Why write together? – Poem by Ali Grimshaw

because time is slippery
memories mingle with worries 
when the pen lies dormant

because others are mirrors of magnitude
shining back the full spectrum 
of light in each of us

because when was the last time 
you made an appointment to savor 
the words of your own heart?

©Ali Grimshaw 2022

Join me on September 17 for Write Yourself: Poetry Writing Circle

Click HERE for more information.

Advertisement

Find Your Flow – Poem by Ali Grimshaw

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
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
Mon, July 18, 2022
4:30 PM – 6:00 PM PDT Register HERE

Opening – Poem by Ali Grimshaw

“Poetry is the unexpected utterance of the soul that comes at times to renew us when we least expect it. Poems show us how we belong to each other and life. Like all forms of art, poetry marries what is with what can be. Poems show us our possibility. There is a mystical assumption of Unity underneath all poems. Every honest, heartfelt expression shows how being connected to life in all its forms allows each of us to be more fully ourselves.” – Mark Nepo

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.

Water Heal My Soul – Poem by Ali Grimshaw

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

Circle of Writing – Poem by Ali Grimshaw

“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







The Field of Us – Poem by Ali Grimshaw

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

Register HERE

Poems from the circle

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

It’s Time – Poem by Ali Grimshaw

© Ali Grimshaw 2021

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

Poems from the Circle

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.

against the flow again – Poem by Ali Grimshaw

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