poem

Strength Training

~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 5 Comments

Today

I possess the power

to return your judgemental gaze

with full ownership of who I am.

“Yes, this is me.”

A me of mistakes,

fearless learning,

repeated crashing and rising,

heart wide open

scars and wounds visible

capable of the unimaginable

love of Herculean strength.

I won’t ever fit in your box.

I am my own coloring book.

© Ali Grimshaw

Years of Isolation

~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 16 Comments

A need for self protection

more fierce, more essential

than life itself.

The consuming energy of keeping her heart safe.

The waning strength to keep the walls fortified.

To give without receiving.

To live without wanting

A game of survival that she only knew

how to play alone.

© Ali Grimshaw

 

By Myself

~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 3 Comments

Alone is different

than loneliness.

connection, a link, from one to the other.

not trusting, disbelief, an arm’s length away.

impenetrable invisible cushion

keeps me hidden even

when you think I am there.

Will I let you know me?

The jury is still out.

© Ali Grimshaw

 

 

 

 

Procrastinator’s List

~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 4 Comments

imageMy list is overflowing,

letters fall off the page,

some words jump

knowing they will get more attention elsewhere.

Many items tired of being ignored

have started a support group.

finish is used to making friends by now.

Each longs for special alone time with me

eagerly waiting for the big day

the black line drawn

through their middle.

The gold medal of achievement.

© Ali Grimshaw

The Poetry of List Making 

Elevation

~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 2 Comments

Right now, sitting in this chair

the distance covered remains unseen.

Many treacherous miles between your first step

and where you have now arrived.

Climb the roof. Stand tall upon it.

Without hesitation see the trodden path

streams crossed, soggy socks, sunburnt ears

blistered, lost toenails, a little bruised.

Criss-cross scratches, hillside slides.

There is no shame for the road traveled.

You have traversed

this view is for you alone.

© Alicia Grimshaw