We are shaped by what we give with effort or easily generous, open handed in the full light of day. We are shaped again by what we are tenative in receiving or open armed in our willingness believing ourselves worthy. How my shape has changed by the years of you rubbing against each other burnishing us both to copper shine. ©Ali Grimshaw 2022
“Poetry is not only dream and vision; it is the skeleton architecture of our lives. It lays the foundations for a future of change, a bridge across our fears of what has never been before.” – Audre Lorde Come write, throw your words on the wall like paint. Splattering in playful revealing. See which ones stick. Watch which ones fall or slide down the wall. Your words want out to frollick in the sun to show you hope lives on. Holding our words with listening care, teasured gently in open hands we hear their song see them as foreground aglow in luscious hues where you will sit in their light. ©Ali Grimshaw 2022
I am a blade of grass held by other blades surrounding. One blade in a field of many. Close together/alone. Our sides hold us faces to the sky. Reaching toward sunlight side by side in directions wide. None to be flattened. © Ali Grimshaw 2022
I continue to meet big-hearted humans across different time zones. Writing together provides a mirror for us to process life in a place where we have all agreed to listen with compassion. Come join us for a writing circle. No experience needed. All voices are welcome.
Write Yourself: Reflection Through Poetry
Sat, February 12, 2022 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM PST
Now is the only time that matters Say goodbye to what is gone. No matter its importance then now is a new beginning. We get attached to our words, to-do lists, the shoulds and woulds that we tell ourselves. They keep us tied to the past. Fill us with regret and doubt for the next step forward. Now is the only time that matters. By Val Boyko I am grateful for Val's permission to share her poem from a recent writing circle. You can find more of her poems and yoga offerings here, www.FindYourMiddleGround.com. It has been an amazing to write with Val across the many miles, hear her experiences and find connection with someone who started out as a stranger and now is a friend. I continue to meet big-hearted humans across different time zones. Writing together provides a mirror for us to process life in a place where we have all agreed to listen with compassion. Come join us for a writing circle. Write Yourself: Reflection Through Poetry Saturday, January 29, 2022 Click HERE for more information and registration. No experience needed. All voices welcome. Photo taken at Smith Rock State Park
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” - Martin Luther King Jr I teach them. I teach them about the magic eraser of fresh starts far more valuable than double digit multiplication or how to identify an adverb. I teach them. I teach them to listen for their own questions ones that lift and spring forth aliveness. The ones that come from within. I teach them. I teach them in the hot and cold times heartbreak tsunami, within or without walls. They are my living hope, my wonder. I teach them and I receive the beauty of their being. © Ali Grimshaw 2022 Mural created by the 5th grade students of Mr. Bowen'class at Oak Creek Elementary. I am honored to support the students and teachers of this amazing school. Stay strong.
I built a bridge to you using marshmallows and glue It was worth the sticky effort then it melted in the rain. I threw a magic ruby rope woven with sparkles of hope singing enchantments to call you closer. I dug a river of blue inviting a float on my skin to pull you within but you preferred to fly. I nested a home for myself cocooned through my pain. With a change in the winds on a zephyr you rode in. © Ali Grimshaw 2022 dVerse Open LInk Night #307 - Join in HERE Photo take at the fantastic Chihuly Garden last summer when I was still traveling.
Writing together is a beautiful method of letting go, highlighting what is worth holding on to, and listening inward. It is a playful journey and a great way to make friends from distant places. Join me for a writing circle as we start a new year.
Write Yourself: Reflection Through Poetry. 1/15/22, 10:30 AM PST – Click HERE
Wishing you peace and wellness in 2022.
Ali
During darkest of seasons.
I tinsel you with light,
my face giving its full glow.
Your apple-cheeks of radiance
champions of joy for
encounters with newcomers,
or friends. Christmas tree
or not. I will decorate you
with loveshine.
Not a bulb between us unlit.
© Ali Grimshaw 2021
dVerse Poets Pub - Open Link NIght
Join us to connect with poets around the world. HERE
Photo taken at a past Portland Winter Lights Festival.
It is perfect way to escape Winter darkness in Februrary.
Do birds tweet tips to build the ultimate nest the perfect moss, twigs and feathers, compare upgrades while glancing at neighboring trees? Are their morning songs full of howtos improvements for the hatching experience which worms provide ultimate first year growth? Do they evaluate whose chick flies first beak prodding, edging young to the side of the nest? Do whales train for the record breaking swim gossip about sleek oils to reduce resistance, or share tips for secret feeding grounds? Do they nose their young to be better, faster, more than the last generation in hope of survival? Do they feel the temperature change of homeland waters and wonder? What does it mean to live up to your full potential? Who decides what that looks like while growing inside a cage of culture we have been born into? More is better or not, faster? Further? More fragile? What says the wisdom of each being? When have I last heard my beating heart? © Ali Grimshaw 2021 Join us at dVerse Open LInk Night - HERE
To Know You by Kelley Morris Oh, that I would not Miss the chance To know you Past your likes Past your dislikes The chance To offer time As a gift for us both- After all, that is The only way We truly connect Occupying The same space In the physical In the technological Either has the ability To spark the same magic Oh, that I would not Miss the chance To know you Due to the foolishness Of a word Such as busy- Is there really such a thing, anyway? I am grateful for Kelley's permission to share her poem from a recent writing circle. You can find more of her poems here, pianogirlthoughts.com. Kelley lives in Oklahoma, I in Oregon. I never would have had the chance to know her if she hadn't joined a writing circle. It has been an amazing to write with her across the many miles, hear her experiences and find connection with someone who started out as a stranger and now is a friend. I continue to meet big-hearted humans across different time zones. Writing together provides a mirror for us to process life in a place where we have all agreed to listen with compassion. Come join us for a writing circle. No experience needed. All voices are welcome. Photo taken November 2021, Bozeman, Montana.
flashlight batteries - Ali Grimshaw 