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Circling Back – Poem by Ali Grimshaw

~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 8 Comments 
"I know things. I've seen things.
I don't know what you're going through, though. 
I've held troubles, but they weren't shaped like yours. 
I've lost, but none of my missing pieces would have filled your gaps.
I know some things, not all things."

from a poem called, the knowing by Ra Avis

Circling back

coming round 
sliding through 
this Autumn arc

I greet myself
a younger version 
of complex cells

she is just a beginning 
a growing lightness
wrapped in doubt

© Ali Grimshaw 2022

Weekly Prompts Weekend Challenge – Alone
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Photo of God's Thumb Hike, Oregon Coast
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Appearances – Poem by Ali Grimshaw

~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 24 Comments 
the eyes we look through
when seeking 
change what we see

too far gone or brilliant beautiful ending?

cracking open to bravely begin or losing one's mind?

leaning
as weakness, failure to stand upright 
hold one's own
or leaning
as the wisdom of resting 
gathering grace to begin again?

where you sit 
doesn't always enable you to see
sunrise or the full length of horizon

question the truth of your view
question the view of your truth

© Ali Grimshaw 2022

Join us at dVerse Poets Pub
for Poetics: The good and the evil HERE

Feeling Punchy – Poem by Ali Grimshaw

~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 24 Comments 
bring on lime laced
mango merry
tangerine power-punch
lemon-chiffon nectar to top it off

let's get sloshed on boughs 
and falling flavors from 
heavenly highlights above our heads

we can pretend to be gods
drinking in sunshine soaked crimson

latenight cavorting 
without morning consequences

© Ali Grimshaw 2022

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for Quadrille #160 HERE

The Reasons*- Poem by Ali Grimshaw

~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 15 Comments 
They never guessed it could have happened.
It was too dark for some, others had gone into hiding.
They told us too, and then I did. You did too.
The pipe didn't reach far enough and we scratched our heads.
Because we knew, after trying the other way forward.
It looked like he had a gun in his hand, his life now lost.
Afterwards, her phone died without a way to recharge.
It became obvious when the lights flickered.
Time was running out before the doorway melted.
They didn't believe it could be possible, the distance between
farther than it appeared, like a funhouse mirror.
Attempting 100 times more than on that frightful Friday.
Then light broke through from the other side for no reason.

* Answers appear in random order and don't represent value 
or popularity. No other poems were hurt in the writing of this poem.

This poem first published on Visual Verse, Vol. 8 Chapter 5.

Shared to earthweal open link weekend #141. Come join us.

Each month Visual Verse shares a compelling image and invites 
writers – published or unpublished – to submit a piece in response. 
Check out their website HERE.

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

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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

Why write together? – Poem by Ali Grimshaw

~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 16 Comments 
because time is slippery
memories mingle with worries 
when the pen lies dormant

because others are mirrors of magnitude
shining back the full spectrum 
of light in each of us

because when was the last time 
you made an appointment to savor 
the words of your own heart?

©Ali Grimshaw 2022

Join me on September 17 for Write Yourself: Poetry Writing Circle

Click HERE for more information.

Beckoning – Poem by Ali Grimshaw

~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 35 Comments 
turning the page
tilts my story's full, first half

daybreak spills, spreading

past pages highlighted 
scribbled, dog-eared 

moldable mornings
of my middle life

a return route mapped
for when memory fades

my shadow lengthens
I am far past sunrise 

now imagination holds 
the pen 

©Ali Grimshaw 2022

Join a welcoming community of poets at dVerse
for Quadrille #158 Morning Has Broken -HERE

Daybreak – Poem by Ali Grimshaw

~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 24 Comments
Sauvie Island, Oregon. Summer 2022

Each day a chance
for new green to reach us
for listening to happen in a way
that has never happened before.

For air to clear.
And for us to come together
instead of apart.

For healing to blossom
forgiveness heard, shame shifting
to break the cycle of old chains.

For mirroring your love
revealing how your eyes
have seen me forward.

For rebalancing of Earth and sky
an atmosphere where all living things
breathe without fear of suffocation.

For dormancy to begin again
or throw off its covers
to jump out of bed.

For someone to return home
or find a home
or be welcomed to a home
for the very first time.

©Ali Grimshaw 2022

This poem first published in, Wounds I Healed: The Poetry of Strong Women, available HERE (kindle & paperback) This poetry anthology is a testament to both the challenges that women face in our society, and to their power to overcome them. A memorable collection of over 200 poems by more than 100 authors. Thanks to the work of by Gabriela Marie Milton and Ingrid Wilson.

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.