Your error is forgetting that you also began as a seed. The starfish that loses an arm still thrives brightly seaward. The coyote howls, then listens through darkness to return to his pack. The angel oak's reach is far and long regardless of scarred branches. Can you see the lacework between the living? Each reaching out tied in small knots is also a receiving. © Ali Grimshaw 2021 Join a welcoming community of poets for OPEN LINK NIGHT at dVerse Poets Pub HERE
mindful
Not just another day – Poem by Ali Grimshaw
via Crocus blossom — Vova Zinger’s Photoblog
each day a reaching of outward iridescence threaded violet choices ©Ali Grimshaw 2021 Thank you to Vova Zinger for granting permission to share this inspiring photo as an accompaniment to my poem. I have followed Voya's photography blog for quite a while. His images are fantastic. I love writing with people from around the world. Come share your voice within the writing circle. You may be surprised how the words can flow forth with ease. All voices welcome. Self-Compassion Through Poetry: Writing Circle Friday, July 9, 9:30 – 11:00 am PDT. Register here
Poems from the Circle – Lighthouse Keeping

I spent some time with Ali Grimshaw’s writing circle and once again, enjoyed being with like minded souls as we explored poetry together. The inspiration for my poem came from, “Lighthouse Keeping” by Kay Ryan. – Val
Lighthouse Keeping By Val Boyko
Find Your Middle Ground
Know that we are keepers of the light Holding space and reaching out to those in darkened places. Its not our job to judge, advise, fix or rescue others. Our calling is to keep the light shining within ourselves and bring it to the world, to keep us all afloat. Thank you Val for sharing this inspirational poem and for all the loving support written on your blog, Find Your Middle Ground. You are a bright light in the world. Keep on shining. I will be reading in appreciation. Photo by Ave Calvar Martinez
Imagine it… Poem by Ali Grimshaw

“Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less.” – Marie Curie
Imagine it... Now laid bare in the upside-down of it all she sees what wasn't visible before. What glorious imaginations are held within each of us. Waiting possibilities to cross oceans, mountains once impassable. Forgotten imaginations of capable courage to reach across boundaries never thought possible. © Ali Grimshaw 2020 dVerse Quadrille #116 Please visit Vova Zinger's Photoblog for more of his magnificent photos.
Sunday Writing Circle

The world needs the unique light that only you can shine. Keep your light on through the renewal of shared writing. Writing together can surprise us with new insights, guide our own journey and build resilience.
- Explore writing as a tool for self-reflection.
- Slow down with yourself in a space of self-care.
- Be inspired by the words of others.
No writing experience required. Sharing of your writing is always optional.
There will be a maximum of 6 participants to provide a space of authentic connection.
Testimonials from my past writing circle participants:
“Thank you for your loving energy, leading us to a place within ourselves that we either didn’t know was there or had been untapped for sometime. Your deep listening is a gift, and I feel held in it.” – Carrie
“I loved your focus on being intentional, hearing the voices of other women and your positive energy. You are a light and an inspiration.” – Diane
Click here for registration
When Comes The Night
after the sordid day rain recalls the language of music and I go, leaving frenzied voices behind to bed beneath magnetic star spray to see above the thousands while I hear the lake moon moan when can I live life as ripe peach sky? © Ali Grimshaw 2020 dVerse Quadrille - Poetical Magnetism I have never liked crossword puzzles but I got a kick out of this magnetic poetry site. What a fun way to play with word use. Check it out here. magnetic poetry
Let’s Write Together

“Poetry might be defined as the clear expression of mixed feelings.” W.H. Auden, New Year Letter
In this time of change, I am keeping my eyes on love and offering a safe space to gather for reflection. There is much to process each day. Without an intentional pause I notice how easy it is for my brain to experience emotional overload. Poems provide an opportunity for slowing down, to pause. Writing together is an invitation to pause in the wonder of this day and remember we are alive. Every voice is welcome.
Renewal Through Poetry: Writing Circle
Join a small, online group to
- Explore the use of poetry to inspire us.
- Cultivate curiosity about our thinking and writing.
- Experience writing as a tool for positive self reflection and well-being.
You will have the opportunity to connect more deeply with yourself, through your own writing, as well as through the writing shared by others. By offering a safe environment, through reflective listening, this workshop will support participants in expressing their authentic voice.
No writing experience needed. Group maximum 6 participants.
We will meet virtually using Zoom.
Passageways – Poem by Ali Grimshaw

Actions taken from love can never be regrets only open doors of possibility to step through. Doorways for light to shine in to shine out or meet in amplification. Welcoming visitors you once viewed as strangers now family members. An invitation to leave a room that doesn't serve you or is keeping you small. This door is locked on the inside a wish come true. You are free to leave anytime. © Alicia Grimshaw 2020 Photo take in on a trip to Amsterdam, 2019. Cee’s B&W Photo Challenge Word of the Day Challenge: Wish
Poetry Over Panic, let’s write together.
We are unique and also the same. As I have reached out to write with others during this pandemic I continue to experience this. We are all coping. We all have emotions. We all need ways to empty out our overflowing thoughts. In my writing circles, I have noticed the fulfilling conversations, relief of writing it down and connections that bloom from shared writing spaces. I invite you to explore this for yourself. This isn’t about trying to create the perfect poem. You don’t need to be a poet or even call yourself a writer. This is about connecting as human beings. By writing and reflecting together, we can learn from this unusual time, and face it with loving curiosity.
Click on the links below for more information and registration.
Writing to Restore Ourselves: Poetry & Reflection Circle – May 14
Poetic Transitions: Writing Circle for Renewal – May 19
Writing for Renewal: Poetry & Reflection Circle – May 23
Writing for Renewal: Poetry & Reflection Circle – May 27
Curious about future writing circles? Email me at coaching@aligrimshaw.com
Past participants have shared this about my writing circles.
“Thank you for your wonderful session yesterday. I came away feeling inspired and uplifted.You created such a welcoming space that I felt immediately at home.” – Karen
“I loved it all. Meeting new people and seeing the similarities between us. This also opened me up to a broader feeling of gratitude.” – Mary
“I have been writing with a group that Ali leads. I am not a creative writer and was wondering what I could bring to/get out of the group. I am surprised by where this takes my brain and my heart. Ali’s guidance and writing prompts are insightful. Writing with Ali has become one of gems of my otherwise isolated life.” – Nancy
“I loved your focus on being intentional, hearing the voices of other women and your positive energy. You are a light and an inspiration.” – Diane
We are stronger when we lean on and learn from one another.
Ali
Let Go
“I have learned things in the dark that I could never have learned in the light, things that have saved my life over and over again, so that there is really only one logical conclusion. I need darkness as much as I need light.” – Barbara Brown Taylor
When the lights went out, she welcomed the dark
warm on her skin like an old friend
as nourishment for her sadness
leaves rustled a serenade to slow her pulse
the refrigerator hummed along
a reminder of the ordinary evenings
breath slowed, the world kept turning and she let go.
© Alicia Grimshaw 2020
dVerse – Perfect Seven Lines