February 2008, oil on board, 30.5x40.5cm, no references.
Soundtrack: "Desolation Path" from "Blade Runner Trilogy 25th Anniversary" by Vangelis.

"What's not destroyed by Time's devouring hand?"
James Bramston (c.1694-1744), The Art of Politics (1729) l. 71


"To see a world in a grain of sand
And a heaven in a wild flower,
Hold infinity in the palm of your hand
And eternity in an hour."
William Blake (1757-1827), 'Auguries of Innocence' (c.1803) l. 1

The following poem was kindly written by Ieuan Cilgwri to accompany this painting, and appears by his courtesy.
Many thanks, Ieuan...

Desolation Path

He arrived at that stark high place
Above wind ravaged pine
Ice harrowing mind and flesh
Immutable peaks look on

Hope hangs in time’s loose web
Cold hand that began it all
Striving hard to recall when
Gold light fell in his father’s field

In this place, the mute gods are close
Railing will do no good
Pawn in a jealous game
Each move leaves a bloody trail

Imperial banners lured him
A soiled crown soaked red
Once happy to follow
Now unsure where his road has led

Always the path of brute force
Cold steel pushed him higher
(Useful tool for those who scheme)
As cloaked murmurs mark his rise

Warlike flock to his grim host
Marching feet shook the land
Nothing left to bear witness
His father’s fields left in ash

Blame the hurricane for its trail
Ambition’s bitter twist
Musing on a demon claw
Considering the cost within

Mountains pale against time’s gaze
Place to weigh the soul
On his left, dark chasms yawn
Right, glittering path, Kingdom’s throne

Even god’s games contain doubt
Freewill often thwarts them
Fresh vistas nearby
Tempting path to oblivion

© Ieuan Cilgwri 2008