Under Watch
Upon
your
throne
~
erect
and
tall;
~
Your
lofty
post
~
above
us
all;
~
Like
king
or
knight,
~
with
noble
reign,
~
defend
our
bliss
~
assert
restrain.
~
Beneath
your
watch,
~
with
strict
decree,
~
protect
our
lives,
~
Dear
Guard
~
of
Sea.
~
©Robyn Lee
feature image originally published 6/24/2012: Stillness
Sands Of Time
As
moments
flow
~
imprints
remain;
~
Impassioned
tides
~
kiss
shimmering
grain;
~
I
reach
for
you
~
and
~
touch
your
hand,
~
whilst
~
Eternity
~
stirs
in
the
sands.
~
©Robyn Lee
Pain Shadow (on exhibit)
~
On the deserted beach
I walk with a pain shadow.
Hip searing with each step
I move forward slowly.
My joint tears away.
A sharp arrow pierces through me.
I stop to find stillness yet the
pain shadow follows.
Gazing into the ocean,
I inhale deeply
then exhale with force
trying to release the pain.
But it won’t let go.
I must abandon this pain shadow.
This constant companion.
This unwelcome thing.
That has attached itself to me.
19 years of unrelenting pain.
Countless attempts to escape
to normal days, when the beach
meant walks and waves; picnics and laughter.
I climb the wooden stairs to look down
on the wide expanse of shoreline.
In pain I stand tall above the sprawling
desolate beach that goes on forever.
I envision myself burying the pain shadow
beneath the sandy surface,
deep in a restrictive dark hole
where it can no longer define my world.
And in that moment I am free.
~
©Robyn Lee: March 2012
recently selected for exhibit in the gallery Escape From Pain – PainExhibit.org
I am honored to announce that the above artistic photograph and accompanying prose poem has been selected for gallery inclusion at PainExhibit.org | A California Non-Profit Art Exhibit. PainExhibit.org is an educational, visual arts exhibit by artists with chronic pain . The global not-for- profit organization is dedicated to creating awareness amongst healthcare providers and the public about chronic pain through art, and to give voice to the many who suffer in silence. I learned about this organization after reading an article in the NY Times featuring the organization and its mission. Here is a link to the article Pain as an Art Form – NYTimes.com. Immediately I felt aligned with the goals and intention of this organization, and was moved by the works shared at the exhibit.
My Pain Shadow (above) was an early post that I published about a year ago. It was the 2nd piece in my blog’s Pain Shadow Series, and the first poetic/prose piece I wrote that reflected my innermost feelings about living the past 19+ years with severe chronic pain and health challenge. As someone who has always done her best to bring as little attention as possible to her dilemma, I confess, this was a difficult piece to share publicly. At the same time, I now realize it was also a transformational experience for me; By creating art, and opening my heart to others about this isolating and life-altering plight , I quickly learned how beauty and art can be born of pain…how this art can inspire compassion, and can heal both artist and viewer.
After some encouragement by a dear friend, I submitted my work last winter to PainExhibit.org. I’d nearly forgotten about the submission, when several months later, I was notified that my entry was indeed accepted, and would be included in the collection of art displayed at the gallery entitled: Escape From Pain. Please visit PainExhibit.org to learn more about this unique exhibit, and explore a variety of amazing works in the various galleries housed there. I am extremely proud and honored to be a part of this collection, and the organization’s important mission.
Pain, especially when chronic, is a very difficult subject to understand and embrace. Often pain cannot be seen, and it is nearly impossible to articulate. Quite frankly, it is an isolating and frightening place to be. Art, whether it be through written word, painting, sculpture, photography, music or other, offers a powerful vehicle for universal expression and transformation. Pain channeled through the creative process allows both the artist and the observer a meaningful and deep connection, one that speaks directly to the heart of the human experience.
With my whole heart, I want to take this opportunity to thank all of you who follow and support me, and my blog work. Over the last year, this sacred space has become such an important part of my life, and of my healing path. Always know how much your friendship, love and support of my artistic endeavors means to me. Each of you have touched me, and enriched my world through your presence and appreciation, and for this I am so grateful.
Much Love ~
Robyn Lee
Blue Venus II
Waves
of
inspiration
flow
from
hearts
that
love
~
On Monday I received an email from my dear friend, Monica,
a very special lady I first crossed paths with in the fall of 2010.
Facing similar challenges, Monica and I found the gift of friendship
after meeting on an internet medical support forum. Since that time,
we have become sisters of the soul… And, for this, I’m so grateful.
After admiring Resa’s spectacular masterpiece art-gown Blue Venus this weekend,
Monica sent me a wonderful poem she composed, explaining
that she was inspired by the stunning gown, combined with
the spirit she envisioned I would wear it.
I am deeply touched by her graceful heart, and
wanted to share her poetic healing words with each of you today.
Paired with a shadow self-portrait, please enjoy this 3rd level
of artistic inspiration born of Resa’s Blue Venus;
Truly captivating verse, crafted by a very
talented poetess, and
beautiful friend.
Thank you
Monica!
With so much Love
~
Robyn Lee
~
Wrapped in clouds and sky
her footfall gentle on the sand
eyes shining with bravery
trailing tranquility in her wake.
~
Garbed in shimmering blue
Grecian goddess dancing
with iridescent fish from the sea
to the melody of hope and love.
~
Floating in sapphire silk,
singing to the ocean and stars
the wind answers back
as she walks like the night, in beauty.
~
©Monica
Divide
Lines
Define
~
They
Separate;
~
Borders
~
Boundaries
~
Shields
of
Fate;
~
Beyond
the
Fences
~
That
we
Build,
~
a
Path
~
a
Link
~
True
Hearts
Fulfilled;
~
Where
Love
Flows
Like
Water,
~
Grace
Resides;
~
Moon
Beams
of
Light
…
Our
Sole
Divide.
~~
©Robyn Lee
Beyond
Take me beyond
these rocky
shores
~
Beyond
twilight
skies
~
Through
celestial
doors;
~~~
Show me your
deepest
fiery
place
~
Where we
dance to
Love’s
song
~
In
our
sacred
embrace;
~~~
Take me beyond
the raw
edge of
day
~
Past the
fields
of
forever
~
Where moon
shadows
dare
play.
~~~
©Robyn Lee
Sound Effects
“If you listen to certain photographs very carefully,
you will hear faint echoes of
laughter.”
~Robyn Lee
Seeking
We search
to find
that which we
seek
Beyond the
skies
and ocean
deep.
~~
Our vision
blurs and
colors
fade
We ask
if there’s a
debt to
pay.
~~
We seek
for
Love
We look
for
Truth;
~
We seek
for
Joy
We yearn
for
Youth.
~~
We seek
for
Wisdom
Embracing
rules;
~
And then
we
pray
They’ll
get us
through.
~~
We seek for
Romance
Passion
too;
~
We crave to
sense
The world
anew.
~~
We seek to solve
the hurt
and
fear;
~
In our
Calm
Resolve
It
finds
us
there.
~~~
©Robyn Lee
The Finale
The time has
Come.
She
Composes
Herself
After a long
Gratifying
Day,
Slowly
Spiraling
Down
to
Commence
The Grand
Finale
of
Yet
Another
Stellar
Performance.
~
He
Waits
Beneath
the
Dimly
Lit
Golden
Sky
Anticipating
Her
Glorious
Descent,
Longing
For
The
Moment
He’s
Envisioned
All
Day.
~
The
Moment
She gracefully
Dips into
His
Fluid
Embrace;
~
The
Moment
She
Glides
Atop
the
Moist
Ripples
of
His
Unyielding
Crests;
~
The
Moment
He
Sizzles,
Feeling
the
Impassioned
Electric
Charge
of
Her
Heart’s
Fiery rays;
~
And
The
Moment
She Sets
Herself
Down
Tenderly
Over
His
Strong
Exhilarated
Body.
~
But
~
He
Reminds
Himself that
This
Ecstatic
Moment
Will be
Brief,
And then
Without warning
She will
Mysteriously
Vanish;
Fading
Into
Pure
Nothingness,
Disappearing
Below
Dusk’s
Horizon,
Beyond the
Sheer
Curtain
of
Night’s
Darkness,
Leaving behind
Only
Her
Faint
Glow
Warm
Mist
Radiant
Memory.
~
And he will
Harbor
This
Memory
Deep
Within
His
Core,
Breathing
Her
Luminous
Energy
In
and
Out
All
Night long
~
Secure
In the
Knowing
That with
Tomorrow’s
Dawn
~
She will
Shine
Upon
Him
Once More.
~~~
©Robyn Lee
Maternal Love
Did
you
know?
~
Mother Nature
wraps
Her
Loving
Arms
Around every
Small
Child
~
During
the
Formative
Years;
~
and
She
Breathes
Gently
~
Into
the
Center
of
that
Child’s
~
Tender
Soul
~
Softly
Whispering:
~
It’s ok
Sweet
Baby
~
You Are
~~
Exactly
Where
You
Belong.
~~~
© Robyn Lee
Walk With Me
Let’s take a walk
Come hold my
Hand
We’ll stroll along
Warm grains of
Sand;
Our toes sink in
And melt so
Deep
Smooth tumbled stones
Caress our
Feet;
We’ll step into
The breaking
Waves
Ionic breeze
Ignites our
Day;
And then you’ll stop
To stroke my
Hair
I’ll find your eyes
And hold the
Stare;
You’ll offer me a
Pink sea
Shell
I’ll hear the
Echoed truths it
Tells;
And when we reach
Our resting
Space
I’ll beg to kiss
Your salty
Face.
©Robyn Lee
Ladder To The Sun
Follow me
Follow me
I found a ladder
To the sun;
One step at a time
That’s all it takes,
Join our caravan
Of fun.
~~~
We’ll travel above
Silk purple skies
Our chariots,
The clouds;
Our path of night
Lit up by stars,
Moon beaming
Full and proud.
~~~
We’ll sleep in beds of
Puffy white, while
Sun gods
Keep us
Warm;
They’ll protect us
From those gusty winds,
And shelter us from
Storms.
~~~
So follow me
It’s single-file
Climb upward
One by one;
For each step we take,
Each wish we make
Means our journey
Has begun.
~~~
©Robyn Lee
~~~
Click here if you would like to see
Robyn Lee’s Own Little Sun-Climbers 15 years ago
A Feather Falls
Glistening feather lands
Upon moist crystalized sand
Hope is born again
©Robyn Lee
To view another image in this series, and learn more on multi-cultural symbolism associated with feathers
click here: Symbolic meaning of feathers
Sea Within
“Facing blue waves of uncertainty,
I place my hand on my heart
to honor the sea
in me.”
~~~
Robyn Lee
Please enjoy this excerpt
from Renee Robinson’s
wonderful poem entitled:
Rainbow Of Souls
~~~
The tide washing in
The tide washing out
The current a powerful force
Living in the rhythm of the sea
Alive and breathing
She welcomes me
Standing on a cliff
Way up high
The sea beneath me
Her mist salting my tongue
Her breeze exploring my hair
Imprints in the sand
Her breath, we share
I hear her voice
In the sea air
She calls my name
I hear her heartbeat
Crashing on the rocks
I see her there
I dive in her waters
Within the splashing
Aftershock
I love the sea
I was made for her
Or maybe
She was made for me
She is the past
The present
And the future
She is history
Mystery and
Eternity
The stories she tells
The treasures hidden
All part of her destiny
Alive and breathing
Living in the rhythm of the sea
~~~~
by, Renee Robinson
Warm thanks to Renee Robinson of Nae’s Nest | Dancing With Cancer & Other Writings for permission
to feature the 1st verse of her enchanting poem, Rainbow Of Souls, today with my featured image.
Much Love,
Robyn Lee
Storyteller Of Salt
When we quiet our minds
We so easily hear
Wise words of the waves
Dialect: flowing and clear.
Hypnotic salt tales
Told in soft rhythmic hum
Rippling echoes of ocean,
Reflect voices of sun.
The grand stories our sea tells
Will enchant and enthrall;
Since the lessons our tides teach,
Pertain to us all.
~Robyn Lee
Conscious Dreams
“Take note of the dreams you have while
you are peacefully awake; for those
dreams house secret windows,
providing clear view of that
which reflects your
most authentic
self.”
~
Robyn Lee
Classic Joy
In that pure perfect zone
Excited and free,
Wet luscious sand
Meets a vibrating sea;
Senses are flowing
Sights, textures, and sound,
As he makes his great mark,
In God’s timeless
playground.
~~~~
Robyn Lee
Liberty
“Life without liberty is like a
body without spirit.”
~ Kahil Gibran
Wishing You and Yours a very
Happy Independence Day!!
Much Love,
Robyn Lee
Transcendent Shadow
In the still night
Holding stable
Atop white sandy dunes
I lift my head in prayer.
Hearing the moon’s call, I
Submit to the pleas of my own
Desperate breath.
~~~
A warm salt breeze
Strokes my forehead
Gently urging my eyelids to close;
And quietly, I slip away from
~~~
What is real
What is earthly
What is pain.
~~~
Swiftly transported through
Space and time;
Lifted lovingly onto the wings of
Incandescent stars,
I transcend.
~~~
Spinning fervently
Whirling and turning, round and round
like a Dervish;
Finally, I penetrate a solid
Wall of mirrored glass and,
I am welcomed.
~~~
Without thought
Without words
Without pain,
I enter.
~~~
Here
Where my body
Is weightless and free;
And movement, effortless.
~~~
Here
Without bondage
Without boundary
Without pain.
~~~
Here
Where My dreams
Dance freely,
Held in the safe embrace of
Blissful crystal waters;
~~~
And
Where my heart beats in
Perfect sync with the
Rhythmic tides of
My truth.
~
Robyn Lee
Shadow Lover
Take me to the green in youThe secret valley beneath the sun
Hidden behind the whispering ghosts
Of whom you pretend to be
Open up your mossy arms
So I may open mine
And wrap all limbs round your spirit wide
To exist as half no more
Bring me to your mossy floor
Beneath the shadows of your fear
A raven bride in white
A ladder to your soul
Fold down your branches
Peel open your chocolate bark
So I may pour
As liquid amber
Through your very veins
——————
by, Sam Craft
I am thrilled to share this collaborative project with you today. Special thanks to Sam of of Everyday Asperger’s, who penned this stunning piece entitled The Raven Bride in White at the most perfect time to accompany my beloved shadow image.
Hope you enjoyed!
Much Love ~ Robyn Lee
Master Plan
Minds churn,
Hearts in huddle;
Conspiring,
within a salt puddle.
United they plot, and
Bravely they face;
Their task: to make the world
a much better place.
~Robyn Lee
Joyous Surrender (a sequel)
“And when the mind finds its perfect state of joy,
the whole universe plays along.”
~ Robyn Lee
As a sequel to my earlier post Stillness, wanted to share this shot of a happy child, one of the few souls who remained on the beach as the storm approached Sunday. He seemed to be immersed in fun… and suppose it’s a good thing that lonesome lifeguard stuck around after all!! 
~RL
Stillness
“To a mind that is still, the whole universe surrenders.”
~ Chuang Tzu
and be sure to check out the sequel to this post here: Joyous Surrender (a sequel)
