The Weight of Chains

The Weight of Chains

The Weight of Chains

They don’t always clank, these chains. Not like in the ghost stories.
They don’t always warn you of the evil in the room.
Sometimes they whisper, lovers close by your ear, cupping your chin and promising fidelity.
Sometimes they chatter, chipmunks in the grass, warning of predators.
Sometimes they coax you to wear them, grifters at your feet, telling tales of riches.

They weigh on you, these chains.
You think you wear none?
Do you believe?
Do you hope?
Do you love?
Do you dream?
Do you eat?
Do you sleep?
Do you hate?
Do you envy?
Are you human?
Then you are in chains.
Break free of all of them and you’re dead.
Some are better than others, though.
Chains of love can weigh light like the flutter of an eyelash.
Chains of hope can weigh so little they carry you to other worlds.

But some chains will crush you before you can feel them.
Hate.
Prejudice.
Those chains have no mercy.

And some weigh what you weigh. They are you, your body. You feel them only when you fight them.

Weightless, then?
Only at peace.

I didn’t plan to upload this today because I’m behind in visiting you guys and replying, and I don’t want anyone to think I’m being rude. But I need to get it off my computer before I panic and throw it out. It’s YELLING at me. Well, OK, not really. But it’s a visceral reaction I’m having. It’s making me want to tear apart my life and rebuild it in better ways. Wow.

Anyway, it’s seven photo images and some digital painting, combined and edited in Photoshop Elements 3.

The Weight of Chains belongs to the following groups:

Bits and Pieces , Freedom to Shine, in-between, Layered with Texture, Lifeline, Live and Let Live, Old farts of redbubble, Outsiders, Safe Haven and Self as Other Available for sale as

Greeting Cards, Matted Prints, Laminated Prints, Mounted Prints, Canvas Prints, Framed Prints and Posters