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
He Moves Me
Shalt
not
disturb
^
As
I
observe
^
His
form
commence
^
A
primal
dance;
^^^
I
stop
to
stare
^
I
dare
to
near
^
Can
feel
the
flow
^
Caught
in
his
trance;
^^^
With
gentle
strength
^
A
fluid
length
^
His
motion
finds
^
Artistic
grace;
^^^
He
fills
his
soul
^
Then
empties
whole
^
and
^
Moves
me
to
^
His
sacred
space.
^^^
©Robyn Lee
Warm thanks to the wonderful gentleman featured in my post today for permitting me
to share this candid photograph. My subject {Muse} has respectfully requested anonymity to preserve his privacy.
♥
~
Hope You’ve Enjoyed!
~
Much Love to All
~
RL
Our Path
“Come now
my
love,”
~
you
softly
say;
~
I
close
my eyes;
~
I
slip
away.
~
“Walk
swift,
our path,”
~
your
whisper
pleads;
~
I
find
my
breath
~
concede
my
need.
~
You
mark
the trails
~
with
pines
of
gold;
~
You
guide
my
steps
~
whilst
truths
unfold;
~
Beneath
our
tree
~
I wait
for
you,
~
unearthing
dreams
~
we
never
knew.
~
©Robyn Lee
Freewheeling
Ride me to freedom
Spinning dreams on silver ground
Destination unknown
click here to read a short personal narrative
pertaining to this image: Freewheeling ~ narrative
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
Love’s Wings
Guide the way,
I’m by
your
side
~
We’ll fly
beyond a
vast red
sky;
~
Above
the sea’s
ecstatic
waves
~
Around
a solar
flame
engraved;
~
You won’t
see me, but
feel my
fire
~
Pure heat that
fuels your
soul’s
desire;
~
There are no
rules, no
risk…or
will
~
On
wings
of
love
~
where
worlds
stand
still.
~
©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
Cast Ashore
where
debris
drifts ashore
~
forming
edges
and lines;
~
where
memories
tumble
~
and
hope
is
defined;
~
where
lovers
have
lingered
~
and
faith
has been
born;
~
where
sun’s
tender kiss
~
precedes
hurricane’s
scorn;
~
where
wind
swirls
its
promise;
~
embodied
deep in the
grain,
~
sculptures
of
life
grow
~
amidst
shadows
of
pain.
~
©Robyn Lee
I want to let everyone know that I will be leaving town this weekend for an undefined period of time. I will be flying to another state to consult with a medical professional in order to determine whether I might benefit from working with him privately on a very specific functional training program he developed, in efforts to help stabilize my joints, and better hold them in their sockets.
It is past the 2 year mark now, since my bilateral hip surgeries ( arthroscopic repair of labrum tears and bone impingement). I have done all humanly possible to recover from this surgery , and regain some degree of normal function, but my situation continues to worsen, and the pain remains unrelenting.
As an update to My Story which I wrote about a year ago… it was recently determined that I have congenitally shallow anterior hip sockets (hip dysplasia) in addition to very loose ligaments (body-wide). Thus this last surgery in which my bone was carved, and joint capsule violated in order to do the repairs mentioned, did not serve me, and has seemingly rendered my joints more unstable.
I hope that I will be a candidate for this specialized training program with a functional movement expert I have sought out personally, and have great faith in. Through dedication and hard work, I’m hoping to develop even greater body awareness, and gain enhanced neuromuscular control of my ball/socket joints, increasing stability and reducing pain. As you might imagine, I am trying desperately to avoid further surgeries, which the experts warn, offer “no guarantees”.
Although I may be away for several weeks now, I hope to have internet, and my wireless devices handy, and will keep a good eye on everyone here ~ reading posts as much as possible, and hopefully posting some too.
Sending much Love and Light to all of you,
who have been, and continue to be
such an incredible source of strength
and inspiration in my life.
~
Robyn Lee
Just When You…
Just when you
believed
you
knew
~
the
beauty;
the
magic;
the
rapture;
of
our
brilliant
winter
sun
setting herself
over
the
eager
majestic
sea;
~
you
suddenly
realize
that,
in
essence,
~
you
know
~
nothing
at
all.
©Robyn Lee
Into The Woods
Wandering … aimlessly
Venturing
into the
heart
of
your
evergreen
wood.
~
Reaching … trustingly
Taking
firm
hold
of
your
long
fibrous
branches
~
Sinking … intently
Grounding
myself;
Entwined
in
the
labyrinth
of
your
deep
faithful
roots
~
Hiding … cautiously
Seeking
shelter
beneath
the dense
brush
of
your
vast
eternal
strength;
~
Until
at
last
~
you
whisper
my
name
~
and
breathe
me
full
~
of
pure
pine
essence;
~
Transforming
conscious
being
and
~
Flooding
my
soul
with
~
Light.
~
©Robyn Lee
Organic
Infiltrate
This
Wild
Green;
Rustic
Luring
Wintry
Scene;
Spiky
Thorny
Grassy
Grove;
Earthy
Treasures;
Sacred
Trove.
©Robyn Lee
Solitary Sunset
Alone
at
last
~
I’m
on my
way
~
Our
Rendezvous
~
Down
by the
bay;
~
Please
wait for
me
~
Will
be there
soon
~
Been
counting
minutes
~
All
afternoon;
~
Your
fiery
touch
~
Your
golden
soul
~
Your
love
~
that
melts
~
the
bitter
cold;
~
Oh
Darling
~
I
Anticipate
~
That
haunting
thrill
~
Predestined
fate;
~
And
always
~
When
the
day
~
is
through,
~
there’s
nothing
~
I
want
~
more
than
~
YOU!
~
©Robyn Lee
blessing written by John O’Donohue,
from his beautiful book:
Anam Cara
for a wonderful holiday,
and a new year rich with
Peace, Love, Health
and Joy!
Sorrow
“Sorrow makes us all children again–
destroys all differences of intellect.
The wisest know nothing.”
~Ralph Waldo Emerson~
In Memory
~Sandy Hook Elementary School Tragedy~
Thy Wings
To
kiss
a flower
~
To
fly
so free
~
Upon
thy
wings
~
I
yearn
to
be
~
©Robyn Lee
Click this link to enjoy a beautiful poem
entitled: Ode To A Butterfly
by Thomas Wentworth Higginson
For This Moment
Just
for
this
moment
~
our
eyes
lock
~
and
we
feel
peace;
~
We
promise
silently
~
to
be
still
together,
~
enveloped
in the
arms
of
nature;
~
To
behold
~
the
gentle
beauty
~
that
is
you
~
that
is
me;
~
The
world
gets
quiet:
~
a
breath
~
a
gaze,
~
and
then
~
you
are
gone;
~
leaving
me
~
to
wonder
~
if
our
meeting
~
was
merely
~
a
dream.
~~~
©Robyn Lee
Poetry Of Hope
“I stay in the realm of realism,
but always carry with me the fantasy,
the romance, the wish fulfillment–
the poetry of hope.”
~~~
Lynne Greenerg
The Body Broken
During the last 2 decades I’ve read most everything I could find to help me make sense of my unexpected plight with chronic pain, and the complex medical maze that I was suddenly thrust into as a young mother at age 30. During a particularly difficult time several years ago, I read a book entitled, The Body Broken, by Lynne Greenberg. This book had a profound impact on my outlook, and my approach to life.
Lynne’s book is a lyrical memoir, written by a talented writer, sensitive soul and professor of literature who faced, quite similarly to me, a world that suddenly ‘changed on a dime’. I would recommend this book to everyone. It is a literary treasure, and poetic masterpiece that speaks honestly and directly to the plight of facing adversity, and discovering courage to reinvent a joyful life in the face of challenge, and physical pain that is not easily remedied. Lynne taught me a great deal by her noble example, and for this I am grateful and honored to share her work.
I invite you to take a few moments here to view this video clip of a brief interview with Lynne (aired on ABC with Diane Sawyer). It will provide you a flavor for her wonderful book, and also introduce you to the brave, beautiful and creative spirit that she is.
click here: Living With Chronic Pain | Video – ABC News
Much Love Always
~
Robyn Lee
My Lens
As we stand before
the garden
so
lush
~
you
ask:
“Which lens
will you choose
to view
the world?”
~
Without hesitation,
I reply:
“I choose the lens
that
illuminates
the sky…
so
I may sparkle
amongst the
evening
stars,
and
slide down
the golden rays of
morning
sun.”
~
Approvingly,
you nod,
and
query:
“Can you tell me more
about this lens
you
long for?”
~
I exclaim:
“I wish
for
this lens
to
enlighten,
and
show me
how to dance
with trees,
as they
sway
to
and
fro
with
reverence
for
wind’s most
soulful
song.”
~
You gaze at me,
with a most
curious stare,
and say:
“Ahhh, but tell me,
can you
even
find
such a
lens to call
your own?”
~
I pause,
and
wistfully
declare:
“Oh yes, Oh yes!
I will
find
this lens;
This looking
glass
that
inspires
my fingers
~
to
touch
the delicate
silken petals
of
even the
smallest
flower,
and
to
explore
the deepest
lines
ingrained
on
earth’s fallen
leaves.”
~
You sigh,
seemingly
satisfied,
“Hmm,”
you say,
in a low
contemplative
tone,
“but this wonderful
lens you
speak of…
tell me
of
the most
perfect
vision
it
will
ultimately
reveal.“
~
And then,
I smile,
slowly closing
my
hopeful eyes,
and
profess:
“I choose the lens
that guides me
gently…
through
the open
doors
of
my own
heart,
so that I
can
see
~
with perfect
precision
and
clarity
~
every
glorious
color
of
~
Your
Love.”
~
© 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
Pier Anticipation
will
wait
for you
On
the
wooden
planked
pier
honest
and
free
the sea,
you and
me.
arrive
before
for
two;
can
bring the
chilled
wine
time.
watch
day
turn to
skies
glow
salt
air
our
eyes:
My Mother’s Light
~
Just as the magnificent sun shines high in the sky,
my Mother’s light illuminates the heart of each
soul who is so blessed to know her smile,
her kindness, her radiance…her Love.
Happy Birthday Mom;
I Love you Always!
Robyn Lee
The Mother
~Kahlil Gibran
The most beautiful word on the lips of mankind is the word “Mother,”
and the most beautiful call is the call of “My mother.”
It is a word full of hope and love, a sweet and kind word
coming from the depths of the heart.
The mother is everything– she is our
consolation in sorrow, our hope in misery,
and our strength in weakness.
She is the source of love, mercy,
sympathy,and forgiveness….
Everything in nature bespeaks the mother.
The sun is the mother of earth and gives it its nourishment of heart;
it never leaves the universe at night until it has put the earth to sleep
to the song of the sea and the hymn of birds and brooks.
And this earth is the mother of trees and flowers.
It produces them, nurses them, and weans them.
The trees and flowers become kind mothers
of their great fruits and seeds.
And the mother,
the prototype of all existence,
is the eternal spirit,
full of beauty and love.
