love

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.

I’ve been granted a spell of wandering – Poem by Ali Grimshaw

~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 43 Comments 
no one will ever know what you gave

the number of times
you've grown a new heart
after donating the last one

sit a spell with the map
of your heartlife

claim your mountains
distance
growth vistas

tape more wilderness down
you're still alive

©Ali Grimshaw 2022

Quadrille #154 "Casting a spell
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of poets on d'Verse - HERE

Taking Flight – Poem by Ali Grimshaw

~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 26 Comments 
Transitions are in the air... some are leaving the nest for flight. 

As you join the others
a new word grows inside me,

a tight bundled joypain sits within
my chest cracking open to release 

the scent of baby powered damp hair

for the many practiced days have passed
the next migration is a solo flight.

Your sturdy shoulders of readiness 
experimental charm accompanied with grin

will be a gift many will appreciate.

Your graduation to come 
is a forced exhale and I breathe in 

the flight to come.

Shake off the illusion, you were never 
really mine from the start. 

You have always belonged to to the world.

I was always ever the warm nest
from which you would someday fly.

©Ali Grimshaw 2022

Join a welcoming community for Open Link Night at dVerse. HERE

Dedicated to all parents of graduates.  Yes, part of your heart is stepping out into the world to touch the lives of others. Let it go. Part of it will stay with you forever. What a privilege to experience this amazing journey of expanding love. Congratulations.

Just in case – Poem by Ali Grimshaw

~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 40 Comments 
soft
giggles
like crumbs of encouragement

warm
murmurs
like holding a shaking hand

pillows of 
intention
there to catch you

if,
just if.

©Ali Grimshaw 2022

None of us knows what tomorrow will bring. 
Yet, I do know that I can choose love and I will.

dVerse – Open Link Night #311

Polished -Poem by Ali Grimshaw

~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 10 Comments 
We are shaped by what we give
with effort or easily
generous, open handed
in the full light of day.

We are shaped again by what
we are tenative in receiving 
or open armed in our willingness 
believing ourselves worthy.

How my shape has changed
by the years of you
rubbing against each other
burnishing us both 
to copper shine.

©Ali Grimshaw 2022

The Field of Us – Poem by Ali Grimshaw

~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 15 Comments 
I am 
a blade of grass 
held by other
blades surrounding.
One blade in a field
of many.
Close together/alone.
Our sides hold us
faces to the sky.
Reaching toward sunlight
side by side
in directions wide.
None to be flattened.

© Ali Grimshaw 2022

I continue to meet big-hearted humans across different time zones. Writing together provides a mirror for us to process life in a place where we have all agreed to listen with compassion. Come join us for a writing circle. No experience needed. All voices are welcome.

Write Yourself: Reflection Through Poetry

Sat, February 12, 2022 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM PST

Register HERE

Transitory – Poem by Ali Grimshaw

~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 19 Comments 
I built a bridge to you
using marshmallows and glue
It was worth the sticky effort
then it melted in the rain.

I threw a magic ruby rope
woven with sparkles of hope
singing enchantments 
to call you closer.

I dug a river of blue
inviting a float on my skin
to pull you within
but you preferred to fly.

I nested a home for myself
cocooned through my pain.
With a change in the winds
on a zephyr you rode in.

© Ali Grimshaw 2022

dVerse Open LInk Night #307 - Join in HERE

Photo take at the fantastic Chihuly Garden last summer when I was still traveling.