White Winged Dove

For the song, ‘Edge of Seventeen’ – Stevie Nicks.

When I was 17 I loved someone deeply, he was 24. It was beautiful, sad, tragic and one of the most liberating and defining experiences that walks with me still. I moved to Australia at his suggestion and encouragement. It was casual, because I held back, in my head protecting him of burden and pressures, quite aware the black dog took more from him that he could ever offer another. Loving him sometimes felt like drowning, like I might sink with him if I didn’t paddle harder and faster. And ultimately, I moved away. I didn’t even admit to myself how much I love him until he died when I was just 19. And now here I am, outgrowing him with every year. I live bigger for him, and he flies free for me.

“Well, I hear you in the morning
And I hear you at nightfall
Sometimes to be near you
Is to be unable to feel you, my love
I'm a few years older than you
(I'm a few years older than you) my love..”

MEDIUM
Acrylic & texture on canvas

DIMENSIONS
34 x 34cm (framed)