I float with the current, closing my eyes with trust
in September sky and the horizon of letting go.
While the river laps a rhythmic lullaby for my breath
to rest upon. I join this waterway that knows how
to reach the sea without a plan.
Here, birdcalls settle in my ears warmly.
Here on the water, a quieting motion
outside of what humans have named.
© Ali Grimshaw 2025
Join a welcoming group of poets at dVerse Poets’ Pub HERE.
Photo of me afloat on the Tualatin River in Oregon.
flashlight batteries - Ali Grimshaw 
Ivor, I love that reading my poem inspired your beautiful poem. Isn’t that just the way love works. We are all connected. Thank you for the honor.
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A paddle song of such soothing calm, Ali. I especially loved, “While the river laps a rhythmic lullaby for my breath/to rest upon.” 🩵
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Dora,
Thank you for sharing the lines that spoke most to you. I appreciate it.
Wishing you a beautiful day.
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Outside of what humans have named – I love this line, Ali, it reminds us that nature and creation transcends all…
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Thank you for sharing your reflection. You were the only one to comment on this line.
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It’s always a pleasure, Ali!
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closing my eyes with trust
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Thank you for reflecting back my friend.
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Love your sentence “I join this waterway that knows how / to reach the sea without a plan.” Great poem!
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Thank you for the kind response. Much appreciated. ☮️
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Ali, I have visited the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge ~ know how amazing this part of our beautiful State is … thank you for letting me follow you to the sea. From Helen in case I identify as hdwoonie …..
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Thank you, Helen for letting me know you enjoyed this poem. Wishing you a beautiful day.
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Such a peaceful, reflective verse! I love the closing lines especially.
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Thank you for reading. Wishing you a great day.
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My pleasure. Thank you and wishing you the same.
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Wonderful.
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❤️☮️Find yourself a river.
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I love your beautiful poem, dear Ali, especially as it is a great reminder that paddling down a river is a soothing experience due to the calming effects of nature, the rhythm of the strokes, the gentle sounds of water, and the mental benefits of being present in the moment. Thanks for sharing, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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What you described is what I love about SUPing on the river. Thank goodness we have so many beautiful rivers and lakes in Oregon.
Great to hear from you.
❤️☮️
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🥰🥰🥰
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So lovely. Oregon is so beautiful!!!! I felt the peace of drifting on that inlet as I read.
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It makes me so happy to hear you received peace from my words. ❤️☮️
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Love such a trip… and following downstream to the sea sounds marvelous
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Thank you for taking the time to read my words.
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Ali, I know I have said before and it is true with this beautiful piece; your poems are a multi-sensory experience.
Reading this one, I felt as if I was floating along on the river of life, allowing birdsong to soften and comfort as I float along. Wish a lovely ride…if we choose to allow it. 🙏🏻💜
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Carrie,
Thank you for this beautiful reflection. I miss you. Take care of your beautiful heart.
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Beautiful and soothing.💖
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I love this Ali. 🙏🏻🌿 A calm movement of words.
‘To reach the sea without a plan’ is to trust completely in the river of life. Beautiful. 💞
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Your response is evidence that you receive the message of my words. Thank you for taking the time to share.
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Wow, it looks so tranquil and peaceful … are you paddling upstream or downstream … no matter … time floats in either direction … time hears no commands … time lives in the sky … time takes no passengers … time neither says hello or goodbye … time never dies …
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Ivor,
Thank you for writing a poem in response. Your words speak to me. Keep sharing your voice.
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Your lovely words always inspire me, Ali … it’s a bit unfinished at the moment, but time is on my side 😍🌏
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This was a wonderful response to the prompt. These lines are my favorite. Nature just has a way of knowing how to do things. We humans could learn a lot from following the natural rhythm of life.
I join this waterway that knows how
to reach the sea without a plan.
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Thank you so much for taking the time to reflect back the words that spoke to you.
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Beautiful work, AG.
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Thanks Ron. It felt good to get back to blogging today. I hope all is well with you.
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