it may seem obvious but once you begin tangles will grow a lie's life all it's own vines wound round tightened with retelling knotted numbers of mistruths curled to choke your heart from the inside out disrupting the ecosystem of yourself edging toward extinction ©Ali Grimshaw 2021 What's in a word? Quadrille for dVerse Poets Pub - Join a friendly community of poets HERE
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Airborne – Poem by Ali Grimshaw

releasing herself to the sky to feel the lift let her weight trust in the invisible courage of currents surf soaring free up, over and through this unexpected windscape surrendering her need to know to resolve to figure it out arms wide, in full float with the faith of a bird that doesn't remember a day without flight or a time of being grounded ©Ali Grimshaw 2021 dVerse Open Link Night - Join in the fun HERE. Photo taken in Bozeman, Montana, USA.
Beyond Survival – Poem by Ali Grimshaw
I am in the trough between crests of fear a briefness then surprise I let another wave pass through me after the cold slap initial sting, I realize I am still here It is unexpected knowing my history of being pulled under Now I tread my legs strongly sure lift my face skyward with dare ©Ali Grimshaw 2021
Let’s change the way we talk about depression and suicide. Here is a link to the full article Why mental health advocates use the words ‘died by suicide’, from which these valuable points were gathered.
Please use “died by suicide,” instead of “committed suicide,” as it removes culpability from the person who has lost their life and allows a discussion about the disease or disorder from which they were suffering. Let’s move away from blame toward compassionate language.
Not everyone who suffers from depression will have suicidal thoughts. And not everyone who has suicidal thoughts will act on them.
“Speak with your loved one about how they are feeling and encourage help-seeking by way of the many resources available, including the American Association for Suicide Prevention and American Association of Suicidology.
Be direct in your conversations. Dr. Klich finds that because suicide is so stigmatized (and also, just a really tough thing to talk about), people tend to skirt around the issue, or even unintentionally steer victims of suicidal thoughts toward a reassuring answer.
Confidential support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by way of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-TALK)
Some of the Time – Poem by Ali Grimshaw

Let me hold space for your voice to appear on the page.
Self-Compassion Through Poetry: Writing Circle
Friday, May 21, 8:30 – 10:00 am PDT. Register here
Tickets are by donation.
Unexpected joy – Poem by Ali Grimshaw
a gathering of cells multiplying magnificent a seed inside breathing being and no one even knew that you had begun arriving, small magic happening inside the womb she went about her day hanging laundry in her quiet way while the message of you grew © Ali Grimshaw 2021 An early Mother's Day poem. Quadrille Monday on dVerse
Poems from the Circle
up to me fitting in is not required. it’s not even necessary. how could any of us fit a mold that is not ours? who made the mold anyway? why did I never question this generational imperative to be someone or something I was not ever intended to be – or become? I question it now. I release it now – today. I free myself to be… me. all that I am, and all I can be is up to me. By Carrie Cannady April 2021 You can find more of Carrie's poems and reflective wisdom here at Leadourlives.net
I am grateful for Carrie’s permission to share her poem from the writing circle. I continue to meet amazing women across different time zones. Writing together provides a mirror for us to process life in a place where we have all agreed to listen with compassion. Come join us for a writing circle. Tickets are by donation.
Self-Compassion Through Poetry: Writing Circle Friday, May 7, 10:00 am PDT. Register here
Self-Compassion Through Poetry: Writing Circle Friday, May 21, 8:30 am PDT. Register here
The Sound of Brilliance
I am honored to have several poems included in the first anthology produced by The Short of It. These pages contain the remarkable work of forty-one unique poets and writers in a variety of forms and styles. They are astute observations about living, emotions, and our world.
You may purchase the paperback or the eBook from Amazon. Click the underlined link below for the version you would prefer.
Thank you to Susi Blocks of, I Write Her, for including my poems. Click HERE for future submission information.
Thank you readers for supporting poetry.
Why bother?
please in consideration of what won't be created, written or healed where we will work, play and give who won't be fed, sheltered, or freed who won't be loved what won't happen if we don't unless we are at least a bit bothered today © Ali Grimshaw 2021 Come share your Quadrille on dVerse - HERE Napowrimo 2021
Poetry has arms – Poem by Ali Grimshaw
Poetry has arms to reach beyond borders stretch across isles swim channels of shame while handing our fresh hankies for tears of lost love Poetry has arms to hold, comfort, and allow for all to be felt the sharp, the cut wide open with acceptance Poetry pushes no one away All are welcome through this doorway © Ali Grimshaw 2021 Come write with us. Self-Compassion Through Poetry: Writing Circle Fri, May 7, 2021 10:00 - 11:30 AM PDT Click HERE for more information Let me hold space for your voice. Join a wonderful community of poets for dVerse Open Link Night - HERE
Someday – Poem by Ali Grimshaw

When I grow up I want to be a river a flow of ease clear and welcoming reflecting forest green. I want to feel the slide and shine over pebbles smooth and freely wandering down the mountainside no obstacles only friends. © Ali Grimshaw 2021 Day 12 of Na/GloPoWriMo. I went rouge with my urge for freedom and didn't follow the prompt.





