For Shelby – Poem by Ali Grimshaw

~ Ali Grimshaw 
"All you have to do is write one true sentence.
Write the truest sentence that you know."
― Ernest Hemingway

round and wound snugly tight
we wrapped you 
with pockets of air 
to let the cold hurt breathe
before exhaling it with the laughter 

each small stitch a holding
of our unraveled hearts 
circled colors hitched secure
with homemade memory patterns 
our shared stories under stars

love appliqued for the winter months
loops small and strong to hold your weight in the wind
to keep your dreams collectively connected
securely anointed with our goodbye tears
tucked in tight for all nights

you will never be left
outside this handwoven
circle of arms

in each departing hand
a yarn of length kept warm
to remember you
in tomorrow's pocket

©Ali Grimshaw 2021

Dedicated to Shelby Case, reporter, writer and friend.

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38 thoughts on “For Shelby – Poem by Ali Grimshaw”

    1. Thank you for your reflection. It was hard to write and I could’ve easily just said that it is not good enough. But I also wanted to send these words in a timely manner. I guess I can never be wrong when the poem comes from my heart.

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