A bunch of keys

Have you thought about how a bunch of keys can tell you a lot about a person? Do you have something attached to it? Like a plasticized photo? Or a teddy bear maybe? Or do you have chain in it? The teddy bear can make you feel safe. The photo shows who you care about. The chain can help you find the keys in a messy bag.

But a bunch of keys can show so much more. Recently, that occurred to me when looking at my decreasing collection of keys. Keys can symbolize status, responsibility, activity or even an entire life. Sound strange? Let me explain my reasoning.

If you lead an active life perhaps you have the key to your summer cottage, speedboat, garage, storage room etc. Many keys can also be a sign of responsibility at your workplace. Front door, your own private office, main key to several doors, keys to cupboards etc.

On the other hand, if you’re unemployed you don’t have any keys to any work place. If you’re poor you can’t afford a car, so no car key, key to your garage etc. I remember how sad my grandfather was when he moved in with my mother after my grandmother died. He didn’t have any home of his own so he didn’t need a key. No key, no life.

It must be how the poor men and women moving into an old folk’s home feel. Must be like becoming a kid again. Someone else has the responsibility. Someone else is in charge.

I’m hoping that I’ll soon have a bigger bunch of keys. If I get that job I’m hoping to get, I’ll get a key to my work place. I love the accessories, the chain, the teddy bear and all that. but a bunch of keys with only the key to my home feels empty and sad.

~ by irispolaris on 11 October, 2008.