poem

My light is shining – Poetry by Ali Grimshaw

~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 19 Comments

I am grateful to be a part of the Stafford Challenge Anthology 2024-25 which includes 200 poems from an international community of poets who committed to writing a poem a day for a year.

Featuring original work from acclaimed poets like Kim Stafford, Naomi Shihab Nye, CMarie Fuhrman, and more, this collection represents just a fraction of the thousands of poems written between January 17, 2024, and January 16, 2025, by the poets of The Stafford Challenge community. Inspired by the daily writing practice of William Stafford, these writers—from seasoned poets to those discovering their voices—dedicated themselves to this yearlong poetic journey, and each poem here stands as a tribute to that commitment.

This collection is a celebration of the creative spirit, dedicated to anyone who has ever felt the deep pull of language, creativity, and the desire to express something potent and true.

Purchasing Options

The Stafford Challenge 2024-25 Anthology can be found in both paperback and ebook formats at all major bookstores and retailers. Please use the links below for our preferred purchasing options.

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Experiments in growing – Poem by Ali Grimshaw

~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 40 Comments 


wanting full sun while full well knowing I am a shade plant

as hours of sunlight in our landscape keep shifting

seeing us wilting 

I am willing to consider transplanting

while irrigating with honesty 

wondering weeds away 

trusting rainclouds and the pollination between us 
© Ali Grimshaw 2025 - Photo taken on a lovely Colorado farm.

Join a welcoming group of poets at dVerse Poets’ Pub. Quadrille Monday. HERE

Put your imagination to work – Poem by Ali Grimshaw

~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 17 Comments 
"Imagine a garbage can," she said, "whatever size you desire."

My garbage can was the extra large green container the type you pull to the curb so big you can't lift it. I saw myself throwing in rocks of worry, dirt clods of sorrow, and flinging feelings of anxiety. All these emotions turned into things I could hold and heave. They all landed in the can with a satisfying sound. 

"Now watch it be hauled away by the truck."

I wanted that relief of seeing it all carried away but instead I said, "I need another one."

Her voice replied, "You can have as many as you need."

© Ali Grimshaw 2025

Photo taken in Amsterdam, 2019.

Awakening – Poem by Ali Grimshaw

~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 29 Comments 


I have fallen out of practice.

This morning I missed seeing the beautiful distraction 
that you are, that you have always been.

You grinning at the hummingbird in the window.
You stomping down the stairs to begin the day
rushing in to kiss me on the cheek.
You humming while sweeping through the doorway

I missed the generosity of you
and now
it is Thursday already.

When did I fall so heavily asleep
to have lost my noticing? 

© Ali Grimshaw 2025

Join us over at dVerse Poets' Pub for Open Link Night. Link one poem of your choice and have fun reading the poetry of others in this welcoming community. - HERE.

Photo taken in Lisbon, Portugal. I fell in love with the murals there.

My (Not Doing) List – Poem by Ali Grimshaw

~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 36 Comments 

feed fear with unreal reels

worry about my forgetfulness

get rid of the unwanted flab under my arms

build my knowledge of astrophysics

whiten my teeth or make my oven sparkle

catalog boxes of dust collectors

perfect the way I manage my time

hesitate to sing regardless of location

find a way to get him to talk to me

obsess on how to be better balanced

wait for better weather to begin

© Ali Grimshaw 2025

Join us over at dVerse Poets' Pub for Open Link Night. Link one poem of your choice and have fun reading the poetry of others in this welcoming community. - HERE.

One Day They Knew – Poem by Ali Grimshaw

~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 17 Comments 

and they signed up to become listeners for the collective
pledging their ears to receive the full telling of each
without rejection of a single tale or truth

a willingness to learn this craft of the heart
essential for survival of the whole

most understood this was more than an occupation
it would become their way of being for a lifetime

to cradle the words of each speaker
holding tender the unthinkable

without judgement 

© Ali Grimshaw 2025
Photo taken in Croatia 2023.

Could it be this simple? – Poem By Ali Grimshaw

~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 46 Comments 


Dancing across language barriers
hands collectively repair.

We reside just a hoot and a holler away
from each others' doorsteps.

We are Team Earth,
shining golden against gunmetal gray.

Let's shovel out resignation 
plant a tree, then another.

I will bring the watering can.

©Ali Grimshaw 2025

I created this small artwork based on my love of trees. Team Earth, I am always on your side.

Join a friendly community of poets HERE
at dVerse Poetry Pub for a fun quadrille challenge.
What do you give a hoot about?

And if we did – Poem by Ali Grimshaw

~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 19 Comments

A big thank you to editor Barbara Leonhard for publishing my poem, And if we did. This poem came from an inquiry about what I assume and the power of sitting with the question, “What am I assuming to be true?” I invite you to visit MasticadoresUsa to read the poem, enjoy the poetry of others, and share your thoughts.

Thank you to the many, many poets who keep our hearts alive during challenging times.

Join in Open Link Night at dVerse Poets’ Pub HERE. Share a poem of your choice and meet a friendly community of poets.

Remember when we used to call each other? – Poem by Ali Grimshaw

~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 12 Comments 



soft
giggles
like crumbs of encouragement

warm
murmurs
like holding a shaking hand

pillows of 
intention
there to catch you

if,
just if.

©Ali Grimshaw 2025

Photo of a happy summer memory and young lovers. 
We are stronger together.