To Know You by Kelley Morris
Oh, that I would not
Miss the chance
To know you
Past your likes
Past your dislikes
The chance
To offer time
As a gift for us both-
After all, that is
The only way
We truly connect
Occupying
The same space
In the physical
In the technological
Either has the ability
To spark the same magic
Oh, that I would not
Miss the chance
To know you
Due to the foolishness
Of a word
Such as busy-
Is there really such a thing, anyway?
I am grateful for Kelley's permission to share her poem from a recent writing circle. You can find more of her poems here, pianogirlthoughts.com. Kelley lives in Oklahoma, I in Oregon. I never would have had the chance to know her if she hadn't joined a writing circle. It has been an amazing to write with her across the many miles, hear her experiences and find connection with someone who started out as a stranger and now is a friend.
I continue to meet big-hearted humans 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. No experience needed. All voices are welcome.
Photo taken November 2021, Bozeman, Montana.
“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
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 atLeadourlives.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
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 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
flashlight batteries - Ali Grimshaw 