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
THROUGH THE HEALING LENS 
What fantastic words… so full of feeling… thought provoking… beautiful… soulfully expressing the inner feelings of someone far away… someone that needs a hug…
June 25, 2012 at 11:51 PM
Thank you so much bulldogsurf!! Yes – was authentically feeling it when I did this today. Decided to share a bit of my soul here, and hoping not scare anyone off 🙂 Hugs are the best – and I get lots! So pleased you enjoyed the post and have a wonderful eve!! Robyn Lee
June 26, 2012 at 12:11 AM
This is amazing Robyn!
June 25, 2012 at 11:57 PM
Oh Jewels, thank you so much for that. Truly thrilled you liked it 🙂 Robyn Lee
June 26, 2012 at 12:12 AM
Awe……….so precious is this poem….pain……I here you loud and clear. The relief you describe is so healing and beautifully woven; I felt my own pain lifted in reading the words. Lovely prose. The crystal waters, held in embrace, without weight….I know all of these dreams and visions well. So brave of you to share this part of you. So essential to who you are in completion. A true big-hearted soul traveling your authentic path…Nothing more beautiful…..and the photo…What struck me was all the different contrasting shapes, and how they all combined. There is a striking balance between the circular shapes and straight lines, and then the shadow combines both. Very musical in appearance. I’m so pleased you shared the combination and hope you were transported in some form as you created and published. Great sea-sister shot….so want to dip my toes in the sand and collapse in the sunshine. Might have to visit someday, maybe on my way to England in the future. Love this post. Go, Robyn. healing hugs ~ Sam
June 25, 2012 at 11:59 PM
Thank you so much my sea sister! Yes – for me this is brave as I usually venture far away from the center of this shadow of mine. It is very much my existence, so have wanted my blogging to take me out of it…but today was one of those days that I could hide no more. Tried to at least use this post as a tool for escape and fantasy while still embracing what is. I know you understand 🙂
I am thrilled you liked my photo… it was the day after Shadow Lover (Raven Bride in White) was shot actually… was thinking kind of funny that I posted the next day after that as well 🙂 I did also like the texture and geometry in this shot… and the way the grasses and ocean/sky get blurry as if another dimension that ‘she’ is going to visit for her relief…. and yes — somewhat uplifting for me to do this…though not the perfect remedy for what is going on here at the current … but one step closer is a good thing.
One day you will come — and will do tea at the sea together!! So thrilled you enjoyed this Sam… Hugs, RL
June 26, 2012 at 12:20 AM
🙂 HUGS….yes, one day for certain. xoxo 🙂
June 26, 2012 at 10:59 AM
A blissful transition indeed. This is officially my favourite that I’ve read. Though it seems you out do yourself everytime. I feel magically lifted to a new planet in these words. Xo
June 26, 2012 at 12:07 AM
Thank you so much Lady Day… and I do like your words “blissful transition”. Says a lot about what this meant for me in many ways… As I think I mentioned earlier, I don’t often delve into this subject directly in my writing – but today I was called to do so. So happy you have considered it your favorite – since was very personal, and I’m far from an expert at writing poetry. It came very naturally though, and I think that is because of the dilemma I live. Gave me some peace to escape with my shadow today…. and yes — a new planet — exactly what I was feeling – so I thank you for saying this. Sending warm thoughts ~ RL
June 26, 2012 at 12:28 AM
Aw Robyn..first, I am no expert in poetry either…not at all. It is an unending learning curve. Your work comes straight from the heart and pierces right into the rest of us…that is why it is soooooo amazing. This ~new planet~ you speak of…it is my hope and belief every day…one where these pains of life, shall be wiped from the tears of every eye. Thank you for sharing your transcendent words and smokin’ shadow shot…I loved both.~R
June 26, 2012 at 7:59 AM
thanks so much again LD – yes my hope too ~ and a lovely vision it is… a planet free of pain and hurt and tears…. we shall keep focus!! Very appreciative of your loving support, was a good post for me in many ways!! Hoping your night is filled with peace and comfort ~ RL
June 27, 2012 at 1:52 AM
Thanks for a better view of the day,wonderful work
June 26, 2012 at 12:08 AM
So grateful for your feedback galaxy…and the reblog!! Much appreciate your kind words and support 🙂 Best to you ~ Robyn Lee
June 26, 2012 at 12:32 AM
Wow, Robyn. Amazing words. I so wish for that place for you . . . a place that is pain-free, allowing you to dance, to breathe, to live the life you hold so dearly in your mind and memories. Your eloquent words strike me with their honest desperation and they break my heart with the humble, simple desires they seek. I love the delicate, perfect imprinted footprint on the side of the photo — I picture you floating upon a breeze, touching down onto the sand if for but a moment, connecting lightly to the Earth, but returning to a pain-free, joyful place where your body doesn’t fail you and your dreams are easily within your grasp. Prayers and sunny thoughts to you, my friend. Thank you for sharing such powerful thoughts!
June 26, 2012 at 12:12 AM
KT thank you so much for your fantastic thoughts on this. It sounds like you so ‘get it’ and yes – simple desires but soooo real. Today was a particularly tough day, and so I suppose that is what allowed me to express so much here. It’s more palatable for me to escape into dreaming this way, as opposed to writing about the disappointments and struggle ~ so is the best I can do, and seems therapeutic too.
I am so glad you liked the details in the photo… and it generated such imagery for you to imagine me floating around the scene — and all the feelings that go with that. Very flattering compliment that it can take you away in that sense. And thank for your support and encouragement KT – you are another angel on planet earth… it is clear!! Love and Light ~ RL
June 26, 2012 at 12:40 AM
Reblogged this on PRESIDENTS OF THE SOLAR SYSTEM.
June 26, 2012 at 12:20 AM
So great!! Thank you so much for that — much appreciate!!
June 26, 2012 at 12:33 AM
Very nice, Robyn Lee.
June 26, 2012 at 12:22 AM
Thanks restinginawareness! So glad you enjoyed it ~ and happy to have you here!! Warm wishes your way :), RL
June 26, 2012 at 1:43 AM
May I reblog this, Robyn? I am so choked up. It is the most amazing post and so brave. Juliexx
June 26, 2012 at 12:39 AM
Oh gosh Julie, of course you may. You really were the impetus for this, because I had a whole other poem selected for this image… and after our exchange this morning … I said — let me try to “go there” (was in agony to be honest) and this is what resulted!!! So again – you are my teacher…mentor and friend ~ and for this I am forever grateful. I know it’s not the details of my story, but for me a step toward embracing the emotions that are entwined there… and also a way to feel productive in tapping into my artistic nature (that i never really explored before). So again Julie — thank you for taking me here… and much love and strength to you in your own challenging journey… ~ Hugs, Robyn Lee
June 26, 2012 at 12:46 AM
Thank you Robyn – you are so talented – you are a gift! Juliex
June 26, 2012 at 12:50 AM
xo Hugs Julie!!
June 26, 2012 at 1:00 AM
Robyn, this is just amazing. Thank you
June 26, 2012 at 12:43 AM
Thank you so much Cynthia… I so appreciate your input and very moved that you were touched by this post ~ Warm thoughts, RL
June 26, 2012 at 12:49 AM
Blindfolded me to greatness!
June 26, 2012 at 12:50 AM
Always blessed when you come to visit here Mari… thank you for making my day/night with your beautiful presence and magical words…. So happy you liked it ~~ means the world. xo RL ps: Stunning new Gravitar for you my dearest…someone has a true sparkle in her eyes 😉
June 26, 2012 at 1:02 AM
Thank you love – Planets are aligned – Smiling is no longer an option but a because I said so . .
Glad you like my cheesy mug – hehe – have a wonderful evening. Your photography is mesmerizing – pure art!
June 26, 2012 at 1:04 AM
Reblogged this on jmgoyder and commented:
This is one amazing person – Robyn!
June 26, 2012 at 12:51 AM
Julie – thank you so much!!! xo And amazing = you!
June 26, 2012 at 1:37 AM
Takes one to know one – ha!
June 26, 2012 at 1:43 AM
beautiful… thank you for sharing and reminding me of my place among the stars… all of our place… blessed be… j
June 26, 2012 at 1:15 AM
Oh Jason – that is so very lovely to hear from you. Thank you ~ and yes — we all need to escape to worlds beyond once in a while I believe. Luckily we all have the ability, and then when we return to our center here on earth — everything looks just that much brighter… Sending celestial thoughts tonight… RL
June 26, 2012 at 1:40 AM
That’s a great shadow shot!!
June 26, 2012 at 6:26 AM
Thanks so much Cornelia!! Glad you liked 😉
June 26, 2012 at 12:34 PM
This is wonderful, Robyn. A fantasy escape for people who are suffering pain…so well-written
June 26, 2012 at 6:33 AM
Aww thank you so much for saying nightlake. Yes – exactly what I was attempting. It’s a meditation of sorts, and intended to lift one out of the pain state (whatever that may be for them)…. I’m flattered you enjoyed my writing…. just really dabbling as has been so many years since I’ve written in a creative way like this… much appreciate !! ~RL
June 26, 2012 at 12:36 PM
What a fantastic poem Robyn, a journey to a place of dreams and peace.
June 26, 2012 at 6:35 AM
Oh Chris… I so hoped you would catch this one. Was thinking of you some as I worked on it. One of my pain management outlets ~~ to escape on that journey. Yesterday was one of those days I really needed to call on the vision. ~ Sending healing hugs to you Chris, ~ Robyn
June 26, 2012 at 12:38 PM
Another great shadow and beautiful poetry Robyn. Your words are transforming.
June 26, 2012 at 9:26 AM
Thanks so much dear Kathy… not exactly sure how I conjured this…. but pain can do many things to the brain it seems… Glad you enjoyed!! ~R
June 26, 2012 at 12:39 PM
Beautiful, Robyn…there’s so much to transcend on this earth…you’re working so hard…I can feel it…love you…Meryl
June 26, 2012 at 9:50 AM
Appreciate that so much Meryl. Yes — so much to transcend, and amazing how we have resources that we are not even aware of if we can only tap into them. Hard work it is… so glad you can feel it too…. Much Love ~R
June 26, 2012 at 12:40 PM
Robyn I love this poem and also the photo.
June 26, 2012 at 10:26 AM
Really appreciate that Renee, thanks from the heart. Had a whole other poem selected (not my own) for this photo – but was inspired yesterday by a fellow blogger friend to explore deeper, and this was the result. I am glad I did…. Much Love ~R
June 26, 2012 at 12:42 PM
I don’t believe I would be able to read this aloud. Simply too now, too present.
June 26, 2012 at 11:13 AM
Oh Tom, thank you so much for your thoughts here.. was a challenge for me to reveal this much of myself, but a dear friend (fellow-blogger) inspired me to try. I do believe was healing on some levels, and allowed me to tap into deeper feelings and creative energies that were laying dormant. As the pain was especially fierce during this writing, I suppose it resulted in more emotional charge than I expected. This type of writing is fairly new for me. I hope it’s a good thing.
So appreciate your thoughtful and honest feedback, and very touched for the reblog. Sending you lightness and Love today ~ Robyn Lee
June 26, 2012 at 12:46 PM
Reblogged this on In a dim light….
June 26, 2012 at 11:18 AM
Warm thanks from the heart for this Tom ~~ RL
June 26, 2012 at 12:46 PM
Me again, Robyn – was just reading the comments on your post – wonderful! I was telling my ma about you today again and she finally understood that blogging is real – we are real! Love you – Juliex
June 26, 2012 at 11:31 AM
Yes Julie…such a wonderful revelation. I too keep taking pause about the world of bloggers. Such a sensitive collection of REAL people who are each on their own unique journey… brought together by way of this phenomenal technology. I’m so glad you shared with your Mom. (ma) 🙂 Mine is a fan of your blogs btw 🙂 Totally REAL we are ~ Loving thoughts to Perth today my friend ~RL
June 26, 2012 at 12:50 PM
Glad you replied – I thought I might have sounded a bit too effusive – ha!
June 26, 2012 at 12:56 PM
Robyn,this poem is absolutley beautiful! Keep the faith and God bless you.
Louis
June 26, 2012 at 12:47 PM
So grateful for your warm wishes Louis. Thank you so much for your kind words on my poem. Will do ~ and blessings your was as well! ~RL
June 26, 2012 at 4:05 PM
Oh Robyn. This is so beautiful. So full of hope and wishes. It reminds me of the book. The keep. In there the father had all his chronic pain removed..however it was for the wrong reasons. What you’ve written sounds so right and the photo is just lovely. Huge hugs to you:)))
June 26, 2012 at 12:59 PM
So much appreciate David!! Was a bit of fantasy/escapism for me to do ~ so excellent for me in that way. Oh… maybe I should read “The Keep”..would you recommend?? I’m so glad you enjoyed the photo and my attempt at poetic expression ~ came quickly too – but I was ‘feeling’ it if you know what I mean 😉 Hugs back to Tampa David… thank soooo much! RL
June 26, 2012 at 8:32 PM
Robyn, I’m captivated by this place of healing. Just to vision it being reachable is enough to keep living for that dream. This was very soothing to my soul. Thank you so much for this beautiful piece of poetry and the vision to go with it!
June 26, 2012 at 5:30 PM
Aww, Maribel that is such a lovely comment from you – thank you! I am so thrilled you found some relief and soothing with this post. It was healing for me as well, and today was much improved, so maybe there is magic in focussed meditation, visualization and prayer. Another tool for us to keep working with… Much Love to you today ~ RL
June 26, 2012 at 8:34 PM
There definitely is power behind the focus, visualization and prayer. It helped me today! Let’s keep on healing!
June 28, 2012 at 3:48 AM
Wonderful words Robyn. Very moving and revealing.
Love the photo you chose to go with the words.
June 27, 2012 at 6:41 AM
Thanks so much Victoria… think the words flowed from some deeper place, but needed to be expressed on this particular day. This “poetry therapy” is new for me 😉 Feels a bit scary in comparison to the safety I feel behind the lens…but I’m exploring. I really appreciate your encouraging words…warm thoughts your way today, RL
June 27, 2012 at 1:13 PM
the words on the page visualize the beautiful whirling twirling dervish dance in the space of no space, or, rather, all space, evoked by the words themselves. the photograph leaves me breathless..
June 27, 2012 at 1:50 PM
Angela – your comment just made my night. if my words could really twirl and dance like whirling dervishes , I would love it, and if you’ got that’ while reading, really makes me happy 😉 Perhaps my vision and mediation did energize my writing then ~ so awesome to consider, and a consolation to the pain state I was in while composing this. Thank you so much for your great comment , and thrilled that the the photo and poem moved you. Much Love ~ RL
June 27, 2012 at 10:09 PM
Really fabulous, Robyn! Thank you. Blessings always, Erin
June 28, 2012 at 8:50 PM
epic, truly epic Robyn …. this one turned me upside down and shook me all the way to the core, still attempting to recover …. thank you for sharing, Jim
June 29, 2012 at 4:17 AM
Oh thank you Jim…that is such a lovely comment to hear. I do hope you have recovered well my friend 🙂 This was a bit more intense, though therapeutic to write while I was in the midst of it. Working on one now that is also challenging this way – and slightly darker, though genuine to my experience so I’m exploring. 🙂 ps: wanted to tell you do now own “Poetic Medicine” — will need to sit down with it soon and really delve in, but looks amazing ~ thank you 🙂
June 29, 2012 at 9:57 AM
so glad you have a copy to enjoy and indulge in, ” Poetic Medicine ” remains on my top shelf …. one more addition you may want to add to your library collection may be ” The Magic Of Conflict : Turning A Life Of Work Into A Work Of Art ” by Thomas F. Crum …. combining this book with ” Poetic Medicine ” and your inner strength has the potential of becoming nuclear in a positive powerful way …. :o)
July 1, 2012 at 10:14 PM
🙂 Thanks so much Jim…will add to the list then — much appreciate!!!
July 1, 2012 at 10:55 PM
cool :o)
July 1, 2012 at 11:09 PM
This is a wonderfully written journey away from the humdrum and pain of everyday life into peace and serenity. Beautifully done. Paul
July 1, 2012 at 10:29 PM
Paul thanks so much for you lovely comment. Yes – I suffer with physical chronic pain, and this was a great exercise in escape for me… and know it can work for others regardless of whether pain is physical or emotional… Very much appreciate! RL
July 1, 2012 at 10:57 PM
Found your work from George at “She Kept a Parrot” I am eager to see more of your shadowy images and illuminating poetry
September 26, 2012 at 3:00 PM
Thanks so much blissful — so nice to have you… do hope you find enjoy your stay ! ~ 🙂 RL
September 26, 2012 at 3:11 PM
I am going to dive into your blog tomorrow when I have some free time. If George puts on a stamp of approval then I know there is something for me here. She mentioned you because I will on occasion use a self-portrait shadow in my photo posts. She is a keen friend 🙂
September 26, 2012 at 3:13 PM
Yes – George is super special…. I admire her a great deal as well 🙂 Have fun diving in… I will have to go search out your shadow portraits too!! 😉 Warm wishes your way ~ R
September 26, 2012 at 8:33 PM
there may be a shadowy one coming soon!
September 27, 2012 at 1:10 PM
I tried to find one last night ~~ no luck… direct me when when you can …do have a thing for shadows 🙂 Sending good thoughts your way today, R
September 27, 2012 at 1:29 PM
Hey Robyn,
I do and at the same time they are random images as most of my work is fairly spontaneous. I will look around a bit and see where I can direct you. Thanks for the good thoughts and right back at you!
September 27, 2012 at 2:04 PM
Ok – will be waiting 🙂 You will find most all my shadow work under the top menu “pain shadow series” — there is a link on that page that will lead you to the category — Enjoy 😉
September 27, 2012 at 10:02 PM
You are much more organized than I. You want to work on my blog as well? 🙂
Today’s Haiku has a little shadow fun in it
Once I am through with all this moving madness I am going to spend some real time with your work!
Cheers,
M
September 30, 2012 at 1:35 PM
Ahhh – me …not so organized 🙂 but learned we can make categories on posts and then they will automatically take the reader to all posts in that category with a link (thus the pain shadows)… kind of cool!! I must take a visit to see your Haiku – and shadow right now!! Best of luck with moving madness– always welcome to visit my “healing lens” here! Sending good thoughts your way ~ Robyn
September 30, 2012 at 7:53 PM
Yeah, I have categories on posts as well, I just dont an easy menu for them on this WP blog. On my actual website http://theblissfuladventurer.com/ (which I am very proud) I have many more interactive features
October 3, 2012 at 11:42 AM