love

Expansion – Poem by Ali Grimshaw

~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 11 Comments 

“What you are, the world is. 
And without your transformation, 
there can be no transformation of the world.”
- Jiddu Krishnamurti

She squeezed herself 
into the shape she was given
condensed her needs and wants
in an effort to take up less space

pulled back to a smaller, smaller
place

There was no room to grow. 
There was only survival.

When did it happen
the noticing of held breath?

She smiles now with remembrance.

He came along one day.
He surprised her into a great exhale
and the air 
flowed
in 
effortlessly.

© Alicia Grimshaw 2022

Photo taken in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
What gift a sunset can be.

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On The Same Wavelength – Poem by Ali Grimshaw

~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 45 Comments 

before the stars rise
you and I 

benched before beauty
breathing bliss

us, just together, side by side
seaside stretched

our heartbeats synch 
to the drumbeat
rolling waves
waves rolling

our sunset
doesn't need words

holding your hand is
a forever-changing color
always warm

© Ali Grimshaw 2023

Join a friendly group of poets on dVerse for
Quadrille #169: A Star (Poem) is Born

Photo taken in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. 2022.
I am missing those sunsets.

Sampler For Your Heart – Poem by Ali Grimshaw

~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 37 Comments 
"Could you write a poem for me?" you asked. Then you left before I could ask the specifics of your heart's desire. Are you in need of savory words to awaken or creamy expressions to nourish? I pondered for hours then did what I could based on the circumstances.  I wrote out a mixed assortment of sizes; courageous squares of coconut, rounds of morning lips delight, cinnamon memories of warm skin and the encouragement of toffee. This sampler will be delivered to your doorstep tomorrow at 4:00 pm. Let me know which flavor left your heart wanting more.

neverending waves
love's ocean unstoppable
I am your shoreline

© Ali Grimshaw 2023

Haibun Monday 1-30-23: Heart
Join us at dVerse - HERE.

Photo taken in Portugal, 2017.

Undeniable – Poem by Ali Grimshaw

~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 29 Comments 
how many days can you claim
bold aliveness

kindergarten eagerness
ignited intentions

bright contagiousness of
shared lifting

sky-filled unerasable strokes 
readable by all

baring yourself beautiful

with each word from your mouth
skinny-dipping freedom

because words of love
deserve all capitals
sing unification

undeniable

© Ali Grimshaw 2023

Join us on dVerse for Quadrille Monday
#167 BOLD-ly Go    HERE

Photo taken in Puerto Vallarta, Mexio.

Back Then – Poem by Ali Grimshaw

~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 25 Comments

This poem is in response to the Pandemic Haibun Challenge that’s currently underway in the publication, A Cornered Gurl via Medium.  Thank you trE for the opportunity for shared reflection.

Noticings are always within reach if your eyes are open. A friend’s phone call, text photo, or cherished smile from six feet away can keep your cup from emptiness. Yet eventually days bleed into one another, months lose their borders, leaving Mondays indistinguishable. Where weeks fall like dominoes. Small routines within repeated walls lead to smaller and smaller thinking. Loneliness swallows you into the basket of its belly. Where over time depression feeds itself with handfuls of separation. It blindfolds your eyes so slowly you that you forget that sight has been lost. You stop moving, reaching out your arms. Until one morning’s shock of sunlight reminds you there is a world beyond this box called myself.

love went missing in

a forced experiment of

awakening us

© Alicia Grimshaw 2022

Without reflection there is no opportunity to learn. 
What have you learned from the pandemic experience?

Embers Embraced – Poem by Ali Grimshaw

~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 8 Comments
“We’re here for a reason. I believe a bit of the reason is to throw little torches out to lead people through the dark.”
– The Violin Conspiracy
tossing a torch of love-light

my intentional hope
that you will catch it 
hold it high 
light your way forward

your choice offers 
a candlelight of possibilities  
or coals diminishing
left untended

my heartwork 
dancing from within
fueled by other's embers

those past torches

© Ali Grimshaw 2020

Join in the fun at dVerse 
Quadrille Monday - HERE

Let me hold space for your voice 
to appear on the page
at the next Write Yourself: Poetry Writing Circle
September 17, 2022
9:00 AM – 10:30 AM PDT
Register HERE

Deliciousness – Poem by Ali Grimshaw

~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 30 Comments 
What happiness can arrive
when sunlight's retreat paints

leaves cherry crush, berry swirl
butterscotch eye candy

walking through an ordinary Monday
your hand in mine, we breathe the awe
 
street lined masterpieces
colored by a lack of chlorophyll

less of something  
created more today

© Ali Grimshaw 2020

Another yummy tree in my Portland, Oregon neighborhood.

Join in the fun at dVerse Open Link Night HERE

Inherited – Poem by Ali Grimshaw

~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 30 Comments

“What we carry defines who we are. And the effort we make is our legacy.” ~Mitch Albom

I carry
your laugh.
How it starts small, a rolling whisper 
then snowballs to a full round of roaring joy.

I carry
your hands.
How your fingers thread mine
snug and loose at the same time woven.

I carry
your story memories
holding me gently close
while always leaving breathing room
growth space for my expansion.

©Ali Grimshaw 2022

Join a welcoming community of poets 
at dVerse Open Link Night #321 - HERE.

3 Good Things – Poem by Ali Grimshaw

~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 12 Comments 
They don't need to be your favorite one.
You don't need to justify them to anyone.

One could arrive before getting out of bed 
or a memory that brings warmth.

One could be a warm shower, the relief of crying 
or standing under a clear sky.

One could be a deep breath, a complete filling of lungs 
or the priviledge of not know what time it is.

A window to a neighbor who grow flowers
or someone who listens when your words stumble. 

Birdsong mornings, soft landings of wooded paths 
freedom to choose, relief of laughter, steady rib bones

to protect a still beating heart.

There are always 3 good things
if you choose them

they are yours
to hold.

©Ali Grimshaw 2022

During the first year of the pandemic I began to paint rocks that said, "3 good things." I left them randomly around my neighborhood as I walked and ran. My intention was to remind myself and those around me to think of "3 good things" in their day. I began to text friends and family asking them to share their "3 good things." Somewhere along the way I forgot about this action. I stopped doing it. Finding this photo today reminded me how simple and rewarding this was. And I am choosing to begin again. If you feel inspired please share your "3 good things" with me.