Let there be no doubt – Poem by Ali Grimshaw

~ Ali Grimshaw

“Take bread away from me, if you wish, take air away, but
do not take from me your laughter.” – Pablo Neruda


Like rain on wildfire 
I am quenched by your voice.

I hadn't realized my shrunkenness
my dehydrated heart in wait.

Your laugh rippled across the crowd.
I could feel your presence of lightness in its cadence.

It is all the more precious to hear
knowing that life isn't easy for you.

Your laughter is like a defiant call
of the joy riding alongside the grief.

I feel it in my dancing bones
as I twirl toward your part of the floor.

© Ali Grimshaw 2024

This poem is dedicated to my friend, Valerie. Her laugh is steadfast and generous. It always makes my heart smile. Whose laugh lights up your day? I hope you will let them know. 

Join a welcoming group of poets at dVerse Poets' Pub for this poetics challenge. You can visit HERE.

Life is short, 
love big.

Ali




38 thoughts on “Let there be no doubt – Poem by Ali Grimshaw”

  1. “Like rain on wildfire
    I am quenched by your voice.

    I hadn’t realized my shrunkenness
    my dehydrated heart in wait.”

    “It is all the more precious to hear
    knowing that life isn’t easy for you.”

    These lines resonated with me the most. I hope she read your beautiful heartwarming poem 🩷

    Liked by 1 person

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  4. Ali, this is a beautiful piece of dedication to your dear friend. I wish her good days ahead so you spend years of laughter together.

    By the way, I am most amazed by my mom’s laughter. She is the one I love most on this planet.😇😇

    Liked by 3 people

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  6. This is such a wonderfully heartwarming poem, Ali! I especially love; “Your laughter is like a defiant call of the joy riding alongside the grief.” 😍

    Liked by 3 people

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  11. What a beautiful tribute this is to a dear friend. I especially love your description of her laughter here…

    “like a defiant call
    of the joy riding alongside the grief.”

    A strong woman she must be.

    Liked by 2 people

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