"Unrelenting"

Here is one of my latest paintings. It is on yupo, using ink, fluid acrylic, and alcohol inks.
Following is the poem that I wrote to go with it. It was originally for a show on addiction and recovery, which isn't going to happen this year, unfortunately.

The "model" is actually a very sweet kitty friend of my friend Jen.

UNRELENTING

By Christine D. Campbell

Even when I cannot see you

Your eyes upon me are unrelenting;

Never resting, always waiting

For my moment of weakness.

Then POUNCE!

You would have me

Between those threatening claws,

Taking pleasure in the taunting, As I squirm between your paws;

Taking measure of my pain,

Prelude to a life’s demise.

So too, must I watch for you,

My eyes vigilant and unrelenting.

Never resting, always watching

For my moment of strength.

Then NO!

You cannot have me!

With my own protective claws,

I’ll escape this desperate haunting, Steal the victory from your jaws

And keep what I have fought to gain:

Freedom of a life reclaimed.