Where to Write From
You might think that
to be a poet
you must have a
way with words
You can keep thinking that
more room for me
You might think you
must reach way down
in the weeds
pulling out muddy roots
from your sodden brain
or recall in detail
places of distinction
You might think you
must go heart searching
to find phenomenal
fodder for verse
or have personal connections
with the waves, the sun,
the moon and the stars
There are those
who have done that
But really you might be
content to write frilly froth
of fabled fellows
Or maybe, just maybe
you’ll surprise yourself,
crawl down deep like an
a spelunking explorer
to places in yourself
you haven’t been
or yet even noticed
By Lilli Ann Carey
I am grateful for Lilli Ann's permission to share her poem
from a recent writing circle. Writing together provides a
mirror for us to process life in a safe place. Each of us has
words that matter. Within the writing circle we nourish them.
Curious? Email met at coaching@aligrimshaw.com
I love the Oregon Coast. This photo is from my most recent visit. It is often while walking down the beach that my mind travels off on inspirational tangents. I have been thinking a lot in the past year about the reasons that we give after something has happened. Those seeds grew into a poem. This poem, The Reasons, is up on Visual Verse where each month they supply a compelling image and invite writers – published or unpublished – to submit a piece in response. There are so many wonderful writings this month. I encourage you to head over there for some entertaining reading. Consider giving the writing challenge a try next month. Here's the link, Visual Verse
Thank you to Visual Verse for sharing my voice.
“Poetry offers the world something that’s small enough to carry close to your heart, and big enough to carry all of the ordinary things that can be encompassed in any one day.” — Pádraig Ó Tuama
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
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
"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.”
- JacquelineNovogratz500th
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
“It’s not the weight you carry
but how you carry it –
books, bricks, grief –
it’s all in the way
you embrace it, balance it, carry it
–from Mary Oliver, “Heavy”
flashlight batteries - Ali Grimshaw 