙂
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Ah, thank you. One step forward, one day at a time. Take care of yourself.
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thanks!
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A beautiful poem that speaks of hope and togetherness. Sending love your way 🙏
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Miriam, thanks for letting me know you gained hope from my words today. Take care
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A rope growing stronger by mistakes is a true lifeline…
We do learn from the mistakes
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Mistakes provide strength. I hope that we can continue to learn from our past.
Keep on writing. I really enjoy your poetry.
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Beautifully blunt … sources/forces beyond our grasp of touch or knowing … Trust is the right word.
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I appreciate your reflection Jazz. Tie a knot and hold on to the rope
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Those lifelines…..amazing sometimes, considering how strong they are and where they come from.
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I am drawing strength from those who have come before me. Take care my friend.❤️
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Wow, such a beautiful poem, Ali! Take care and stay safe 😊 Aiva xxx
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Thanks for reading Aiva. I’m doing my best by staying in the house. Right now traveling is the stuff of dreams.
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Very nice message of hope in the final couplet.
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Thank you Frank. It can’t fix the problems but I hope to make someone’s day lighter. Take good care.
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I am connected to your lifeline of hope and add mine to yours. ❤
Beautiful poem Ali. Thank you.
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Thank you Louise. Let’s keep tying knots in our ropes of hope and hold on tight
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May I share this on a poetry site of mine? (full credit given of course. 🙂 No pressure, btw. Peace!
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I would be honored to have you share as long as you link back to my blog and credit me. I am offering these words as a lifeline of hope and want them to reach people in need. Thank you for being a part of my mission. Take good care.
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much appreciated, and sharing is always a pleasure. 🙂 Here’s the link.. much respect and solidarity.
https://grumpysgiftspoetry.org/2020/03/28/end-of-the-rope-ali-grimshaw/
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Thank you. Stay heathy.
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