Autumnal Sepia and a Letter from a Squid

Autumnal Sepia and a Letter from a Squid are my thoughts on subdues autumnal colors.

When I think of sepia, first to come to mind are treasured family mementos on small squares of glossy paper with laced edges, or the 1930’s “pearl” colored MGM movies.
Yet sepia is also one of Autumn’s gifts.

A sepia painting in Autumn

Fall paints the world with the melancholy of old photos.
Mulching leaves underfoot, rimming my shoes with a layer of tears.
Smells of earth filled with secrets and the promise of snow to come.
A necessity step.
I take it and bring thanks.

Autumnal Sepia and a Letter from a Squid 
Sepia - Fall paints the world with the melancholy of old photos.
Sepia – Fall paints the world with the melancholy of old photos.

A Letter from a Squid

I imagine the 19th century seafarers falling overboard, suddenly forced to wrestle a giant squid to save their own life. Having already reached the end of a bitter yarn spun out of mutiny, little pay and, perhaps, lack of shore privileges, the sailor punches and wrestles the best and, eventually, defeats it in its own habitat.

Seafarers fighting the giant squid
Seafarers fighting the giant squid

I can see the exhausted mariner at the end of the fight, every neuron in his brain demanding oxygen, his own fervor for life pulling him to the surface. Braking the waves, a helpless human again, addicted to oxygen.
Adorned with a blueish skin. Quid pro quo. An angry cuttlefish always releases an inky secretion.

It was the 19th century painters who realized its chromatic use first. But surely after the sacrificed seamen.

Ever received a letter from a squid?
Ever received a letter from a squid?

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As Good as Gold

“I have a confession to make. I’m not much of a dog lover. I’m more a cat person so I wasn’t sure if I would enjoy As Good As Gold, celebrating dogs. I needn’t have worried. I thoroughly enjoyed this charming collection of verse and as a result of reading it I think I understand dogs so much better.”

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