Replay

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

Strength Training

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

Choosing

You chose me

when I couldn’t choose myself.

When I was swimming in  darkness,

awash in ink,

blocking out the love.

You remained beside me

when my words didn’t make sense.

You stayed. Listening.

Seeing who I would become

and already was in the moment.

You opened up a new vista

where we stood together,

our backs to the past.

© Ali Grimshaw

 

 

 

Hello?

Without you

he will be an island that I cannot reach

an evolving door

a language untranslatable.

You are the bridge, an extension

carrying my voice to him.

Without you

will the connection be severed?

Just a recorded message

at the other end.

This line is now disconnected.

© Ali Grimshaw

Discovery Challenge – Connection

 

 

Your Numbers

What does it mean, the number you are?

Pounds or password,

23rd in line before your turn,

zip code, blood pressure, days traveled,

the years you have managed to

stay alive or times you have kept your mouth shut.

Texting mishaps, trips to the store, loves lost.

You may think these numbers

have power to direct your life.

Upside down thinking at its best.

This code of numbers is yours alone.

Deciphering it requires desire

not a Hollywood mastermind.

You have always known the way out.

© Ali Grimshaw

Numbers Challenge

 

The Path

The path we share sometimes forks.

Here a place to pause among trees.

Conversations in layers like leaves on the forest floor.

Shadows arrive, shake us with views of separate routes.

I kiss your hand with love as I release it.

Fly above the forest if you are called to.

I will not let you deny yourself

to keep us on the same path.

Together we can travel

only if

you will still seek.

© Alicia Grimshaw revised version 2017

 

 

 

 

Compass

In between us lies an agreement

a foundational love that maps our conversations

guiding us through fear back to true north

when we have lost our way

in the world of our own emotions.

© Ali Grimshaw

 

 

Departure

Sometimes I think back on that night.

Your eyes intent on explaining, a look of determination,

of wanting to give.

I remember trying to hear you,

wanting to understand and failing to understand.

With each new telling, static filling the room.

Making adjustments to find your frequency.

Unable to tune you in.

Now I am left wondering.

What was it you so badly wanted me to know.

Feeling like I couldn’t get to the airport in time,

before your message took flight.

© Ali Grimshaw

 

Here to Listen

 

Tweeting and yelping and posting and texting  

so much to say

words flying, tumbling, and flung fast 

landing so loudly

I cannot hear the song of your voice

knock on my door

at least let me try to hear your words

as they fall from your mouth

with nothing added but fresh air

© Ali Grimshaw