unexpected can be beauty with open eyes ©Ali Grimshaw 2022 This Monoku, a single line poem consisting of seventeen syllables or even fewer, inspired by Eugi's Casuerie. The photo was taken on my recent trip to Mexico. I spent a lot of time just being, not doing, just hearing the heartbeat of the ocean. I wish this for everyone. Sending peace from my heart to yours.
My words were inspired by this nourishing song, The River,
written and performed by Coco Love Alcorn. Please give it a listen.
river's spirit sings rhythm without age it knows flow where to go it helps me trust the way with eyes closed, receiving I open to the waterway joining streamlets, runnels, rivulets rushing away Mother Earth's teaching receding or overflow returning is river's way to go ©Ali Grimshaw 2022 Join us at dVerse - Eyeing the Quadrille #147 HERE
“Poetry is not only dream and vision; it is the skeleton architecture of our lives. It lays the foundations for a future of change, a bridge across our fears of what has never been before.” – Audre Lorde Come write, throw your words on the wall like paint. Splattering in playful revealing. See which ones stick. Watch which ones fall or slide down the wall. Your words want out to frollick in the sun to show you hope lives on. Holding our words with listening care, teasured gently in open hands we hear their song see them as foreground aglow in luscious hues where you will sit in their light. ©Ali Grimshaw 2022
I am a blade of grass held by other blades surrounding. One blade in a field of many. Close together/alone. Our sides hold us faces to the sky. Reaching toward sunlight side by side in directions wide. None to be flattened. © Ali Grimshaw 2022
I continue to meet big-hearted humans across different time zones. Writing together provides a mirror for us to process life in a place where we have all agreed to listen with compassion. Come join us for a writing circle. No experience needed. All voices are welcome.
Write Yourself: Reflection Through Poetry
Sat, February 12, 2022 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM PST
Now is the only time that matters Say goodbye to what is gone. No matter its importance then now is a new beginning. We get attached to our words, to-do lists, the shoulds and woulds that we tell ourselves. They keep us tied to the past. Fill us with regret and doubt for the next step forward. Now is the only time that matters. By Val Boyko I am grateful for Val's permission to share her poem from a recent writing circle. You can find more of her poems and yoga offerings here, www.FindYourMiddleGround.com. It has been an amazing to write with Val across the many miles, hear her experiences and find connection with someone who started out as a stranger and now is a friend. I continue to meet big-hearted humans across different time zones. Writing together provides a mirror for us to process life in a place where we have all agreed to listen with compassion. Come join us for a writing circle. Write Yourself: Reflection Through Poetry Saturday, January 29, 2022 Click HERE for more information and registration. No experience needed. All voices welcome. Photo taken at Smith Rock State Park
Writing together is a beautiful method of letting go, highlighting what is worth holding on to, and listening inward. It is a playful journey and a great way to make friends from distant places. Join me for a writing circle as we start a new year.
Write Yourself: Reflection Through Poetry. 1/15/22, 10:30 AM PST – Click HERE
Wishing you peace and wellness in 2022.
Ali
To Know You by Kelley Morris Oh, that I would not Miss the chance To know you Past your likes Past your dislikes The chance To offer time As a gift for us both- After all, that is The only way We truly connect Occupying The same space In the physical In the technological Either has the ability To spark the same magic Oh, that I would not Miss the chance To know you Due to the foolishness Of a word Such as busy- Is there really such a thing, anyway? I am grateful for Kelley's permission to share her poem from a recent writing circle. You can find more of her poems here, pianogirlthoughts.com. Kelley lives in Oklahoma, I in Oregon. I never would have had the chance to know her if she hadn't joined a writing circle. It has been an amazing to write with her across the many miles, hear her experiences and find connection with someone who started out as a stranger and now is a friend. I continue to meet big-hearted humans across different time zones. Writing together provides a mirror for us to process life in a place where we have all agreed to listen with compassion. Come join us for a writing circle. No experience needed. All voices are welcome. Photo taken November 2021, Bozeman, Montana.
Swimming upstream
feeling the pull
of this current
day of decisions
to be made.
Kicking away
troubled tributaries
“You will regret this.” They say.
Where is my ladder through?
(even fish get one of those)
I guess God must think
me an excellent swimmer.
©Ali Grimshaw 2021
Come join us for Quadrille Monday at dVerse HERE
up to me fitting in is not required. it’s not even necessary. how could any of us fit a mold that is not ours? who made the mold anyway? why did I never question this generational imperative to be someone or something I was not ever intended to be – or become? I question it now. I release it now – today. I free myself to be… me. all that I am, and all I can be is up to me. By Carrie Cannady April 2021 You can find more of Carrie's poems and reflective wisdom here at Leadourlives.net
I am grateful for Carrie’s permission to share her poem from the writing circle. I continue to meet amazing women across different time zones. Writing together provides a mirror for us to process life in a place where we have all agreed to listen with compassion. Come join us for a writing circle. Tickets are by donation.
Self-Compassion Through Poetry: Writing Circle Friday, May 7, 10:00 am PDT. Register here
Self-Compassion Through Poetry: Writing Circle Friday, May 21, 8:30 am PDT. Register here
There are moments when what someone else has inked onto the page stops time for you when another's words absorb through your skin settling deep in your belly like a surprising crumb of nourishment you didn't know you needed. A small taste of harmony, blooming on your tongue. It opens a realizing that wasn't there before a long lasting hunger, you nibble through a second read then a third, taking your time to swallow it all. Remembering a desire for flavors that had been forgotten how good a poem could taste. ©Ali Grimshaw 2021 My poem is a response of gratitude for a poem I read today called Ice Cube on School of Blue Read the poem HERE. Thank you, Rick Frame, for the nourishment. My photo was taken near Amsterdam. A lovely, crisp morning of reflection where the sky and the water gave back to each other. LAPC #138 – Natural Light
flashlight batteries - Ali Grimshaw 