You must lose things to find them. Rip to repair, slip to find out, who you return as. Tumble through trials be torn away from the known to evolve stronger. You must reach your own hand be burned unjustly to hear my scar's story. © Ali Grimshaw 2020 dVerse Poets Pub - Quadrille #105 "Slip"
At this time of shifting circumstances the work of my heart is to lead small online groups. I have received a clear message from participants that the writing circles are meeting a need to be heard and to process their thoughts through writing. Below is one of the poems that came from a recent writing circle. Thank you Chere Weiss for granting me permission to share it here. If you are seeking connection within a safe space consider writing with me on one of the dates listed below. No matter where you are, take care of your heart, don’t give up. The world needs your light.
Click on the links below for more information and registration.
Writing for Renewal: Poetry Reflection Circle, 6/4, 7:00 PM PDT
Writing For Renewal: Poetry and Reflection Circle 6/17, 9:30 am PDT
Motherhood Explored: Women’s Writing Circle, 6/13, 10:30 AM
PDTMotherhood Explored: Women’s Writing Circle, 6/16, 7:00 PM PDT
Quarantine in Spring By Chere Weiss, April 15, 2020
The world as we knew it has imploded,
people are dying, we are afraid.
Stuck inside our houses we are; helpless, bored, sad, restless and annoyed.
Everyone is wounded, or grieving.
What day is it? It’s the day I woke up again.
It’s the day after yesterday and the day before tomorrow.
I am helpless and then a bird comes while I sit outside,
he is small and fierce with his song. So delicate, he sings so hard his body vibrates.
The cherry tree in front is snowing pink petals,
they coat my walkway and follow me into the house.
I am helpless and still my tulips stand tall,
closed tight teasing me with anticipation.
Every day I have no power, eager as a kid on Christmas morning
waiting for them to bloom.
I planted those tulips. They will open when they are damn good and ready
and their colors will astonish me.
Curious about weekly writing circles? Email me at coaching@aligrimshaw.com
on the beach I begin because now I am ready and so are you to turn our pain into fuel build a bonfire to bring warmth for all now sitting in cold darkness I start with kindling of prejudice add sticks of fear, logs of anger a heavy round of resignation watch the flames ignite to hot glow come close and sit with me now add your logs to this burning pyre hate and terror blaze brightly with heat finally an efficient use for their energy let’s watch flames of love devour all that we believe we cannot face to singe away, char and reform all that has been holding us back love knows how to transform create a burning to warm us all through this dark night. come to the beach now we are ready © Ali Grimshaw 2020
We are balancing between the blocks of our days large and small. Squares filled with the demands of our days and squares now left open. Boxes where plans once sat in happy company with future anticipation. Now canceled without pattern. Just scattered openings in the grid. Emptiness at first look, then disbelief. As we walk farther down the street, grief standing next to disappointment. Finally we turn the corner and see a tiny new patio garden. Someone is intent on growing beauty from strong willed, concrete pots. The first sprouts are just reaching free.
Determined seeds rise
there is always a crack, wide
enough for thriving
This Haibun Monday over at dVerse Poets Pub we have a visual prompt. It was an new adventure for me. Click here to join the challenge.
As I continue to lead writing circles, I am inspired by the hearts and generous listening of others. Every time I write with others I am changed and lifted by the experience. Here in this space I am calling, Poems from the Circle, I will be sharing poems written by participants of my writing circles. We are stronger when we lean on and learn from each other. This poem is from Kelley Morris. I appreciate her willingness to share it here.
Silent River Standing on the bank All seems quiet Water slowly Drifts by The movement Difficult to perceive I must be still Listen closely Only then Will the river Tell its stories Of past travels Around winding turns Along cool stretches Over rough rapids Crashing past sharp rocks Curiously chasing The path ahead Until finally A free fall Plunging to the Clear pool below Briefly resting But never stopping And now, it carries My reflection while Telling its story- We have a lot in common This silent river And me
By Kelley Morris
You can find more of Kelly’s poems on her blog – pianogirlthoughts.com
In my writing circles we focus on listening. We listen to the poems being read out loud and we listen to each other. I never thought this specific, close listening would work online. I have been happily surprised. My writing circles have been gatherings of authentic reflection, heartfelt sharing and generated connection between people who have never met before. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to write with new people across the U.S. Each of us who joins the circle is embracing the slowing down that poetry offers. We are taking time to hear one another. And when we are heard, we are seen. I think this is more important than ever.
I would love to write with you, to hear your words as they come forth in the safe space of the writing circle. Click on the links below to register.
Writing for Renewal: Poetry and Reflection Circle – May 23
Writing for Renewal: Poetry & Reflection Circle – May 27
May love land on you today,
Ali
