Poetry

Poems from the Circle

~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 9 Comments

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

When we gather to write.

~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 9 Comments

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

Unconditional

~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 20 Comments

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When it overflows,

clean and soothing.

 

A caress down your shoulders,

like fresh falling rain

 

a compassion of gentle

feathered touch.

 

The way you wished

your mother had held you

 

Hold yourself now,

embraced by love.

 

Within your own

two arms.

© Alicia Grimshaw 2020

Imagination

~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 12 Comments

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Thank you to Let it Ripple Studio for your imaginative inspiration. My poem is dedicated to your work in connecting us across the globe. May your inspirational leadership continue to thrive and connect us across the planet.

Ten years ago Let It Ripple Studio made a global, collaborative, 4 minute film – A Declaration of Interdependence. Maybe the “connected” sign language symbol shown in the video could be the new greeting to remind us all, while we are “social distancing,” that we are connected and interdependent.

Now they are asking, “Would you like to participate in our next collaborative short film?” The video will be based on an wonderful poem, Lockdown By Fr. Richard Hendrick, OFM, March 2020. Click here to join in.

Photo credit to an amazing photographer – Randy White.

 

Poetry Over Panic, let’s write together.

~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 4 Comments

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We are unique and also the same. As I have reached out to write with others during this pandemic I continue to experience this. We are all coping. We all have emotions. We all need ways to empty out our overflowing thoughts. In my writing circles, I have noticed the fulfilling conversations, relief of writing it down and connections that bloom from shared writing spaces. I invite you to explore this for yourself. This isn’t about trying to create the perfect poem. You don’t need to be a poet or even call yourself a writer. This is about connecting as human beings. By writing and reflecting together, we can learn from this unusual time, and face it with loving curiosity.

Click on the links below for more information and registration. 

Writing to Restore Ourselves: Poetry & Reflection Circle – May 14

Poetic Transitions: Writing Circle for Renewal – May 19

Writing for Renewal: Poetry & Reflection Circle – May 23

Writing for Renewal: Poetry & Reflection Circle – May 27

Curious about future writing circles? Email me at  coaching@aligrimshaw.com

Past participants have shared this about my writing circles.

“Thank you for your wonderful session yesterday. I came away feeling inspired and uplifted.You created such a welcoming space that I felt immediately at home.” – Karen
“I loved it all. Meeting new people and seeing the similarities between us. This also opened me up to a broader feeling of gratitude.” – Mary
“I have been writing with a group that Ali leads. I am not a creative writer and was wondering what I could bring to/get out of the group. I am surprised by where this takes my brain and my heart. Ali’s guidance and writing prompts are insightful. Writing with Ali has become one of gems of my otherwise isolated life.” – Nancy
“I loved your focus on being intentional, hearing the voices of other women and your positive energy. You are a light and an inspiration.” – Diane

We are stronger when we lean on and learn from one another.

Ali

Quarantine Quadrille – poem by Ali Grimshaw

~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 33 Comments

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As the virus
careens,
spinning down
our long road.

The dust has yet
to settle
from the wheels

Slow motion,
particles falling,
We sift sillily
through,
glittered remembering.

Was that last week?

As I am here,
reaching
you are there,
still
only through airwaves.

© Alicia Grimshaw 2020

dVerse Poets Pub – Quadrille Challenge – silly

Saplings

Quote ~ ~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 6 Comments

A beautiful poem of hope from MISTYROADS

Saplings

And so we grow,
In winds bent back
Against the storms
And lightning strikes.
Headlong,
Rise up,
Unfurl
In splendour
And well-lit grace
Of Swift footsteps
That forever change
And twist
In those brief sorrows
Of untrained reach
And growth in silent tears;
That dry in hope
And sunlight given.

Copyright ©RMC May 2020

Click here for more from  MistyRoads Blog

Faith in Seeds – Poem by Ali Grimshaw

~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 20 Comments

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I live as gardener
to your dreams yet to come

listening for the tender seeds
sprouted new or just planted warm

reminding you not to step on
fragile seedlings behind your feet

kneeling to show you their worth
weeding away your anxiety

clearing the way so you can see
small beginnings still there

offering gentle reminders
to look for new tips breaking ground
and compare them to last week’s arrivals

assisting with watering
during these times of drought
while waiting for blossoms together

© Alicia Grimshaw 2020

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FREE VERSE REVOLUTION Prompt #5 Saplings

No Explanation Needed

~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 20 Comments

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“A practice of gratitude is not about dismissing sadness, anger, fear, or confusion. Rather, it offers us the opportunity to see that we often experience multiple feelings at once; to welcome joy into the same places where we hold grief; to turn our attention to what is quietly growing and breathing day by day, which, to our possible surprise, includes ourselves.” – Kristin Lin, Editor, The On Being Project

No Explanation Needed

You don’t have to explain
how you know where to go or when

stillness brings discomfort.

You don’t have to explain
why sorrow comes and goes

tears visiting your eyes again.

You don’t have to explain
when it happened for the first time

why you feel a mountain sits upon you.

You don’t even have to explain
why it matters so much.

I never need more than just you

Just sit down
next to me, the weight
of your shoulder touching mine

© Alicia Grimshaw 2020

Photo take in Lisbon, a trip with my sweetheart.

Finding Poems

~ Ali Grimshaw ~ 36 Comments

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The Jade Mountain listens

Voices in the air remind me

What’s worth knowing

 

First things first,

loving what is

blue shoes and happiness

images of the other

in the carousel of life

 

© Alicia Grimshaw 2020

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dVerse Poets Pub Challenge – Finding Poems in Bookshelves