We are shaped by what we give with effort or easily generous, open handed in the full light of day. We are shaped again by what we are tenative in receiving or open armed in our willingness believing ourselves worthy. How my shape has changed by the years of you rubbing against each other burnishing us both to copper shine. ©Ali Grimshaw 2022
“Poetry is not only dream and vision; it is the skeleton architecture of our lives. It lays the foundations for a future of change, a bridge across our fears of what has never been before.” – Audre Lorde Come write, throw your words on the wall like paint. Splattering in playful revealing. See which ones stick. Watch which ones fall or slide down the wall. Your words want out to frollick in the sun to show you hope lives on. Holding our words with listening care, teasured gently in open hands we hear their song see them as foreground aglow in luscious hues where you will sit in their light. ©Ali Grimshaw 2022
I am a blade of grass held by other blades surrounding. One blade in a field of many. Close together/alone. Our sides hold us faces to the sky. Reaching toward sunlight side by side in directions wide. None to be flattened. © Ali Grimshaw 2022
I continue to meet big-hearted humans across different time zones. Writing together provides a mirror for us to process life in a place where we have all agreed to listen with compassion. Come join us for a writing circle. No experience needed. All voices are welcome.
Write Yourself: Reflection Through Poetry
Sat, February 12, 2022 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM PST
Splintered thoughts pierce afternoon intentions, a full-tilt frustrationquake. In the chilled middle perseverance wains weary. Curiosity escapes the building. Shivering anger taps out words I know I will never send. Yet wisdom isn't hibernating. I wait 24 hours to thaw, for what will remain. © Ali Grimshaw 2022 Quadrille #144: Shivering - Join us at dVerse - HERE
Now is the only time that matters Say goodbye to what is gone. No matter its importance then now is a new beginning. We get attached to our words, to-do lists, the shoulds and woulds that we tell ourselves. They keep us tied to the past. Fill us with regret and doubt for the next step forward. Now is the only time that matters. By Val Boyko I am grateful for Val's permission to share her poem from a recent writing circle. You can find more of her poems and yoga offerings here, www.FindYourMiddleGround.com. It has been an amazing to write with Val across the many miles, hear her experiences and find connection with someone who started out as a stranger and now is a friend. I continue to meet big-hearted humans across different time zones. Writing together provides a mirror for us to process life in a place where we have all agreed to listen with compassion. Come join us for a writing circle. Write Yourself: Reflection Through Poetry Saturday, January 29, 2022 Click HERE for more information and registration. No experience needed. All voices welcome. Photo taken at Smith Rock State Park
I am honored to have my poem, Sidewalk Gallery, included in this anthology alongside many other poets that I adore. Thank you, Brian Geiger, for the opportunity to share my words.
From the publisher: “From a shaft of sunlight warming the kitchen floor to a lush forest by Walden pond, what is it about experiencing nature that pleases and fulfills us? In the third volume of the Vita Brevis Poetry Anthology, established and emerging poets from around the world show what nature means to them. This is nature poetry at its most precise and moving, continuing the long tradition of Transcendentalism, deciphering ourselves and the world that sustains us — with art.”
You can find Nothing Divine Dies here in paperback and ebook.
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” - Martin Luther King Jr I teach them. I teach them about the magic eraser of fresh starts far more valuable than double digit multiplication or how to identify an adverb. I teach them. I teach them to listen for their own questions ones that lift and spring forth aliveness. The ones that come from within. I teach them. I teach them in the hot and cold times heartbreak tsunami, within or without walls. They are my living hope, my wonder. I teach them and I receive the beauty of their being. © Ali Grimshaw 2022 Mural created by the 5th grade students of Mr. Bowen'class at Oak Creek Elementary. I am honored to support the students and teachers of this amazing school. Stay strong.
I built a bridge to you using marshmallows and glue It was worth the sticky effort then it melted in the rain. I threw a magic ruby rope woven with sparkles of hope singing enchantments to call you closer. I dug a river of blue inviting a float on my skin to pull you within but you preferred to fly. I nested a home for myself cocooned through my pain. With a change in the winds on a zephyr you rode in. © Ali Grimshaw 2022 dVerse Open LInk Night #307 - Join in HERE Photo take at the fantastic Chihuly Garden last summer when I was still traveling.
Writing together is a beautiful method of letting go, highlighting what is worth holding on to, and listening inward. It is a playful journey and a great way to make friends from distant places. Join me for a writing circle as we start a new year.
Write Yourself: Reflection Through Poetry. 1/15/22, 10:30 AM PST – Click HERE
Wishing you peace and wellness in 2022.
Ali
during darkest of seasons I tinsel you with light my face giving its full glow your apple-cheeks of radiance champions of joy for encounters with newcomers, or friends. Christmas tree or not. I will decorate you with loveshine. Not a bulb between us unlit. © Ali Grimshaw 2021 dVerse Poets Pub - Quadrille Join us to connect with poets around the world. HERE Photo taken at a past Portland Winter Lights Festival. It is perfect way to escape Winter darkness in Februrary. For this year's fun click HERE.
flashlight batteries - Ali Grimshaw 