flashlight batteries 2019

December 30, 2019 ~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 22 Comments

As we connect across the globe, I am wondering what we are seeking to lift us as we evolve? There have been countless voices that have kept me going through tough days. Poems from past and present. I am grateful for each brave voice around the world that doesn’t give up. Each of us has a voice that matters. Now I am wondering how to use mine. I started this blog as an act of giving, of reaching out to others who may feel alone.

Thinking about the power of poetry made me curious as to which poems showed up with the most views this year on flashlight batteries. Here are the top three. All of these poems speak of love, hope and a need to believe in ourselves. I am wondering if this says anything about what people are looking for or needing to hear to move forward. What words of encouragement are you looking for in 2020?

Theory of the Undaunted

hold spontaneity in one hand
hold courage in the other

after hesitation kisses you goodbye
jump into your future

let possibility
fully fill your lungs

float untethered, without
holding your breath

until the shore
disrobes the fog

then swim with the passion
of another year
you never thought
you would have.

© Ali Grimshaw 2019

Deciduous

Pulse

I promise to keep shining my light even when I am in doubt.

Will you keep shining yours?

Happy New Year and thanks for your many inspiring responses in 2019.

Ali

Yours in mine – Poem by Ali Grimshaw

December 22, 2019December 27, 2019 ~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 33 Comments

Can we just hold hands,
stop the world
and just hold hands?
Yours in mine.
Hers in hers.
His in theirs.
Fingers intwined
bridge across
to touch.

One Word Sunday – Hands

Solstice Lanterns

December 20, 2019 ~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 15 Comments

When the crack widens to an unknown view
fear can squeeze in between rough edges of darkness

quickly slide in, expanding like a balloon
barricade of shadow to seal the entrance.

Yet seekers of light will never be dismayed by tricks of perspective
their wisdom of the season’s shifting songs sing them forward.

When eyes look with love, illumination is present for all
allowing forgiveness to set another place at the table

where lanterns burn long into the night.

Dedicated to all of those who make the world a better place by generously giving their light.

If you happen to be in Vancouver BC, Canada on Saturday December 21, check out their 26th Annual Winter Solstice Lantern Festival put on by the Secret Lantern Society. Even if you can’t go, you will find their website inspiring with free community events including a labyrinth of light and workshops to make lanterns. What beauty communities can create when they come together.

Look again

December 18, 2019 ~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 14 Comments

Love is there, open

for you, arms outstretched to

embrace, let it be.

© Ali Grimshaw 2019

Hopeful Intention

December 12, 2019 ~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 52 Comments

What do you hold onto
when the bottom drops out
leaving you foundationless?

Your roof carried away by a tornado.
Left only with blankness and a pen
you forgot was in your hand.

I draw myself a new house
openness of windows, tin roof to hear rain
a welcome door without requirements

with the hope that you feel safe enough to visit
uncensored, just as you are not
when you leave the premises

“Active Hope is a practice.

Since Active Hope doesn’t require our optimism, we can apply it even in areas where we feel hopeless. The guiding impetus is intention; we choose what we aim to bring about, act for, or express. Rather than weighing our chances and proceeding only when we feel hopeful, we focus on our intention and let it be our guide.”

– Joanna Macy, respected voice in the movements for peace, justice, and ecology.

dVerse – Open Link Night

32 Degrees – Poem by Ali Grimshaw

December 7, 2019 ~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 21 Comments

The quiet between us
like floating icebergs
frostbit tongues in stillness.

Is it that we have forgotten what to say
misplaced our formula to speak,
a habitual slow retreat to safety?

“What are you thinking about?”

“Nothing.”

I am uncertain how to start the
defrost cycle.

First shared on The Drabble

Liberation – poem by Ali Grimshaw

December 2, 2019December 3, 2019 ~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 43 Comments

Within this cold capsule
unable to expand, frozen
limbs ache with limitations
of tight thoughts.

let thaw my mind
melting madness, tips to toes
until I sting with vitality
of circulation returning.

unwilling to still my spirit
any longer, wind brings
deliverance of movement.

December Quadrille – dVerse

Character

November 22, 2019 ~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 20 Comments

I hate to tell you this

considering years of embellishment
toward your deceitful, tough guy

unruly reputation,
but I see a small

crack in your story
sliver width, just wide enough

some truth slipped through

No one is listening yet
your secret remains safe

dVerse – Quadrille: Take a crack

who am i – poem from whisperthatecho

Quote ~ November 22, 2019 ~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 2 Comments

What is love to me.
What is love?
What am i to love.
What am i?

Who are you to me.
Who are you?
Who are we to them.
Who are we?

Where are we to Mars.
Where are we?
Where am i to you.
Where am i?

What is love to me.
What is love?
Who am i to love.
Who am i?

I don’t often share poems from other blog sites but this one speaks so clearly to me of the simple power of love. Soak it in. who am i, from the blog Whisperthatecho