March 04, 2004
Anthropomorphize the inanimate
Spool-yard, clear area near train tracks
Hopkins Road and Belt
Here's another spool picture from our photographic meanderings last month. I like this one because of how it reveals the structure of the spools, especially the non-uniform curves cut into the slats that make up the barrels, and the grain of the wood.
Besides, it looks as though the head spool, the silverback of the flock, has rolled up to check out the interloper with the camera. Is she some kind of predator? No, she'll only steal your soul. The rest of the flock graze undisturbed on the weeds and litter that has blown off the road.
I know I'm reaching there, but I'm allowed. That train of thought chugged along and took me to Retief's War, which I read long, long ago, set on a planet whose inhabitants where wheeled creatures, much sillier than Pullman's creatures as I recall. Somehow I doubt the book has aged well, so I'll let it lie. Even back then, my suspension of disbelief didn't stretch far enough to accept wheels on live creatures.
Still, I couldn't help poking through my bookshelves to try and find it, but I could only lay my hands on one Retief book: Retief at Large, its spine disintegrating with age. I know I used to have more. Is that something I should admit?
227 words | March 4, 2004 11:35 PM | Shutterbug