Years ago I chose the RULE
24 Hours minimum, before
doing, speaking, before action
24 Hours to steep in the experience
all emotional flavors infused, allowed to cool
to sip consideration of your viewpoint
before I express my own.
My reflection on the gift of time to change our perspective. I also have a poem related to this theme up on Via Brevis today. via EDITOR’S CHOICE: Weather Forecast
Rain on our lips
down the path we run.
Through puddles
not around.
Mud and moss
wind whipped hair
years of words
between breaths of air.
Over roots, between trees
creek waters roll by, unraveling
questions quenched by the miles.
Thoughts uttered within the flow
of movement, vulnerability
not possible in stillness.
Ali Grimshaw – revision of a poem first shared in 2016
I don’t usually share this type of post but this group really struck my fancy. What an incredible combination of creativity to bring poetry to the world in a new way. The Haiku Guys + Gals. write personalized haiku poems on typewriters at every type of event imaginable. Each interaction takes just a minute or two, and culminates with the creation of a custom gift for the event guest to take home or share. Some people have likened the experience to “a photo booth for the soul.” This is a haiku they wrote for a fellow blogger. It speaks to me and has me thinking about sharing poems in new ways.
your reach is as long
as your imagination
so untie your hands
May poetry touch your day,
Ali
rusted rails, a cage to keep others out
no second chances, a cost too great
alone in the elements, hardened by hurt
not the last turn
just a mistaken dead end sign
wonder yourself free, between the bars
look up, before you lies a light of awe
to melt your heart free.
Today my poem Incomplete was published by Vita Brevis, The New Poetry Magazine. Vita Brevis aims to publish work that shows a keen awareness of not only art’s beauty and longevity but life’s toils and finiteness. I am honored to have my words join those of many wonderful poets on this site.
May the flame of poetry continue to burn brightly as we share each other’s words.
Make it a beautiful day as only you know how,
Ali
Trust yourself. Your heart knows the way forward.
even encased, your
vibrancy cannot be held
captive, you gleam on.
© Ali Grimshaw 2018
Do your eyes remain dry
cried out from
tears for the one
and one
and one
another one
and years of the countless
ones?
Those ones that were the most precious one
to someone.
My heart beats in you this day as tears run down my face.
Grief’s hand must change
what hope will never be able to.
Before all eyes have run dry.
– Ali Grimshaw 2018
Words are inadequate after another US school shooting. Still I try in the honor of those who fight for change and the grief that countless others must bare.
Awake in the darkness
with a different kind of knowing.
One of souls connected in an absence of time.
Understanding not limited by words.
A sigh that offers comfort,
only possible from the deep inhale proceeding it.
Melding without becoming one.
A miracle of wholeness from separate beings.
© Ali Grimshaw
Valentine’s Day 2016
late
broken
incomplete
misunderstood
unable to prove
“If you would just try.”
disappointment in their eyes
defeated layers of books and papers
accustomed to going unnoticed
“Why can’t you be …?”
“Why didn’t you?”
just below the line
left far behind
deep sighs
“Again?”
shame.
© Ali Grimshaw
This poem is shaped like a bell curve to represent the people who have endured feelings of shame for not performing in a way that someone deemed as success.
flashlight batteries - Ali Grimshaw 