Before I walk away,
returning to a new season of my life,
let’s rewind this journey for one
last view. The thrills, near misses,
and countless conversations melted together,
making me the true color I have become.
Wherever I am
is your home
to come back to.
© Alicia Grimshaw
Once balanced on their ends
the squares fall, one nudging the other.
A tumbling of memories,
replaying like a film made from still pictures.
held together by a plot that used to make sense.
Now I hold a new appreciation for the structure
that held them in place for years. The straining sides
that were keeping order, now dissolved,
layers becoming a ferris wheel of change
arriving as a new shape on the floor.
© Ali Grimshaw
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
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
I miss the days of your eyes
a yearning treasure seeker
when I was the X on your map.
© Ali Grimshaw
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
flashlight batteries - Ali Grimshaw 