Thinking in reverse
months tip, like dominos
to revisit that summer day.
Longing for this cleansing pool,
offering of chilled calmness
encircled by stone, here I joined
the river of slow movement,
pulling at my rapid pulse.
Plucking the notes ever slower.
Heartbeat dissolving
until I was
just being
water.
© Ali Grimshaw
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
When the crack widens
to an unknown view.
Fear seeks this space
between rough edges
quickly slides in
expanding like a balloon
a barricade of shadow to
seal the sides solid.
Yet seekers of light
will never be blinded
by such tricks of perspective.
When eyes look with love
illumination is present and
forgiveness sets another place
at the table.
© Ali Grimshaw 2017
Dedicated to the shortest day of the year, the miraculous world we live in and all of those who make the world a better place by giving their light.
Winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere was at 8:28 AM today.
By knowing you,
I find myself.
Now and 90 years wrinkled.
My doubts don’t exist in your eyes.
You see the chipped edges
scars of failed attempts
places worn raw from not retreating.
The rough, abeyant curves of my puzzle.
You see my essence of spirit
gently hold it all up,
a mirror before me,
now I can see,
for myself,
who I am becoming.
Revised version of the original poem shared in 2016
© Ali Grimshaw 2017
My poem, Visiting With Chaos, has been published today on Vita Brevis. This literary magazine is dedicated to revive and nourish the rich existential literature that forms when art and the human endeavor collide. Thank you Vita Brevis for supporting the community of writers. Through poetry we can calm our minds, share the human experience and laugh together to keep our sanity. Life is short, poetry helps make the most of it.
An additional thank you to Carl who first published this poem on Versewrights .
Make it a beautiful day.
Ali
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.
Leaves play tag in the breeze
as cars chase green lights.
I am the only stillness
in the city this hour.
Living without permission
no need to ask, “Am I allowed?”
The leaves don’t ask to dance
down the sidewalk.
I grant myself this moment
this sunlight soak before
winter darkness.
© Ali Grimshaw 2017
flashlight batteries - Ali Grimshaw 