I love Regina Spektor’s song “Samson.” I have not liked Regina Spektor herself since her unabashed Halloween costume caricature of Japanese people or, more recently, her vocal support of Israel’s regime. But, you know, separation of art and artist, etc. (I can say that I’ve never legally obtained any of her music, which you may or may not frown upon.)
I’ve always found the story of Samson and Delilah interesting: a mighty man brought low by his love for a woman. The Bible has a few such stories aside from Samson’s: David, of course, and most interestingly (to me), Adam. I think there actually may be an interesting essay to be written on the similarities between Adam and Samson. I’m not going to write it any time soon, but it’s fun to think about.
I find it all pretty romantic in a sad but very human way. Despite my recent departure from the Christian cult of my upbringing, a lot of stories in the Bible still hit me as deeply compelling in, at least, a literary sense.
Samson loved Delilah so much that he forgave her over and over again for her betrayals, until she finally brought about his downfall. It’s interesting to me to think of loving someone so much who has such contempt and indifference for you. It makes no sense. But love itself often doesn’t make much sense. That can be what’s so beautiful and profound about it - or terrifying and horrible.
Anyway, this drawing is on display now at the Del Rey Artisans Gallery in Alexandria, VA, along with two other pieces of mine. It’ll be up for the rest of the month, and I’ll be at the gallery on Friday, August 19th from 6 - 9 PM and on Saturday, August 27th from 5 - 8 PM if you want to stop by when I’m there.