The Chains That Bind

The chains that bind
Heavy
Immobile
Uncaring

Steel to skin
Cold
Piercing
Bruising

Iron lacerates deeply
Claret
Flowing
Stinging

The captor laughs incessant
Cursing
Spitting
Taunting

Temples throb a pure barrage
Angry
Vengeful
Unrelenting

Veins pulse a river rapid
Power
Strength
Growing

Sinews corded shatter steel
Twisting
Wrenching
Breaking

Husks of steel fall to the floor
Sweating
Gasping
Freedom

There’s an old song by Eagles that says “So often times it happens that we live our lives in chains, and we never even know we have the key.”

Sometimes, though, we don’t have the key.

What do we do then?

We make our own damn key.

So many of us drag around chains that make the simplest task feel like a Herculean effort. Every stinking step we take, we beg to be our last.

Our depressions, our anxieties, our past regrets, our physical limitations? Chains.

But every chain has a weakest link.

Sometimes it is very apparent which link it is, and sometimes we have to look a bit closer.

But you will find it. And when you do, I urge you to twist, wrench and pull that fucking link until it breaks. It won’t be easy and it will likely hurt. Possibly a lot.

But once that link gives way, the rest of the chain is useless.

The weight is off you and you can move freer, lighter and stronger. You may be bruised, a little bloody and scarred. But you are victorious.

And if there’s more than one chain binding you? That’s okay. You are stronger now. You rest, you find the next link and you do it again. And again, until every damned chain is broken.

Stay strong, all. You are far, far tougher than this world gives you credit for.


Comments

13 responses to “The Chains That Bind”

  1. You are right. So many times we are weighed down by whatever worries us and let those anxieties control us, while being unaware that we are the masters with the key to the shackles. We need to break free and be reborn!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. It’s definitely not always easy, but some (most?) times, it’s the only real option we have before us.
      It’s sometimes so difficult, in fact, that we think just carrying the chain is easier.

      Liked by 1 person

  2. we do have the tendency to cage ourselves and then onto searching for the key when it’s right in our hands.
    then to be set free… wonderfully so.

    Well expressed and so true, Kevin ๐Ÿค๐Ÿ™

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Destiny. At some point, that weight becomes too much and it needs to be thrown off or it will bury you completely. Glad you liked it. ๐Ÿ™

      Liked by 1 person

      1. true too… and most welcome ๐Ÿ™

        Liked by 1 person

  3. Thank you for raising this issue Kevin.

    Some people carry chains and don’t even know it. Chains put on by the environment, family, friends, work and yourself.

    The beginning of a change and a breakout is realising, that there are chains and constraints which hold you back, push you down and prevent the unleashing of your full potential.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Good day, Chris and thank you for the great comment!
      You are spot on here. If we stop and truly reflect, we can often hone in on exactly what circumstances are holding us back. Some are easily fixed, and others not quite so, but knowing is the first step toward throwing off the yoke.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Exactly so ๐Ÿ’ฏ

        Liked by 1 person

  4. Very well said Kevin ๐Ÿ‘

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Chris. Likewise!

      Liked by 1 person

  5. Very well written and so true, Kevin! ๐Ÿ‘โค๏ธ

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you so much, Bianca! I deeply appreciate this! ๐Ÿ™๐Ÿ™

      Liked by 1 person

      1. My pleasure, Kevin! ๐Ÿ˜Šโค๏ธ

        Liked by 1 person

Leave a reply to Chris White Cancel reply