Thinking in reverse
months tip, like dominos
to revisit that summer day.
Longing for this cleansing pool,
offering of chilled calmness
encircled by stone, here I joined
the river of slow movement,
pulling at my rapid pulse.
Plucking the notes ever slower.
Heartbeat dissolving
until I was
just being
water.
© Ali Grimshaw
She lived in a dented silver trailer
plainly, without shine inside and out.
The window view of sea
filled her need for decoration.
Constant rhythm of wave reassurance
ever evolving color of cloud, mist, fog
always filled her with belonging.
Passersby with lipfrowning judgement
downcast look of sadness at her dwelling
would never know her truth.
She had found her community of paradise
between wind and simplicity.
© Ali Grimshaw 2018
He made the plain and simple
a view of miraculous. With just
a touch. All became encased overnight
by a spell of magic.
A landscape of tiny glass castles.
Her damp feet, nourished soul
left her with a wondering, as if
it almost never happened.
Had winter sun
melted her glass slippers away?
© Ali Grimshaw 2017
When the crack widens
to an unknown view.
Fear seeks this space
between rough edges
quickly slides in
expanding like a balloon
a barricade of shadow to
seal the sides solid.
Yet seekers of light
will never be blinded
by such tricks of perspective.
When eyes look with love
illumination is present and
forgiveness sets another place
at the table.
© Ali Grimshaw 2017
Dedicated to the shortest day of the year, the miraculous world we live in and all of those who make the world a better place by giving their light.
Winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere was at 8:28 AM today.
My closed eyes wonder
have you been waiting for my call?
Are you one who waits?
One who waits to be
chosen
invited
picked?
Are you one who anticipates hopefully
rocking chair movement, back and forth
not going anywhere
waiting to open your door
find me standing before you?
Are you willing to be the one that shows up
arms wide, inviting in
the unprotected in downpour, ghostly gale,
frosty fear anticipating rejection?
Are you willing to hear the
no?
Are you open to the yes?
Which is more frightening?
© Ali Grimshaw 2017
By knowing you,
I find myself.
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 from not retreating.
The rough, abeyant curves of my puzzle.
You see my essence of spirit
gently hold it all up,
a mirror before me,
now I can see,
for myself,
who I am becoming.
Revised version of the original poem shared in 2016
© Ali Grimshaw 2017
Leaves play tag in the breeze
as cars chase green lights.
I am the only stillness
in the city this hour.
Living without permission
no need to ask, “Am I allowed?”
The leaves don’t ask to dance
down the sidewalk.
I grant myself this moment
this sunlight soak before
winter darkness.
© Ali Grimshaw 2017
Jump, leap, crawl and claw
there is a world outside
the hamster wheel.
You can step off, drop chains of thought
fall into peace.
Your forgotten power, remains inside,
no superhero costume
necessary.
Only willingness, rejection of old pattern,
refusal of squeaky wheel,
one step, to the side.
© Ali Grimshaw 2017
Rounded Barcelona 2017
Blurred branches of feeling
the intersection of “Not good enough,”
and “You fell for that again?”
awkward limbs that cross
and cross again in confusion. While inches
of growth reach, stretch toward light.
The turbulent angles discretely covered
by feathered orange deliciousness.
A fancy distraction,
just like my sunglasses and hat
a layer of colors,
the perfect cover up to keep
my crack of failure private.
© Ali Grimshaw 2017
flashlight batteries - Ali Grimshaw 