on the beach I begin
because now I am ready and so are you
to turn our pain into fuel
build a bonfire to bring warmth
for all now sitting in cold darkness
I start with kindling of prejudice
add sticks of fear, logs of anger
a heavy round of resignation
watch the flames ignite to hot glow
come close and sit with me
add your logs to this burning pyre
hate and terror blaze brightly with heat
finally an efficient use for their energy
let’s watch flames of love
devour all that we believe we cannot face
to singe away, char and reform
all that has been holding us back
love knows how to transform
create a burning
to warm us all through
this dark night.
come to the beach
now we are ready
© Ali Grimshaw 2020
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flashlight batteries - Ali Grimshaw 
This is one of your best poem – its very inspiring. I like the metaphors of the kindling of that fire and flames of love.
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Grace,
I appreciate your feedback. I really like hearing which poems and words resonate with others. Thank you for hosting this week’s OLN. dVerse is a supportive community.
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Transformative alchemy, I love it, Ali.
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I am glad to hear this spoke to you. These are tough times and we need light to see our way forward.
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“let’s watch flames of love
devour all that we believe we cannot face
to singe away, char and reform
all that has been holding us back,”
Yes, yes! 💝 Together we shall overcome this! Gorgeous write, Ali! 💝
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Thank you so much for reflecting back the lines that resonated with you. I am lifted by your response. Sending love back your way.
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Lots of love to you too!! 💝💝🤗
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It is a beautiful, inspiring, wonderful beginning ….. lovely poetry.
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Thank you, Helen, for taking the time to send me this message. I am glad to hear this poem brought inspiration and beauty to your day.
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Nice lines: “let’s watch flames of love
devour all that we believe we cannot face”
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Frank, I appreciate your reflection back. Thank you.
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That is one painful bonfire, Ali! I like the contrast of the bonfire’s heat and the cold darkness, and I’m not sure which is worse. Let’s hope, when those logs have been burnt, that there is more warmth.
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Kim,
I hope that we can see the burning as a transformation to the next, actions taken from love. Thank you for sharing your reflection.
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Turning pain into fuel is a good idea. I love the metaphors, especially in the second stanza.
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I appreciate your very specific feedback. I feel like I may come back and refine this one more.
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Very great poem, Ali. Flames of love burning away all that we deny. Well done!
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Thank you. I hope this inspires conversation. Thanks for reading.
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Seems a great need these days!
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I love the elements in the fire. I wish it were so simple to burn them all away!
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Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Maybe if a fire is lit inside each one of us I loving change can happen.
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I love this image, Ali! Instead of the fires fueling the rage, they burn it away and bring the warmth and love that is needed for forgiveness, understanding and healing. Thanks for always shining a positive light to help us find our way!
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I do my best. Love is a powerful force for healing. I always appreciate hearing from you. Take care, Ann.
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What a beautiful invitation to humanity, Ali!
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Thank you. I hope this poem inspires change from a place of love.
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Yes! I hope so, too…
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Beautiful, Ali. You write of alchemy. That seems to be the chief activity of our being..here.
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Thank you. If we can focus rage into actions for the betterment of all. If we can keep our eyes on love so that healing can happen. Take good care wherever you may be.
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come to the beach
now we are ready
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Thank you my friend. It has been a sad day for me.
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Beautiful poem and timely message 💕
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Thank you Sue. I am still hoping for a way for peace to come. I have a sad heart today.
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Me too, Ali. The world seems upside down 😷🙃
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I felt this one deeply, Ali. I’ve been reflecting on the buried rage; burning, burning. Beautifully done.
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Carrie,
Thank you for reading and reflecting. The rage, the violence, it is all so sad. I have been sending love out all day long. I appreciate hearing from you.
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