The Artistry of Aging
Let us walk
Let us walk into the uncharted pathways of this New Year
Let us fall in love again with the living body of our lives
Making love to the simple joys we hold in our care.
Let us rise to meet the challenges with gentle fiery compassion
Letting our fears for the world
Light the pathway home when the darkness comes
And it will come.
Let it draw us into the deep soils of our shared humanity
That we become rooted in a field of loving presence
And untouchable grace
Weaving a network of support for our family and friends.
Let us stop
Let us stop often to light a fire of gratitude and
Listen to the ancient prayer
That breathe in the wild forest of our hearts.
Let us paint the earth with our songs, stories and art
Let us dance wildly as the ancient heart
Calls us into her circle of belonging.
Let us offer a helping hand to those who fall along the way and
Let’s stop to give voice to those who may not have one
Let us come together.
Let us come together
And open the door
To the path that calls us
And reaches in like a breath of fresh air.
Let us rise
Let us begin
Let us walk…..
By Benjamin Van Haeff, Copyright 1/1/21
**Standing Ovation for being accepted into HerStory at Manhattan Arts International
https://manhattanarts.com/herstory-exhibition-2020-2021-page-2/ (Scroll down to the 9th artist, Jennifer Rugge)
Humble Flute Player with Joy and Grace, gold-leaf, mineral paints mixed with walnut oil and beeswax on wood, 24″ x 24″
Deeply touched by your beautiful artistry and earth connection dear Jennifer. Thank You. Bear and Deer are close to my heart too. Congratulations on your exhibition entry.
Oh, how I love your video, words and music dear Jennifer and’ taking a ‘walk in the woods’ with you….so hauntingly beautiful. I absolutely Love your Humble Flute Player painting too…there is such a deep sense of comfort (and beauty) when viewing it…it surely must be a collective ancestral memory for us all.
These words on your Elder Spotlight also spoke to me :
“The energy of art emerges from a deep yearning with-in to express awareness of the beauty already inherent in our surroundings. Nature in life inspires and ignites my passion to share the value and worth of art through a variety of mediums.”
Aho
Thank You, Ankya
Gaye thank you for sharing this beautiful poem! Truely words of Love! Congratulations to Jennifer! Your art is amazing as is all the art on display! Thank you for starting our New Year off in poetry and art, works of Love! It has touched my heart deeply
BJ – So appreciative of your loving comments! We are blessed to have you in the Wildly Free Elder community. With Love, Gaye