APPENDIX C

THE STRUGGLE

Powerful images exist within the borders of “The Struggle.” The theme to this intricate and emotionally expressive painting is the battle between Good and Evil, with mankind caught in the middle. The prize for this struggle—eternal life or destruction.

The crazed man suspended between Heaven and Hell struggles with the demons haunting his mind. He could represent all of mankind—then again he is a reflection of the artist.

The 4-band color strand stretching horizontally across the canvas depicts a divider of spheres of eternity. The backdrop is black as night.

The eclipse is the moment of truth—the darkest hour of the final battle in the struggle between Good and Evil, with the powers of the universe colliding with the positive and negative forces at work in the temporal realm.

The two angels represent the forces of Good as they do battle with the forces of Evil.

The angel below the color strand is locked in immortal combat with two demons. The higher and more powerful angel struggles with a poisonous viper, the epitome of Evil.

 

The Struggle

 

From behind fleshly veneer

A gasping soul appears

Born innocent, bloody and mild

Fate’s toy, Destiny’s child

Beams of light find

An empty, bewildered mind

Where am I? Who am I?

 

Thus the Struggle begins

Good and Evil within

And Sin, Honor’s evil twin

First to crawl

Then stumble and fall

Down life’s long hall

For some a noble course

 

Others fare worse

 

Forces of the Universe

Both positive and perverse Traverse

the bridge eternal Where spirits holy

and carnal Cast lots for mortals

 

In the end

Into the Angel’s arms ascend

Or to the Jaws of Hell commend

 

And the Struggle begins again.