Author: Ali Grimshaw

Sunlight’s Condolences

~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 14 Comments

Sometimes sunlight falls on your window.

beams of warmth flood in even if undeserving.

The only needed action, opening the curtains.

My window doesn’t offer me any favors this morning.

It is my neighbor’s turn to be touched by light,

her sobs echoing through the wall, my

contentment in the weather offering up support

I don’t know how to give.

No one should be alone in grief

without warmth from another.

© Ali Grimshaw

This poem was inspired by the Pic And A Word Challenge – Windows #64

The Pic and a Word Challenge is a weekly creativity prompt offered on Sunday mornings.

 

My Leaf Man

~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 13 Comments

He brings me leaves

one each day

a contrast in shape

varied vibrancy, coral to ripe peach

left on the kitchen counter

until evening arrives at our window.

Held in his palm

this single donation

color story of today

our eyes meet

the wrinkles, textured hues, imperfect edges.

Our hands hold a temporary prize between us

cherishing.

Trees give without expecting

something in return. Thankfully,

so does he.

© Ali Grimshaw 2016

May you find someone to share the beauty of nature with today. Happy Thanksgiving.

A Mindful Vacation

~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 15 Comments

Between each breath
one, maybe two seconds at most,
a tiny space of nothingness.
My passport can’t get me there.
Driving faster, running harder,
multitasking while eating lunch
working later, doing more…
no closer to my destination.

“Where would you like to travel to?” they ask.

someplace between
inhale
and exhale.

© Ali Grimshaw

Bouncing Bullets

~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 6 Comments

Slanderous words,

sharp and sticky abound.

Potentially murderous voices shoot out

yet ricochet off the innocent assemblage

surrounded by love, like bubble wrap.

A deadly collection of letters,

bouncing back to their owners.

While the souls remain

cloaked in truth,

“Those words aren’t us.”

No need for bulletproof vests to repel them.

Let them decay on the street

the street cleaner will dispose of them

before morning light.

© Ali Grimshaw

 

 

 

 

 

 

Take care of your heart today.

~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 8 Comments

 

To the many grieving today for US Veterans who are not longer with us, those struggling to still get through each day and for the families of all veterans.  Thank you for your sacrifice.image

Stronger? Without a doubt.

~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 10 Comments

 

She knew what must be done

while fear sliced through her

cutting deeply

unwavering was her stance.

she had learned

pain was only temporary

what mattered was

her soul

was in one piece.

© Ali Grimshaw

 

 

Visiting With Chaos

~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 14 Comments

Spills splattered the walls.

Counters filled with clutter,

multiple piles creating a new geography in the room.

There is a relief to cleaning it all away.

Everything in order. Repair and replace.

The seduction of a new cycle, sparkling clean.

Free from marks of history.

 

What if we could sit with Chaos

for just a little minute?

Feel the wind in our ears.

Hearing her secrets of cleverness.

Soaking in the learning of this undone space.

Before an opportunity is erased.

A past disinfected before she can author her story

from which the plot differs from

perpetual duplicating.

© Alicia Grimshaw 2016

Chaos – Photo Challenge