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It is the season of contemplation – Poem by Ali Grimshaw

~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 36 Comments

“We have an inner window through which we can see the world, and though it gets cloudy in life, it’s our job to wipe it clean and see things as they really are.” – Sebastian Koch

It is the season of contemplation
a time of wanting to flee while knowing stillness is the way forward.

I am seeking windows of all sizes
expansive with weatherproof panes, outlooks rippled with time.

Views to heal my confusion between rain and questions.
A skylight to observe the assurance of passing moon.

As the headlines continue to scream, I find another window holding
steadiness of trunks wide and wise from centuries, leaves of rainshine.

Curtains of my imagination sway with a peaceful breeze.
There is another way, another view, a possibility of love yet found.

I unshutter pain to let the air in.

© Ali Grimshaw 2025

The seed of this poem came from a prompt on dVerse Poets Pub and this inspiring view from a cabin in Oregon. Every time I return to this photo it settles me. 

Come join a welcoming group of poets for Open Link Night - HERE. Link a poem of your choosing.

Each One of Many – Poem by Ali Grimshaw

~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 31 Comments

Hope is a muscle. It is a vigorous choice, to see what is wrong and what needs healing and needs repair and needs our attention and also to keep our hearts and our imaginations and our energy oriented towards what we want to build, what we want to create, what we’re walking towards. – Krista Tippett

if each person is a light
if we are billions of shades shifting into place

a musical kaleidoscopic view
of chromaticity
each piece a necessity of brilliant contrasts
an ever changing infinitely beautiful song

what splendor of possibilities
sparkles this world

if we chose ourselves 
as magnificent beings of change

hope in full color

© Ali Grimshaw 2023

Join me at dVerse Poets' for Open Link Night HERE.

Photo of stained glass skylight from Palau de la Música Catalana, Barcelona, Spain 2018. If you ever visit Barcelona don’t miss this space.

Deliciousness – Poem by Ali Grimshaw

~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 30 Comments 
What happiness can arrive
when sunlight's retreat paints

leaves cherry crush, berry swirl
butterscotch eye candy

walking through an ordinary Monday
your hand in mine, we breathe the awe
 
street lined masterpieces
colored by a lack of chlorophyll

less of something  
created more today

© Ali Grimshaw 2020

Another yummy tree in my Portland, Oregon neighborhood.

Join in the fun at dVerse Open Link Night HERE

Inherited – Poem by Ali Grimshaw

~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 30 Comments

“What we carry defines who we are. And the effort we make is our legacy.” ~Mitch Albom

I carry
your laugh.
How it starts small, a rolling whisper 
then snowballs to a full round of roaring joy.

I carry
your hands.
How your fingers thread mine
snug and loose at the same time woven.

I carry
your story memories
holding me gently close
while always leaving breathing room
growth space for my expansion.

©Ali Grimshaw 2022

Join a welcoming community of poets 
at dVerse Open Link Night #321 - HERE.

Sandals in November – Poem by Ali Grimshaw

~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 37 Comments 
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
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