Jumping into August – Poem by Ali Grimshaw

August 2, 2021August 2, 2021 ~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 37 Comments

Dipping skinny-style, screaming out in glee, we entered the river to revive. Jumping away from the heated August afternoon only to return to the warm rocks and bask like turtles. Then followed hours of our rinse and repeat cycle as sunlight slid down the river. Summer freedom was its own kind of happy. Without the constraints of parents or the weight of planning for the future to come. We flew through the air trusting the pools to welcome us with a generosity that had held so many before our time. There were no thoughts of tomorrow.

bubbled free
water nymphs laze
summertide

©Ali Grimshaw 2021

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against the flow again – Poem by Ali Grimshaw

July 26, 2021 ~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 45 Comments

Swimming upstream
feeling the pull
of this current
day of decisions
to be made.

Kicking away
troubled tributaries

“You will regret this.” They say.

Where is my ladder through?
(even fish get one of those)

I guess God must think
me an excellent swimmer.

©Ali Grimshaw 2021

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Lacework – Poem by Ali Grimshaw

July 22, 2021July 22, 2021 ~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 43 Comments

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

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Not just another day – Poem by Ali Grimshaw

July 2, 2021July 3, 2021 ~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 4 Comments

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

How I Knew – Poem by Ali Grimshaw

June 25, 2021June 28, 2021 ~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 37 Comments

This tastes like the memory
of that simmering summer day.

I held a buttercup flower
under your chin, declaring
with the yellow glow of your skin,

"You like butter."

When you said, "Let me try,"

I knew we would be friends.

You were another
who wanted to see 
the colors for herself.

©Ali Grimshaw 2021

For Eugenia's prompt - Happiness

Give yourself space to let go 
Give yourself time to listen inward
Give yourself freedom to be

Join me for my next writing circle.
Self-Compassion Through Poetry: Writing Circle

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Backyard Haiku – By Ali Grimshaw

Image ~ June 24, 2021 ~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 6 Comments

For Shelby – Poem by Ali Grimshaw

June 22, 2021July 9, 2021 ~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 38 Comments

"All you have to do is write one true sentence.
Write the truest sentence that you know."
― Ernest Hemingway

round and wound snugly tight
we wrapped you 
with pockets of air 
to let the cold hurt breathe
before exhaling it with the laughter 

each small stitch a holding
of our unraveled hearts 
circled colors hitched secure
with homemade memory patterns 
our shared stories under stars

love appliqued for the winter months
loops small and strong to hold your weight in the wind
to keep your dreams collectively connected
securely anointed with our goodbye tears
tucked in tight for all nights

you will never be left
outside this handwoven
circle of arms

in each departing hand
a yarn of length kept warm
to remember you
in tomorrow's pocket

©Ali Grimshaw 2021

Dedicated to Shelby Case, reporter, writer and friend.

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Photo take in Bellingham, WA.

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Self-Compassion Through Poetry: Writing Circle,

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Access – A Poem By Ali Grimshaw

June 1, 2021 ~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 31 Comments

a poem is a door
opening backward
or sliding sideways
for full human viewing

a poem invites Awe's cousin
Curiosity, to join you for a seat
on a soft metaphor
then reminds you to lean back

a poem offers scaffolding 
for fear, for wonder
for whatever arrives next
with structure and airflow 
so nothing gets too stagnant

including you 
and passing light
through a green passageway

©Ali Grimshaw 2021

Photo taken in Porto, Portugal.

Quadrille "Curiosity" on dVerse Poet's Pub - Join the fun HERE

A Poet’s Flame – Poem by Ali Grimshaw

May 30, 2021 ~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 17 Comments

“They started to burn the poets

But ash makes for more fertile soil.” – Khet Thi


if they are only words
if they are only lines scratched in stone
if only poems from one heart 
how could they be so dangerous
to those with guns

so threatening 
that the flame of one 
must be put out

so powerful
that extinguishing one
wasn't enough

I hear the call of lost poets
their voices speak on 

to those willing to receive 

their light

I was stunned by this article, Where Poets Are Being Killed and Jailed After a Military Coup by Hannah Beech, New York Times. In honor of these lost poets I wanted to share their story. These words of mine feel so inadequate and that is why I am promising to remember the courage of these poets whenever I doubt the power of poetry.

May we find peace.

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Self-Compassion Through Poetry: Writing Circle,

Friday, June 25, 10:00 – 11:30 am PDT Register here

Photo by Paul Bulai on Unsplash

No Experience Needed – Poem by Ali Grimshaw

May 23, 2021 ~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 20 Comments

“Poetry is not only dream and vision; it is the skeleton architecture of our lives. It lays the foundations for a future of change, a bridge across our fears of what has never been before.” – Audre Lorde