“By Way of Sorrow”

“By Way of Sorrow”
Pencil, Pastel, and Watercolor
2021

I finished this today in a surprisingly short time, having laid it aside a few months ago. Many due thanks, of course, to my friends Janet Kersey (who does does her own fine work while walking and living on the wild coast of Cornwall and Kristin Summerlin (who, having gone to Sewanee, The University of the South with me, moved to Alaska, and has never returned). Both women are far more intrepid that I’ve ever been (or could ever be), and both have a fine set of eyes to see this world.
Kristin took the originating photograph for this painting and kindly allowed as how I could paint it. Many thanks to her.
The title is, of course, that of this….one of my longtime, favorite songs……….https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Axq0UYPFRoA
“You’ve been taken by the wind
You have known the kiss of sorrow
Doors that would not take you in
Outcast and a stranger

You have come by way of sorrow
You have come by way of tears
But you’ll reach your destiny
Meant to find you all these years
Meant to find you all these years

You have drunk a bitter wine
With none to be your comfort
You who once were left behind
You will be welcome at love’s table

You have come by way of sorrow
You have come by way of tears
But you’ll reach your destiny
Meant to find you all these years
Meant to find you all these years

All the nights that joy has slept
Will awake to days of laughter
All the tears that you have wept
We’ll dance in freedom ever after

You have come by way of sorrow
You have come by way of tears
But you’ll reach your destiny
Meant to find you all these years
Meant to find you all these

You have come by way of sorrow
You have come by way of tears
You’ll reach your destiny
Meant to find you all these years
Meant to find you all these years”