Online Writing Circle

Poems from the Circle – Lighthouse Keeping

~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 16 Comments

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

500th – Poem by Ali Grimshaw

~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 29 Comments 
"The decision we face is not to chart the perfect way forward; it is simply to embark on a journey. Once we’ve taken a step forward, the work will teach us where to take a second step, and then a third, and so on. Purpose does not reveal itself to those sitting safely at the starting block. In other words, you don’t plan your way into finding your purpose. You live into it.”
- Jacqueline Novogratz

500th

I guess I can't call it an accident
it's time to admit, intentionality.
Claiming my inner poet five years ago
(a birthday gift to myself) has led to this
my 500th post. I would have given up 
sharing, long ago, if it hadn't been for you 
you reading, then reflecting back 
your thoughts in return.

Knowing the aloneness of darkness
I started with the desire  
to reach just one
share my flashlight 
sit beside and just listen 
and listen some more.

These years have brought your voices
on the breeze, across seas, 
stanzas have sailed, flown
and walked themselves
beyond boundaries,
I have heard your hearts.

Together we are rewriting 
a world through poetry.

Thank you for being a part of my journey.
I am here to serve you in yours.

I would love to write with you and hold space for your words. 

Renewal Through Poetry: Introductory Writing Circles
March 7, 4:00 PM PST register here – Eventbrite

Let’s Get Lost in a Poem – Ali Grimshaw

~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 20 Comments 
Poetry is truth in a universal language able to cross boundaries and reach the human heart. It is through our practice of listening deeply to poems, to ourselves and each other that the joy of connection is created within the writing circle. I am honored to hold space for your words and invite you to welcome them to the page. Let's get lost together as we write and reflect. Join me for an upcoming writing circle. Fill your heart. 

Let's get lost 
in beauty of the waves.
Put the needle on the record
of this day,
live simply so others may
simply live
to delight in all good things
wild and free.

© Ali Grimshaw 2021

Heartbeat – Poem by Ali Grimshaw

~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 8 Comments 
"Choosing to live and love with our whole hearts is an act of defiance. " - Brene Brown

Join me for Galentine's Day, Write Yourself: Self-Love and Poetry Gathering
Saturday, February 13. here - Eventbrite. (Tickets by donation)

One of the many joys of facilitating writing circles is contributing to the journey of others and connecting women from across the globe. 

Renewal Through Poetry: Introductory Writing Circles
February 21, 11:00 am PST register here - Eventbrite. 

"The circle is a very special part of my week. I am inspired by everyone, their thoughts, their writings, their words. I never come away without feeling something deeply or being profoundly touched.  I am amazed at what comes out of the end of my pen." - Nancy

And the questions keep coming – poem by Ali Grimshaw

~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 59 Comments 
They come as colors with overlapping sides or frayed edges
and in the transition of time often mix into each other.

They come with thick bold boundaries, holding the fierce 
hues that refuse to be diminished or mellowed by new arrivals.

They come as evaporated mist close enough to dampen 
my skin, yet just out of reach to clearly articulate in sounds.

They come regardless of time of night, often dancing to distract
while I am in the middle of a conversation intent on listening.

They come generously not asking or demanding, but in hope
that I will allow them to teach me how feeling them could be

different than finding their answers.

© Ali Grimshaw 2021
Photo taken in Porto, Portugal 2017

Come explore opening lines on dVerse today MTB: Opening lines…beginnings

Cee's Stacked or Piled up Challenge

Poems from the Circle

~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 13 Comments
Louise Gallagher – Dareboldly.com

My dream is to create a safe space for you to explore the words that live inside you. Holding this listening space is one of the times I feel most alive. Our lives are enriched by reflectively listening to ourselves and others. It takes courage to reveal yourself and it is worth it.

Louise Gallagher is yet another amazing human that I wouldn’t have met without her taking a chance to share in the circle. Thank you, Louise, for your permission to share your artful poem here. It has been a gift to hear your words arrive and observe them unfurling over the past several weeks. Louise is a creativity activist, visual story-teller, mixed-media artist, writer, mentor, coach. You can find more of her poetry and beautiful creations at dareboldly.com

Writing together provides a mirror for us to process life in a safe place. Click here for information about my next Sunday writing circle.

Consider – A Poem for MLK Day – By Ali Grimshaw

~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 34 Comments 
Some say, Who am I?
I need to find myself.
I have lost myself.

Some ask, How do I go on?
How do I begin again?
What matters now? 

There are those who 
are living as question marks
and those who refuse punctuation.                 

When your heart burns away,
is cracked to irreparable
or crushed to stillness

is that the end or 
the beginning 
of learning to love?

© Ali Grimshaw 2021

Three quotes from a man who left this world too early, Martin Luther King J. May we remember his words.

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?'”

“At the center of non-violence stands the principle of love.”

Sifting – Poem By Ali Grimshaw

~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 18 Comments 
Palms upward as hands face sky 
open spaces between fingers relaxing
into what has been a time of gentle 
and harsh scrubbing of the heart. 
Every inch of skin Brillo pad raw. 
An exfoliation of what has been. 
My fists, no longer clenched 
in tight survival, trust in slow unfurling.
Pain tingling as blood returns to fingertips.
Learning feet reground my trunk 
to an upright position, toes rooted 
past sand into bedrock. Freeing now
agile hands to sift through the helpful lessons 
caught in my soft palms as promises
while unneeded thoughts fall through finger spaces
to join other decomposing conversations 
of days when I didn't know listening.
Composting the no longer serviceable
into nutrients for the new words to come.

© Ali Grimshaw 2021

Renewal Through Writing

~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 10 Comments

Coming together, across great distance to cherish poems and write together is hope in action. It is my heart work to facilitate a safe space to hear your inner voice and experience authentic connect. Wherever you live I would love to meet you. No writing experience needed. All voices welcome.

Renewal Through Poetry: Writing Circle Sundays

Register on Eventbrite