Author: Ali Grimshaw
Singing through the cracks
And they sang
through the cracks of pain
through the wandering worries
through the regrets, determined desires
to be true to their calling hearts.
And they sang
because song was needed
because together their voices lifted
because all else didn’t make sense
because they could.
And others joined the circle
and they sang.
© Alicia Grimshaw 2020
Join me at the next song circle. Simply Singing Song Circle in Portland, Oregon with Carole Marie Downing
The River Knows – Poem by Ali Grimshaw
“I only went out for a walk, and finally concluded to stay out till sundown, for going out, I found, was really going in.”
– John Muir
In slowing my pace to lightly step
I saw the power of the hummingbird
defeating the odds again
to fly, even though science says it shouldn’t be able.
I leaned on the elder tree that stood through hurricanes.
Touched sprouts forcing through cracked concrete.
Studied a cactus with magenta bloom
in the desperate dry landscape.
Outside I found my mentors.
Along singing creek waters, trails of bright birdsong
and pausing in cliffside meadows where the ocean roars.
I heard the strength of the outside.
The river knows where it is going
and I will follow it.
© Alicia Grimshaw 2020
photo by antilandscpaper 2-26-20
Hummingbirds have been baffling scientists for years. Matt Ransford commented, “The hummingbird is an animal that by all rights shouldn’t be able to fly” (Popular Science). But not only can this bird fly, it is the only bird able to fly forwards, backward, up, down, sideways, upside down, and even hover. – Mar 23, 2012
Temporary – Poem by Ali Grimshaw
Your phrases landed
on the floor between us.
I didn’t know how to catch them.
Your breathless words carried
a story of near miss.
One collection of minutes
that almost
restructured my life.
Like flower petals
blown away by the wind
altering forever
their attachment
to the stem.
Never again to unite in bloom’s beauty.
A reminder of
the impermanence of us.
© Alicia Grimshaw 2020 (Rewrite of a poem shared in 2017)
dVerse prompt – Poetics: Impermanence
Life in a suitcase
Their voices
Peeling memories away
layers of lives left littered
one packed suitcase
one hope
one chance
Back across the sea
buildings without occupancy
echoes through rooms
call them back home
Here they are
far from the familiar
family table and
some are missing
© Ali Grimshaw 2020
This poem was inspired by this article. Interview: Artists Rebuild Refugees’ Emotional Memories of “Home” Inside Suitcases By Jessica Stewart
“Working together with writer Ahmed Badr, architect and sculpture artist Mohamad Hafez listened to the stories of refugee families living in America and helped shine a light on their experiences. As two former refugees themselves—Hafez from Syria and Badr from Iraq—this is an issue close to their hearts. The result is Unpacked, an emotional multi-media installation where the voices of each family tell their experiences as viewers engage with an incredible scale model of the homes they’ve left behind.”
“Each model, created by Hafez, is packed into a suitcase as a symbol of the baggage these families carry forward into their new lives. As Hafez listened carefully during the interviews, which often ran six to seven hours, he was sketching what he heard. Using what he discovered, he was able to mold their memories into a visual representation that leaves no question about the dire circumstances these refugees faced.”
Unpacked will be on view at the University of Madison-Wisconsin – February 5, 2020 to March 15, 2020.
May you notice – poem by Ali Grimshaw
It doesn’t need
to be earned
fought for, proven.
It cannot be purchased
or owed.
True love is given
just because.
I hope that you notice
that love has landed on you today.
I hope you let yourself feel it.
© Ali Grimshaw 2020
Thank you to all my readers for the love you share in the world. I see your hearts strong.
Coddiwomple – Poem by Ali Grimshaw
Even without
a roadmap
I can follow
the song
of my
heart’s direction.
Sing along
while keen
to its increase.
Turning
in time
so as not to
lose the melody.
Ears intent on
wholeness of being
following
fulfilling
fondly
easing my ache
of confusion.
© Ali Grimshaw 2020
Coddiwomple (v.) Origin: English Slang Word.Definition: To travel in a purposeful manner towards a vague destination.
dVerse Poets Pub – Quadrille “Fill”
Photo taken on my trip to Amsterdam, October 2019.
Unravel – reflective writing workshops
It is a continual process to unweave
that which is truth from story. I pull
a thread, remove one line, observe how
the fabric changes, notice the new spaces
breathing between essential threads
that remain, a skeleton of existence
until extracting the unneeded
leaves what is left, sparsely resilient
penetrable light of a future once blocked
by memories tightly woven.
© Ali Grimshaw 2020
Consider yourself invited to my February workshops.
Navigating Life Transitions Through Reflective Writing
Life is full of change. Whether dealing with an ending relationship, new career, or empty nest, shifting circumstances can be challenging when you face them alone. Join me in exploring the use of poetry, shared inquiry and writing for self-reflection within a safe, supportive community. In this workshop you will have the opportunity to …
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Write & reflect using prompts and poetry about change
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Share with others if you wish. There is no requirement to share.
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Create a new intention for yourself
Email coaching@aligrimshaw.com to register.
Date: Feb. 18, 2020 Time: 12:00 – 1:30 pm, $20 per person
Date: Feb. 23, 2020 Time: 3:00 – 4:30 pm, $20 per person
Location: The Center for Spiritual Well Being,
7100 SW Hampton St., STE 126 Portland,OR
Quench
Choose a small cup
simple, without handle
each hand deserves a curve of warm
the offering of this today, inhabited
it cannot help but overflow
effortlessly overcome boundaries
designed by small needs
running down the sides in abundance.
Maybe you have forgotten
how little it takes
to satisfy thirst.
© Ali Grimshaw 2020
Minimalism: A Documentary About the Important Things – Available on Netflix
dVerse Poets Pub – Open Link Night
Traveler
Your silhouetted resilience
of an almost ageless traveler
with kid’s eyes of curious.
Ready for all that is,
wildly wondrous.
Unwilling to miss a viewpoint
be it window wide
or mountaintop.
Fractured city lights illuminate
all the bold and beloved
I see in you.
© Ali Grimshaw 2020
dVerse Quadrille #96 Wild
Dedicated to my adventurous life partner, Adam.
flashlight batteries - Ali Grimshaw 