"The decision we face is not to chart the perfect way forward; it is simply to embark on a journey. Once we’ve taken a step forward, the work will teach us where to take a second step, and then a third, and so on. Purpose does not reveal itself to those sitting safely at the starting block. In other words, you don’t plan your way into finding your purpose. You live into it.” - Jacqueline Novogratz 500th I guess I can't call it an accident it's time to admit, intentionality. Claiming my inner poet five years ago (a birthday gift to myself) has led to this my 500th post. I would have given up sharing, long ago, if it hadn't been for you you reading, then reflecting back your thoughts in return. Knowing the aloneness of darkness I started with the desire to reach just one share my flashlight sit beside and just listen and listen some more. These years have brought your voices on the breeze, across seas, stanzas have sailed, flown and walked themselves beyond boundaries, I have heard your hearts. Together we are rewriting a world through poetry. Thank you for being a part of my journey. I am here to serve you in yours. I would love to write with you and hold space for your words. Renewal Through Poetry: Introductory Writing Circles March 7, 4:00 PM PST register here – Eventbrite
Author: Ali Grimshaw
When heaviness becomes an unwanted roommate
“It’s not the weight you carry but how you carry it – books, bricks, grief – it’s all in the way you embrace it, balance it, carry it –from Mary Oliver, “Heavy”
untold stories swallowed whole like stones in your belly can fly when spoken alight on trusted shoulders go reside elsewhere write your untold narratives scribble pain into delicate beauty burn those you are finished reading ignite just enough heat vitality is drawn to warmth © Ali Grimshaw 2021 dVerse Quadrille - Going, going, gone. Come join us.
Let’s Get Lost in a Poem – Ali Grimshaw
Poetry is truth in a universal language able to cross boundaries and reach the human heart. It is through our practice of listening deeply to poems, to ourselves and each other that the joy of connection is created within the writing circle. I am honored to hold space for your words and invite you to welcome them to the page. Let's get lost together as we write and reflect. Join me for an upcoming writing circle. Fill your heart. Let's get lost in beauty of the waves. Put the needle on the record of this day, live simply so others may simply live to delight in all good things wild and free. © Ali Grimshaw 2021
Unfolding Love – Poem by Ali Grimshaw
By knowing you, I see myself in bloom now and 90 years wrinkled. My doubts don’t exist in your eyes. You see the chipped edges scars of failed attempts places worn raw as my earned beauty. You hold the rough abeyant curves of my puzzle like a treasure. You saw my essence of spirit gently holding it all up, a mirror before me, until I could see, for myself, who I am becoming. © Ali Grimshaw 2020 Eugi's Weekly Prompt - Romance
If – Poem by Ali Grimshaw
Appearances – Poem by Ali Grimshaw
I was that edge, frame frayed threads separated whillynilly curving off in various directions nibbed and frazzle fuzzed leading to unraveled times with scissors, I cut loose ends to regain control or at least create an appearance of smooth evenness but it was not an honest look just a pretending of edged calm © Ali Grimshaw 2021 Join us for dVerse Open Link Night HERE
Heartbeat – Poem by Ali Grimshaw

"Choosing to live and love with our whole hearts is an act of defiance. " - Brene Brown Join me for Galentine's Day, Write Yourself: Self-Love and Poetry Gathering Saturday, February 13. here - Eventbrite. (Tickets by donation) One of the many joys of facilitating writing circles is contributing to the journey of others and connecting women from across the globe. Renewal Through Poetry: Introductory Writing Circles February 21, 11:00 am PST register here - Eventbrite. "The circle is a very special part of my week. I am inspired by everyone, their thoughts, their writings, their words. I never come away without feeling something deeply or being profoundly touched. I am amazed at what comes out of the end of my pen." - Nancy
And the questions keep coming – poem by Ali Grimshaw

They come as colors with overlapping sides or frayed edges and in the transition of time often mix into each other. They come with thick bold boundaries, holding the fierce hues that refuse to be diminished or mellowed by new arrivals. They come as evaporated mist close enough to dampen my skin, yet just out of reach to clearly articulate in sounds. They come regardless of time of night, often dancing to distract while I am in the middle of a conversation intent on listening. They come generously not asking or demanding, but in hope that I will allow them to teach me how feeling them could be different than finding their answers. © Ali Grimshaw 2021 Photo taken in Porto, Portugal 2017 Come explore opening lines on dVerse today MTB: Opening lines…beginnings Cee's Stacked or Piled up Challenge
Poems from the Circle

My dream is to create a safe space for you to explore the words that live inside you. Holding this listening space is one of the times I feel most alive. Our lives are enriched by reflectively listening to ourselves and others. It takes courage to reveal yourself and it is worth it.
Louise Gallagher is yet another amazing human that I wouldn’t have met without her taking a chance to share in the circle. Thank you, Louise, for your permission to share your artful poem here. It has been a gift to hear your words arrive and observe them unfurling over the past several weeks. Louise is a creativity activist, visual story-teller, mixed-media artist, writer, mentor, coach. You can find more of her poetry and beautiful creations at dareboldly.com
Writing together provides a mirror for us to process life in a safe place. Click here for information about my next Sunday writing circle.
Bashful – Poem by Ali Grimshaw
a slight alteration not a full smile where teeth reveal themselves just a curled corner of lips lift your cheek rising upward winking your eye those unfamiliar to your face wouldn't notice the half-smirk so quickly retreating behind the coffee mug but I saw it as real as sunrise and I don't need more to know you felt joy today © Ali Grimshaw 2021 dVerse Open Link Night - Come join the fun.