Bohemia Village Voice

John Robinson

Local poet John D Robinson, “Born Cancer ‘63” from Silverhill, began writing poetry when he was 16 and had his first poem published just one year later. Since then, over 170 of his poems have appeared in small press magazines, newspapers, journals, community publications, text books and online publications. “I have held poetry workshops in local schools and colleges and have given many readings locally and in Dordrecht.”

John, who works for the NHS, has also published four books of poetry: Time Signatures (1991), Sky-Fall Blossom  (2006), Glass Orchards and The Serene Smiles Of A Wine Drunk Buddha High On A Quiet Breath Of Colour (2008) and The Turbulent Gospels  (2009). His publishing imprint is Holy&intoxicated Publications.

Biographical details I was born July 1963, Hastings, East Sussex. Attended Hastings College of Arts & Technology & studied Graphic Design & the Arts Foundation Course (1981 – 1983). Throughout the years I have exhibited paintings locally – The Orange Tree, The Bourne, The pig in Paradise, St.Mary in the Castle, The Utopia Gallery & more recently at the Hastings Trust. Non-figurative paintings, for me, can appear to have the ability to be translated or interpretated in many languages simultaneously, they can appear to offer up questions & hide the answers in the history of its making, such pictures are mysterious mirrors that we gave into & across everyday. Influences are rich & diverse, of recent years the life & works of artists Don Martin, John Altoon, Hugo Weber & Stanley Twardowicz have been constant fires. I have published 170 poems in various publications over the years & have produced 6 books of poetry to date, for information regarding these books please contact – johndrobinson@yahoo.co.uk

I Draw From You

(with Love for my wife, Carmelina)

by John D Robinson

I draw from you the
infinity of cremated roses
& the reign of marvelous
lakes that spiral across
the ridges of a green leaf –

I draw from you a voice
of such elegance that
the holiest of prayers
become shy of exposure –

I draw from you the
simplistic wisdom of a
thousand fairy-tales
& the exuberant joy of
a thousand simultaneous
smiles of friendship –

I draw from you a
flowering of childhood,
a sound
so subtle that only
secrets can hear –

I draw from you
the soft-winged
erosion of evil & the
tender flames that lick the
wounds of all
who have suffered –

I draw from you the
message of comfort &
the hushed dressage of
sleep that moves like
a soft blue thru
rooms of loneliness –

I draw from you the
strength to recognize
each moment is perfection
& to know that the
earth revolves safely
in your hands –

I draw from you
Life itself
Beginning to end
Love itself –
That’s what
I draw from you.