And the questions keep coming – poem by Ali Grimshaw

~ Ali Grimshaw 
They come as colors with overlapping sides or frayed edges
and in the transition of time often mix into each other.

They come with thick bold boundaries, holding the fierce 
hues that refuse to be diminished or mellowed by new arrivals.

They come as evaporated mist close enough to dampen 
my skin, yet just out of reach to clearly articulate in sounds.

They come regardless of time of night, often dancing to distract
while I am in the middle of a conversation intent on listening.

They come generously not asking or demanding, but in hope
that I will allow them to teach me how feeling them could be

different than finding their answers.

© Ali Grimshaw 2021
Photo taken in Porto, Portugal 2017

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59 thoughts on “And the questions keep coming – poem by Ali Grimshaw”

  2. Wow, I really like this. Especially the last part:

    ‘but in hope
    that I will allow them to teach me how feeling them could be

    different than finding their answers.’

    It makes me think, it makes me wonder, it forces me to sit with it. Its in many ways, haunting. But the good kind, its one that I will remember.

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  13. An excellent combination of title and opening line, Ali, which had me hooked. I like the repetition that gives the poem a structure and contains the questions in all their shapes and colours. I love the lines:
    ‘They come as evaporated mist close enough to dampen
    my skin, yet just out of reach to clearly articulate in sounds.’

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  14. They come generously not asking or demanding, but in hope
    that I will allow them to teach me how feeling them could be

    different than finding their answers.

    Liked by 1 person

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  17. Applause for Curiosity ‘dancing to distract” – I so identify with that scene. And when I open to questions that have no specific answers, their many kin come nudging in as well. Your last 3 lines are terrific – being w/o answers, pondering possibilities (feeling the contours of each question) is invigorating.

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    1. Great to hear from you, Jazz. I love the questions and I am continuing the dance with their contributions to me instead of fighting for answers so much. I love this line from your reflection.
      “And when I open to questions that have no specific answers, their many kin come nudging in as well.”
      I hope you are well. I have one space left in my Sunday Writing Circle if you want to join us. No pressure.
      Sending you peaceful breezes filled with love,
      Ali

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  19. I wondered what they were after the first line. At first I thought of what Grace had a prompt on with people seeing music in colors and that would be ok, but you planted a seed for me with “in hope
    that I will allow them to teach me how feeling them could be / different than finding their answers.” There are many things there will never be answers for but we are selling the questions short, you’re right, Ali.

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      1. I always appreciate it when people point out my slips. Amazing how many times I can read something over and not find the typos. I actually read your poem twice..not to find errors, by the way!

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  23. Now that is what I call an opening!! 💝 This is gorgeously woven, Ali 🙂 especially love; “They come as evaporated mist close enough to dampen my skin, yet just our of reach to clearly articulate in sounds.” 🙂

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    1. Thank you for cheering me on and reflecting back the lines that most spoke to you. Much appreciated.
      I am thinking about continuing to add to this poem. I had such a fun time with the concept.
      Have a beautiful day.

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  25. (I’ve got a Lisbon photo of washing out the window – widow’s shawls and scarves – against a sunlit wall in the Alfama – sigh). Lovely poem. I’m intrigued from the first line – (tho the title is a clue) – and delighted by the off-kilter sensual imagery that keeps me guessing all the way. Great stuff.

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    1. I miss the colorful buildings and the fado of Portugal. I am glad to hear the first line caught your attention. Poetry gives me a change to think in different ways and I love that.
      Thank you for hosting on dVerse. I always learn something new there.

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