Synopsis
Inspired by the strength and perseverance of cancer patients, this book of reflections combines poetry and photography to offer peace, comfort, and encouragement to those who are battling cancer and to those who support them. The photographs feature reflections that occur in nature and in artistic and architectural creations, lending a sense of calm or intrigue or vitality. The poems are all original works by Robyn Apffel written specifically for this book, expressions of the emotions common to all who find that they must deal with cancer and its treatment, but more than simply defining the emotions, the poems illustrate how cancer affects what patients and their loved ones feel. Many of the poems are not about cancer at all because there is, indeed, life beyond the disease. Those that do mention cancer, speak of it with honesty, sensitivity, and optimism. Originally designed for the waiting room of a cancer center, Reflections consists of 54 poems on a wide variety of topics. The language is easily understood, as the poems were written for readers looking for comfort and inspiration, not for critics or other poets. Some poems are very short, while others are more lengthy, but each piece can stand on its own and has something important to say. Since individuals experience both life and its challenges uniquely, each person will respond differently to each poem, but most will find validation of their emotions throughout this volume. While the author surely drew upon her personal journey with cancer, the work as a whole is not autobiographical. Robyn Apffel has pledged to donate at least 90% of the royalties generated by the sales of this book to support the excellent work done on behalf of gynecologic cancer patients at the Women's Cancer Center of the Carol G. Simon Cancer Center at Morristown Medical Center, Morristown, New Jersey.
About the Author
Robyn Apffel's fourth grade teacher was the first person to give her the idea that she could write poetry. Throughout her life she has been fascinated by words, language, and writing. By high school she became intrigued by the romance languages and studied French and Spanish, eventually becoming a teacher of middle school Spanish. Robyn found that poetry for her is a natural expression of emotion for writing her personal story. In 2014 she self-published a volume of poetry, Metamorphosis: A Poetry Manual for Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse. Through her poems and writing prompts, she guides readers to write their own stories, moving through the process of healing. Reflections: A Poetry and Photo Essay on Life and Cancer, Robyn's second book, followed one year later in the autumn of 2015. While the writing process for both books led to healing for the author, the publication of both has been for the benefit of others who may find expression of their own emotions in Robyn's words. After her retirement from teaching in 2008, the author acted on her interest in digital photography, and as she traveled throughout the United States and Canada she captured thousands of natural and man-made attractions. While she makes no claims to be anything but an amateur photographer, she does have an eye for the beautiful, the unusual, and the interesting. As a teacher, Robyn recognizes the value of education, certainly for employment preparation, but even more so for the development of humanity. Robyn appreciates the opportunities she had in school to study art, music, and literature, and has seen first-hand how important those areas of study have been to her own students, many of whom are now active as adults in drama, dance, music, and writing. You may visit Robyn at www.robynsreflections.com or at Facebook.
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