grief

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.

 

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

Exiting The Maze

~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 6 Comments

She could think about something else

a distraction from the pain

another new form of an old approach,

all temporary fixes,

that will return her to the same spot in the maze.

Unfortunately familiar torment.

Hands clenched to aching,

nails biting skin,

jaw clenched.

Her body’s defiance to the status quo.

Suffering unnoticed by a hurried world.

“Not this time.” She whispers. “This time

I will make my own exit.”

© Alicia Grimshaw 2016

 

Shades of Gray

~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 8 Comments

Between the light and dark lie many shades of gray,

easily misunderstood by those not interested

in searching the sky for shapes.

With curiosity comes an acceptance of the continuum

from silver ash to smokey midnight.

Shades that vary only by a brushstroke of ink,

yet change a life in ways that can never be turned back.

The dark that challenges us to grow

and pushes the fearful through the door.

The light that illuminates

on the other side.

© Ali Grimshaw

Pic to word Challenge – Grey

Will you let yourself embrace comfort?

~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 1 Comment

imageSometimes we push comfort away when we need it most. Fear keeps us from opening our arms. Desperate times are more difficult when you face them alone. Let someone see the true you and allow yourself to be comforted.

Your Numbers

~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 4 Comments

What does it mean, the number you are?

Pounds or password,

23rd in line before your turn,

zip code, blood pressure, days traveled,

the years you have managed to

stay alive or times you have kept your mouth shut.

Texting mishaps, trips to the store, loves lost.

You may think these numbers

have power to direct your life.

Upside down thinking at its best.

This code of numbers is yours alone.

Deciphering it requires desire

not a Hollywood mastermind.

You have always known the way out.

© Ali Grimshaw

Numbers Challenge

 

Leadership from the Heart

~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 2 Comments

Step away from this dark corner
let your heart lead the way.
Thinking in a box of fearful thoughts
afraid of the other,
leads to imprisonment with defined edges,
slashing at silhouettes that only appear
as the enemy.
Walk away from this shadow
follow the music of trust in love.
What you think is the opposition
is only just another
scared and searching
no different than the face in
your bathroom mirror each morning.

© Ali Grimshaw

Open-minded – Discovery Challenge