I hear it.

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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

 

 

Heart wide open

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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

 

 

Taking the lid off.

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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

Shedding Shame

 

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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

Forgiving Fridays

Cherish the light

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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.

Miraculous

Forgiving Fridays 

Winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere was at 8:28 AM today.

 

 

Seafaring

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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

Serene

 

Anticipate

 

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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