invasive species – Poem by Ali Grimshaw

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

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

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

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.

Paperback
eBook

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.