Brightly illuminated against a dark field, these dry weeds seem so alive...irrepressible, graceful, mischievous, brave, exuberant even.  But aren't they really just old dead weeds?

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Such a delightful paradox!  Dead, but so full of energy that they jump right off the canvas!  how they are lit, brightly against a black ground, contributes to this impact, as does the physical structure of the weeds themselves: their line, gesture and composition.  So, within the "reality" of the image objects we "know" to be ordinary, common and lifeless are extraordinary, special and vivacious!  

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This invites to question how we distinguish between what is useful, important, noteworthy and what is not.  Clearly, in order to function and survive in society, is is useful to differentiate between a green and red light at a busy intersection.  Likewise, for hygienic purposes, it's advantageous to distinguish between a healthy, well-adjusted family pet and a dead or rabid one.

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The point is, beyond a limited utilitarian perspective, the distinction between what is "living" and "dead," means little.  Such distinctions are practically arbitrary in that any singular "life" is so infinitesimal compared to the eternal flow of "Life," with a capital "L."

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Surprisingly, I find this idea revivifying: for like these dry weeds, I too am part of and participant in the same process--a process much more significant and mysterious than my utilitarian human mind may ever be able to grasp.