© Alicia Grimshaw 2017
The shadow of beauty
In beauty’s shadow
a crisp line, clearly defined
elegance of shape
where darkness and light kiss,
yet keep their boundaries
brought forth by the sunlight
and those who choose to stand in it.
© Alicia Grimshaw 2017
Photo by Kirsten Schwabel (Thank you Kirsten for the beauty.)
Happy National Poetry Day 2017
Rest
Something other than sleep
more like jumping into water of coolness.
Not dreamland, but renewal of returning,
more like the thrill of meeting someone new,
in the skin of an old friend.
Diversion from daily tunnels of thought.
When was the last time your bare feet felt
the smooth tile of the lobby?
The feel of breath leaving your body
an elevator going down
a return to the ground floor.
An entrance to rest.
© Alicia Grimshaw 2017
Photo from Pixabay
She
With faint light in her eyes
hair awry and wiry
trodden down starting from the top
in the yellow sweatshirt that’s
consuming her hands
she shrinks inside
before turning the corner
a slight curve of her mouth
less than half a smile
easily missed by those
who have already decided
who she is.
© Alicia Grimshaw 2017
When you find a heart shaped mud puddle and make a wish…
Entangled
Cut yourself free
from the weight of all you have not forgiven
vitality constricted by past failures
a tangle of rope, that does not allow a full breath.
Tightening with each memory
of a time you did not stop it,
held mute as the words were flung your way,
didn’t stand up tall enough for yourself.
You carry fault for letting it happen.
Patterns of knots encircle your being.
Twisted, tight, wound round, a strangle of heavy.
If you would have been smarter, stronger, better …
tried just a little harder…
if you had only been more.
Use the knife, cut yourself free.
© Ali Grimshaw 2017
I am taking a stand to eliminate violence against women. Thank you to all of the organizations who reach out to help women in need each day.
#BeBoldForChange – International Women’s Day 2017
Mantra
True words
are unsinkable
they rise to the top
like oil on the surface.
The rocks you tied to them
never enough weight to drown
what you didn’t want shared, temporarily
kept hidden under your tongue.
True words will escape, eventually
Your enclosed truth
held hostage by fear
wants to fly.
Let it.
© Alicia Grimshaw 2017 Photo courtesy of Pixabay
Inspired by Monday Mantras and the word MANTRA -The literal Chinese translation of the word mantra is “true words.” Seek your truth and let this unique manta guide you through the week. Mine is “Trust the journey.”
Before Sunrise
Her only precious possession was morning.
The first few seconds upon waking,
feet still in the land of the dreaming.
Those few sacred moments of stillness
before the world around surrounded her
reappearing in predictable sound and color
to force her into the structured daylight
a day when she was to lead
the one expected of her.
© Alicia Grimshaw 2017
Photo taken on my trip to Italy, summer 2016.
A letter from Spring
Dear ones,
I know you think me gone forever.
Tire of windwhipped ears, frozen fingers,
numb toes dancing in boots to regain feeling.
I noticed your hesitation at the door, a pause to brace yourself
before the blast of chill. Your hope pushed down deep,
warm in your pocket, is crumbling.
Before you go off on another rant let me point out,
Forsythia is blooming now, right next door.
Just when you can’t take another day
I will return,
a fresh bouquet in my hands.
Your ever loving and loyal,
Spring
© Alicia Grimshaw 2017
Photo taken right in my own neighborhood.
Music from the field
If the grasses could sing,
a pure note from each blade
their chorus accompanied by
angled beams of light
on each swaying tip
beyond this
yet unheard melody
is my love for you.
© Ali Grimshaw 2017
flashlight batteries - Ali Grimshaw 