I am resharing this poem today in honor of National Relaxation Day. One long slow breath. Try it out.
Between each breath
one, maybe two seconds at most,
a tiny space of nothingness.
My passport can’t get me there.
Driving faster, running harder,
multitasking while eating lunch
working later, doing more…
no closer to my destination.
“Where would you like to travel to?” they ask.
someplace between
inhale
and exhale.
© Ali Grimshaw
Beyond imagination.
Outside of your current image.
Your reflection lies in the eyes of others.
The eyes of those that surround
looking back at you.
See yourself there
to know where you are heading.
© Alicia Grimshaw 2017
Just enough oxygen.
Not a breath more,
than what is needed
for life to continue.
Her body floats in liquid blue.
Hair feathered out
on the surface like tentacles
reaching for a firm grip,
a holdfast,
to keep from
going
under.
© Alicia Grimshaw 2017
© Alicia Grimshaw 2017
Dulled by time, the dusty door
coated from years of holding back
nailed shut, painfully impassable
darkness left sealed for so long
you can’t remember it ever being open.
Bewildered frustration, heat rises
sweat drips down your chest
fury and defeat of stones tied to feet.
This emotional cycle circles through
each day as you stand before it.
Maybe it isn’t possible to reopen
you are so small.
But look
you still hold the hammer in your hand
the key dangles from your back pocket.
© Alicia Grimshaw 2017
In honor of Forgiving Fridays on Forgiving Connects
My eyes upon
what my body can do
in this now.
Gratitude for fingers that write.
Legs that walk me into the world.
A hand that can hold yours.
This migrating temple I possess.
A shell washed clean on sand
Your lips brushed across mine.
The aliveness that quickens.
Awe to wake up again.
© Alicia Grimshaw 2017
© Alicia Grimshaw 2016
Resharing this post from a year ago. Still seeking peace.
She had always had the word.
It greeted her in morning’s mirror.
Unescapable. An ink faded indication
underneath the white towel
used to pat her face dry.
Now heavy bangs allowed
just enough
coverage for protection.
© Alicia Grimshaw 2017
The need that will not stop
the need to create for ourselves
speak with our hands
scribble with our minds.
Make, shape, build
add colors from inside.
Be
bolder than
we trust ourselves to be.
We share wisps of tender fear
kept hidden from view
like a shield of insecurity
tucked behind the ear.
Wary of those that come
with a look unfamiliar.
Remember
the power of the
impermanent paint
to include.
Lines drawn
to dare a crossing
or
to encircle all.
© Alicia Grimshaw 2017
Street art – Lisbon, Portugal
flashlight batteries - Ali Grimshaw 