A Covenant With Nature

1/9/2017

Ecclesiastical
acrylic on canvas 20"x24" - Erin Thomas 1.9.17

These two figures open up a fable for you to fill in the past and the future, and this image only represents a moment in the gap between the two.
I created it, in part, while considering the covenant all humans (should) have with nature.

This woman represents mankind, or all humans. Her robe exhibits her spiritual quality.
The young animal represents all nature, or God. The lack of armor and the age of the animal represent the vulnerability and growth to come.
The two figures are split down the middle, joined only by the branch in between them, a frail contract, but an agreement nonetheless.

A Frail Covenant

"Superb!" Woman says, reaching for the young Moose.

What a fine specimen to meet with!
There is so much so say, so much to teach, so much She will learn from Me...
My superiority will shine and She must know I won't eat her... this time... perhaps.

Don't show Fear... thinks Moose.

What an unusual suspect to greet with!
There is so much unsettled, grudges and fields burned, should I tell Her...
My importance will be known, I won't stomp Her today...this chance...perhaps.

Forsake my Sisters and gobble Her up
I will roll in a wealth of full belly and requital
Appeasement of Soul, kind enough
A toll for study and recital.

Abundance of insight, is it inside...
Task to taste the dope of apprehension
To kill and walk and leave Her for the Crows
Only I can comprehend that reflection.

But wait, hooves can bound, and weapons amass
She leans in closer than I expected
Fight or flight or freeze perhaps
I know not if in turn if I can be the rejected.

And so kindness ensues, a formal protection,
A covenant amidst the parlour and tension
Acceptance in eyes, and hearts of armistice
Violence and rush held in suspension

Don't show Fear, says Woman.
Don't show Fear, says Moose.

A delicate and dry branch, stands between
Like a wall bigger than Maine stands wide
A symbolic armor to come to mediation
To bring the authorities side to side

But for this moment be collected
Basking in richness in a split second of disarm
A bridge divided for all of mankind
For each second of sun, four seconds of alarm.

For each second of sun, four seconds of alarm.