“Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.” – Winston Churchill
she stood for listening
overcoming discouragement
and air that never burned your nostrils
she led by digging weeds with you
side-by-side overheated or drenched.
she never let fear ride in the front seat
and forever reminded me
the sun’s position
changes everyone’s shadow
everyone’s
©Ali Grimshaw 2021
Quadrille Monday on dVerse Poets Pub – Join a friendly group of poets HERE
Photo taken on a family trip to NYC. I just love this mural.
flashlight batteries - Ali Grimshaw 
A lovely poem. She sounds like a wonderful friend! I particularly like your final stanza.
Beautiful mural, too. I love finding wonderful street murals.
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Thank you for sharing what spoke to you in this poem. There is so much inspiration in the world. We just need to keep our eyes open.
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You’re welcome. Yes, we do!
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Oh, this is powerful Ali. Really love this one.
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Just beautiful and so touching, Ali.
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Thank you so much for reading, Ingrid. I hope you are having a wonderful day.
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Thank you Ali – wishing you a beautiful day too 😊
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Sounds like she was a wonderful friend to have.
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Indeed. Friends make a huge difference in our lives.
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Ultrariveting. I love the closing quatrain, and esp the impact amplified by the repetition of your last “everyone’s”.
You rock AG
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Ron, You know how to give a compliment. Thanks for making my day.
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So beautiful.
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Glad to hear you enjoyed this. Wishing you a beautiful day.
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That is a truly amazing mural, you’re right. My old mentor, who manifested all that you say about Mother Teresa, would call her “Jesus with skin.” I lost my mentor to covid last year. Thank you for reminding me of her, Ali.
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I am so very sorry you lost your mentor. Having a mentor in your life is such a wonderful gift. I can relate. I have lost several along the way and still think of their voices often. I am glad that this poem brought her back to you.
Thanks for the prompt. It led me to get this poem down on paper and it has become even more important to me as I reread it today.
Take good care.
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Thank you for your kind words, Ali, and I’m glad you got the poem down on paper ❤
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Reblogged this on The Reluctant Poet.
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Thank you.
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what an amazing friend
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Thank you for reading
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Was she your mother or your friend? Love the poem.
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Friend. Glad to hear you enjoyed this one. Thanks for reading.
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