Appearances – Poem by Ali Grimshaw

~ Ali Grimshaw 
I was that edge, frame frayed
threads separated whillynilly 
curving off in various directions 
nibbed and frazzle fuzzed
leading to unraveled times

with scissors, I cut loose ends
to regain control or
at least create an appearance 
of smooth evenness
but it was not an honest look

just a pretending of edged calm

© Ali Grimshaw 2021

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50 thoughts on “Appearances – Poem by Ali Grimshaw”

  7. This is gorgeously worded, Ali! 💝 I resonate with the idea of others trying to keep up appearances .. edging away from the various directions nibbed and frazzle fuzzed leading to unraveled times.” If only they understood that we cannot separate the light from the dark.. humans have forever been a blend of both.

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    1. Thank you for this beautiful reflection back. Learning to except all parts of ourselves is sometimes a lifelong journey. I know it is for me. Thank you for taking the time to read and respond. I always enjoy your poems.

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  9. …’ frame frayed ‘ and … ‘ frazzle fuzzed ‘ Poets and writers are forever playing around with words and their meanings and you are doing it so brilliantly, Ali. I loved it so much, had to read your poem twice! Thanks so much for sharing and have a lovely weekend. Aiva 🙂

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    1. Aiva,
      Your response makes me smile. When I play with the words, I write what speaks to me but I never know how or if others will connect with the poem. Thanks for letting me know they landed for you today. That is a joy for me to hear.
      Wishing you safe travels. Keep sharing those travel ideas. I am using them to feed my dreams.
      Ali

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  10. I loved this! How often do we cut away the frayed and messy parts, in order to show others how perfect our lives are…. Real life is messy, and real people have frayed edges. The trick is to own it, I think.

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  11. Love everything about this, Ali. First the amazing reflective photo you’ve shown us above the post….one can imagine the eye moving from the smooth water’s reflection up the shore into the bramble there.
    But also, I read it metaphorically…..And with the word I right at the beginning, the poem is happening to me the reader. I am trying to adjust to the image society expects….the demeanor society expects. But….it isn’t an honest look.
    LOVE this post!

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    1. Thank you so much. It took me a long time searching through old photos to find one that would fit with this poem.
      I am glad to hear how you experienced this poem. That was what I was hoping for, for the reader to step into this place and see what it feels like.
      I am grateful for your feedback.

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  17. It is always lovely to read your poetry, Ali. This one was brilliant, no exception. Really like the use of the word ‘whillynilly’. I’ve mostly heard it used to described people but here you used it different to describe a concept. To me the poem speaks of someone finding their way. Sometimes things don’t go right no matter how much you try but you still put on a brave face moving forwards.

    I also had another impression of this piece of writing: I envisioned someone wasn’t happy with themselves and their life and gave themselves a bit of a haphazard haircut at home.
    Hope you have been well.

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    1. Mabel,
      Great to hear from you. I really love that you interpreted the poem in two different ways. Personally, I like poems that are open enough for each reader to find a connection that meets his/her/their needs for that moment in life. We are always reading through a lens and poems provide a way for us to talk about this.
      I hope you are still writing or finding a way to write that is fulfilling to you. I would be honored to write with you on Zoom, individually or in a group. No pressure. I think you would find the process interesting. It has been really fun to connect with other bloggers and meet them “almost” in person.
      Take good care
      I am heading to your blog now to see what you are up to.
      Ali

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      1. That is very creative of you to write a poem that speak to you and at the same time make sure it is broad enough to make a connection with others. Writing can be fulfilling but also interpreting others’ writing is also fulfilling as well, at least to me as a writer.

        Last year I decided to change my approach to writing – I wanted less callous emotion, more clarity in my words alongside leaving room for reflection. I would be honoured to collaborate with you, Ali. Will drop you a line and we can chat. Hope you are having a good weekend and take care 😊

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  19. I so identify with this stunning poem, Ali. I love the teeth-chattering alliteration of ‘frame frayed threads… nibbed and frazzle fuzzed’, the suppressed fear of these ‘unraveled times’. I think we’re all pretending.

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    1. Kim,
      Thank you for letting me know that they spoke to you. Sometimes we need to project an outer appearance doesn’t match how we’re feeling inside. Yes, I wonder how many people are feeling they need to do this now?

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