They called her crazy an attempt to freeze her with jeers, never understanding that she chose to avoid too much comfort. Empathy would always be her closest friend. Arm in arm, they would walk in sandals through November frost. Warmed only by desire for connection. A step toward those who had no shoes. © Ali Grimshaw 2020
Willing Hearts Separated by time and space Yet, physical distance holds no power over hearts willing to listen and reflect- Not actually separated after all By Kelley Morris You can find more of her poems here pianogirlthoughts
I have never met Kelley in person but I feel
connected to her. We were once strangers
living in separate states, then she joined a
writing circle. I listen to her words and I
came to know her. Coming together, with
women like Kelley, across physical distance
to cherish poems and write together is
generating hope. It is my heartwork to
facilitate a safe space for you to hear your
own voice and experience authentic connect
with others through writing together. I have
written with people from Europe, Canada and
all over the U.S, and every time we are
inspired by the circle.
Thank you Kelley for sharing your voice.
Curious about giving it a try? Sign up below.
sky I see the sky, the blue, the cloud; and at night, the stars, the moon, the planets. You see the sky, don’t you? the same sky…yes? Could it be, that although the miles, our experiences, separate us… we are still connected? We are the same. you are here and I am there, or I am here and you are there. The same sky…wherever we are. Carrie Cannady October 14, 2020 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 here. I continue to meet amazing women across different time zones. Writing together provides a mirror for us to process life in a safe place where we have all agreed to listen with compassion. Interested in joining a writing circle? Email met at coaching@aligrimshaw.com
I want to launch into the air a thousand words of love. Handwritten and in every font, (even the unpopular ones) lines and curves that will rise and carry us forward upon touch, and to accompany these words, send the sounds that bring us alive, like birdsong, a child’s laugh or footsteps echoing toward home. Release them as a million messages to freely be carried by the breezes that reach us all, to land on building tops and crosswalks, to fall in the teacups of the grieving, in the tangled hair of skipping children, to settle on weary parkbench sleepers, cling to the yet delivered news traveling with the sunlight to the next continent, let the words land on the bare hands of the parched and weary like raindrops on the skin of those that need it most.
I pause here to take a breath and now realize you are still listening. How generous of you.
What do you want to launch into today?
I’m listening.
© Ali Grimshaw 2020
Join us for Open Link Night on dVerse
Cee’s B&W Photo Challenge: Outside of Your Home or View – Oregon Coast
absent stood out on the page of my day, like sharp yellow highlighter, a biting bright contrast, to your slight soft smile. Remembering our laughter mixed with warm sunlight smell of blackberries, overripe with the end of this season, some clinging to the vine. © Alicia Grimshaw 2019 As we shift to the next, there is a tension of holding on and letting go. I feel this as I experience goodbyes and new places. Sending love to anyone who is saying farewell and transitioning with this season. Let's welcome in the new colors that arrive with this change.
“Poetry might be defined as the clear expression of mixed feelings.” W.H. Auden, New Year Letter
In this time of change, I am keeping my eyes on love and offering a safe space to gather for reflection. There is much to process each day. Without an intentional pause I notice how easy it is for my brain to experience emotional overload. Poems provide an opportunity for slowing down, to pause. Writing together is an invitation to pause in the wonder of this day and remember we are alive. Every voice is welcome.
Join a small, online group to
You will have the opportunity to connect more deeply with yourself, through your own writing, as well as through the writing shared by others. By offering a safe environment, through reflective listening, this workshop will support participants in expressing their authentic voice.
No writing experience needed. Group maximum 6 participants.
We will meet virtually using Zoom.
Somedays we may need to return to the nest lined with words of hope, blanketed by belief in our ability to fly again. Somedays we may need to hold ourselves leaning into curved sides of this small structure built by someone who loved us. © Ali Grimshaw 2020 dVerse Poet's Pub - Quadrille #113: Blanket Us
Painted leaves sing in unison Unlike music, their song is soundless harmony. This orchestra of glow soothes the tempo of an internal pounding from a day of instruments that refused to play the same song. Fall catches you with muted volume a serenade of equilibrium let the blushing colors sing you home. © Alicia Grimshaw (rewrite of 2018 poem)
Whose fault is it? Were you the one who left it undone? Did she really say say it that way or was it just play? Why didn't you leave sooner rather than later? Did it get better? Was he to blame? Should I feel shame? When did it all start mattering so much? Is it ok to touch? What is there to do? Are you wondering too? Where is the starting line now? What are the rules in play? Are you even in the race? Do you want to be? © Ali Grimshaw 2020 dVerse Poet's Pub - Open Link Night. Come join us here.
Leave the dirt on.... Messy, scrambled words Striving for control How I am perceived How I am received Oh! You want me to show you my skinned knee, my bruised heart, my bad dream? My words, without my edits, will show you the twisted, rambling trail I have taken to get here. Are you sure you can keep up? By Nancy A. Musgrove
I am grateful for Nancy’s permission to share her poem from the writing circle here. I continue to meet amazing women across different time zones. Writing together provides a mirror for us to process life in a safe place where we have all agreed to listen with compassion. Interested in joining a writing circle? Email met at coaching@aligrimshaw.com
flashlight batteries - Ali Grimshaw 