Texture

The more I look at this image, the more I see. To some it may be a simple doormat with a dead leaf, but look again.

First, I was attracted to the repeating pattern found in the weave of the doormat. No matter how many feet have stepped on it, the pattern has remained unbroken. After clean feet, dirty feet, light feet, or heavy feet, the mat is consistent, strong, even and unyielding. Each knot in the weave grips the knot next to it to help carry the load. To me, it’s like a network of friends that look out for each other and help carry each other’s burdens. They stick together no matter what, and nothing can break them apart.

But then there is the leaf. It sprouted in the spring and hung on a tree through rain, hail, wind, and scorching sun. In October, the temperature dropped and so did the leaf, alone. Unlike the doormat, it fell apart. It was alone and unprotected, dried up and brittle. Yet, just off the grid, there’s a small seed that survived, a sign of life, a new generation.