Locked up, but not away
cherished in a closed loop.
Desire for the everlasting
secured with full disclosure
of our imperfections. Rusty
raw, real acceptance.
The very charged electrical
zing between our eyes that
speak across the loud crowd
like a room gone silent just for us.
Our eyes say, we are forever.
© Ali Grimshaw 2018
Photo take in Vernazza, Italy – Beloved
Some see your failures
knocked down times in the dirt
I see your bravery for again and again
clear knowing of the cost to living
with your box lid on tight.
Determination to make your own view
a horizon few reach.
© Ali Grimshaw 2018
Photo by the talented Awar Meman. See his work on Instagram at pdxphotographer
© Ali Grimshaw 2018
He brings me leaves, one each day
a contrast in shape
varied vibrancy, coral to ripe peach
left on the kitchen counter
until evening arrives at our window.
Held in his palm, this single
donation, color story of today.
Our eyes meet the wrinkles, textured hues, imperfect edges.
Our hands hold a temporary prize between us
a cherishing.
Trees give without expecting
something in return. Thankfully,
so does he.
© Ali Grimshaw 2016
May you find someone to share the beauty of nature with today. Happy Thanksgiving.
How do you capture
a lifetime of fatherhood
put it down on the page?
Your voice in times of doubt
your hand on my shoulder
your cup always half full.
Yet, it wasn’t what you said
year after year that I remember most
you stood beside
you held up others
you lead with love.
You showed me.
Dedicated to my dearly loved father, Thomas Jenkins, who has fathered many over the years as an educator and coach. No words will ever be enough to tell you how much I love you.
© Alicia Grimshaw 2017
With love there is always room at the table.
Bring what you have to share
even if it is just a memory, a song.
Together we will make a meal to feed
not just our stomachs
our souls shall be satisfied
nourished through connection.
Your stories on my tongue
sweet and savory.
© Ali Grimshaw 2017
Celebrate #Loveuary with But I Smile Anyway…
Who decides where you fit in?
Walking into a room full of others
feeling like you don’t belong, not one of them.
Severed, the other, a misfit.
Open faces smile, glance your way.
But you have already closed the door
on belonging.
Doors open both ways. Exit this one.
Return again with this knowing
you are not held separate. Proving your worth
was never a requirement. The family of all things*
has been waiting for you.
Take this place, a space saved just for you.
Anywhere in the room will work.
Acceptance comes from inside.
* Acknowledgement to Mary Oliver’s words from her poem “Wild Geese”
© Ali Grimshaw 2016 (photo taken on the Oregon coast.)
When she fell
in her pain she was grateful,
to all those along the way who
patiently taught her how to rise to her feet.
showed her how to dust off,
heal the wounds,
start again.
After years of practice
she wasn’t afraid of falling anymore.
Dirty knees were honorable.
© Ali Grimshaw 2016
flashlight batteries - Ali Grimshaw 