
You may have forgotten
I have not.
The strength of your heart
to carry you across the hard times.
It has never left you to swim ashore alone.
It never will.
Believe.

You may have forgotten
I have not.
The strength of your heart
to carry you across the hard times.
It has never left you to swim ashore alone.
It never will.
Believe.

among the fallen plaster
disrepair, wrinkles of error
some may think irredeemable
not broken beyond salvage
surrendered in thick layers
your heart lies beating.
I hear it.
© Ali Grimshaw 2018

Today I wrote a gift for you
my pen pulled my hand along, (it is braver than I)
it knows how to lay my heart wide open,
like a prairie to the sky
nowhere to hide, expansive and still
miles from adequate for what I wish to give.
© Ali Grimshaw
Originally shared February 2017

Some see your failures
knocked down times in the dirt
I see your bravery for again and again
clear knowing of the cost to living
with your box lid on tight.
Determination to make your own view
a horizon few reach.
© Ali Grimshaw 2018
Photo by the talented Awar Meman. See his work on Instagram at pdxphotographer

Willing my body to enter the room
a mountain of mortification on my back
being seen while craving camouflage.
Owning the me that showed up
failure and intention, the human package
tied up with a bow of expectations.
While seeking an empty seat,
I investigate shedding shame, cast off
of the past. Owning my skin before
molting of forgiveness.
© Ali Grimshaw 2018
Sintra, Portugal 2017 – Weathered

© Ali Grimshaw 2018

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.


She never failed
to float him beyond
the current of his day
to slip away with her
curved sides just right
perfect in their holding space
to part waves
when he needed release
she took him far from shore
her motor always finely tuned
of that he made sure
never to neglect.
© Ali Grimshaw 2017

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