Put your imagination to work – Poem by Ali Grimshaw

"Imagine a garbage can," she said, "whatever size you desire."

My garbage can was the extra large green container the type you pull to the curb so big you can't lift it. I saw myself throwing in rocks of worry, dirt clods of sorrow, and flinging feelings of anxiety. All these emotions turned into things I could hold and heave. They all landed in the can with a satisfying sound.

"Now watch it be hauled away by the truck."

I wanted that relief of seeing it all carried away but instead I said, "I need another one."

Her voice replied, "You can have as many as you need."

© Ali Grimshaw 2025

Photo taken in Amsterdam, 2019.

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