Assurance – Poem by Ali Grimshaw

~ Ali Grimshaw 
Stretched openness of summer sky. 
Time’s width I can't hold 
in one viewing.

I bend to gather 
this spray of light 
and still can't see all
points arriving through darkness.

Each beam 
it’s own part in the collective
we have named starlight.

I stand openly
as sky falls toward me
into my arms
assurance that is bigger
than this moment.

© Ali Grimshaw 2020
With all of the smoke in the sky, 
the stars are no longer visible.
I remember they are there 
and see them in my dreams. 
Please send prayers and thoughts
of goodness for the many fighting 
the wildfires in Oregon.

Photo by James Wheeler on Pexels.com



27 thoughts on “Assurance – Poem by Ali Grimshaw”

  1. I love this reflection on a “night sky moment”. Thoughts and prayers for all Oregonians. My son and daughter-in-law who live in Oregon are here visiting PA right now, but leaving today to return home. I worry about the fires!

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    1. The fires aren’t the problem for most of us. It is the hazardous air, from the smoke, that is the challenge. I have a good air filter so I have been staying inside. I miss running.
      Wishing you and your family wellness. It is wonderful that you got to have this time together.

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  4. Ali, one of the beautiful gifts you have that we all get to receive when we read your poetry, is that if providing texture to the words we read. It’s so easy to see or feel or at times to engage other senses when reading your heart felt words. I can literally be in the space you describe as if I were there…in that moment. Sending you blessings for safety and healing.

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    1. Thank you for your reflection, Carrie. I wrote this from a memory of clear, starry sky while camping on my Uncle’s property last month. It was a middle of the night pause where the sky held me. We all need assurance now as we sit in this smoke. We are held in love now and tomorrow. Be well, my friend.

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  7. Your poem expressed beautifully that there’s More than us and our feeling inadequate with our thoughts and prayers. And, yes it does help to join in solidarity with those suffering and battling to keep destruction at bay.

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  10. Sending prayers to all impacted by the wildfires – those actively working to curb the fires and everyone experiencing the smoke and fright. These are extreme times, some of us much closer to the heat, but all of us burned by the realization of how vulnerable we truly are.

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    1. Jazz,
      I hear your generous heart in these words. Thank you for sending you prayers. This sentence is so powerful, “These are extreme times, some of us much closer to the heat, but all of us burned by the realization of how vulnerable we truly are.” I hear this deeply. Take care of yourself. Keep on writing.

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