© Ali Grimshaw
Regardless of the holiday you choose… I wish you peace and love.
© Ali Grimshaw
love
Brokenness Between Us
When you have stomped on
the trust we had between us
flattening it
to a paper thinness so transparent
few fibers left to hold the oneness of us.
After the debris is cleared away, thorns and boulders
removed with the owning of your actions.
Damage control is called in
cracks that can only be filled
with risking to love you
again with my whole being.
No hesitation or waiting period required.
I am all in.
© Ali Grimshaw
Where do you belong?
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.)
Let’s go down to the river.
Let the current caress
ripples lap at your errors
knee deep in, “I can’t believe I did that.”
wash away mistakes of this day
to leave the clear clarity of water.
Toes numb from cold reality.
Stepping out onto the bank
with new beginnings dripping
from your feet.
© Alicia Grimshaw
As I was finishing this poem I remembered this old spiritual song. It is amazing how our minds work. I had not heard or thought of this song for many years. I have been humming it for days thinking of the countless others who sang this same song going back, year after year after year. I somehow feel a connection with those voices from the past. If you want to hear it click on this link to youtube. Let’s Go Down To The River To Pray.
Sending a package
I will write you blue sky
sunlight on yellow flowers.
I will write you a single snowflake
magnified in all its delicate brilliance.
I will write you a cocoon of comfort
a blanket of love you have never known
a full envelope, arriving on the wind, for the day
you need it most.
© Alicia Grimshaw 2016
Photo taken on a family trip to Italy 2016.
When your hurt is my hurt…
My light is shining.
A big shout out to the blog, The Drabble, for generously sharing one of my poems today, The Field. It is an honor to be a part of your blog. Follow the link to give it a read and visit their wonderful collection of poetry. Then take a look at their new quarterly e-zine, The Drabble Quarterly.
Connecting with readers from around the world gives me a feeling of hope. I can’t say thank you enough for reading my words and sharing your comments with me. Let’s keep spreading love across the world. We are all part of the human family.
Be well,
Ali
PS This photo was taken in Seattle, WA. This is the famous gum wall. Anyone is free to participate by leaving some gum behind to mark their visit.
When you say goodbye…
Sunlight’s Condolences
Sometimes sunlight falls on your window.
beams of warmth flood in even if undeserving.
The only needed action, opening the curtains.
My window doesn’t offer me any favors this morning.
It is my neighbor’s turn to be touched by light,
her sobs echoing through the wall, my
contentment in the weather offering up support
I don’t know how to give.
No one should be alone in grief
without warmth from another.
© Ali Grimshaw
This poem was inspired by the Pic And A Word Challenge – Windows #64
The Pic and a Word Challenge is a weekly creativity prompt offered on Sunday mornings.
My Leaf Man
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
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.
flashlight batteries - Ali Grimshaw 