The Mercurochrome Stain

Acrylic, 36X48 (an oldie). Pardon the photo.

In my childhood I had always heard about a mysterious (to me) place called Ruby Falls. My aunt & uncle had visited, and I was fascinated by their rather sketchy description of it. They told me of this waterfall, deep underground ... and I had just seen Journey To The Centre Of The Earth with Pat Boone...
Anyway, my mind embroidered upon the scant facts supplied me. I imagined a poe-esque realm with blood red waters cascading down black stone walls. I became so obsessed with this imagery that it began to carry over into my waking hours, as it had in my dreams. Even the little glass bottle of Mercurochrome in the medicine cabinet became associated with the vision, as it was a vividly red as I imagined to Ruby Falls to have been. I would carry it around with me, as though it were imbued with the magic of that place.

Well, reality is a cruel headmaster. After some time I verbalized my misconception, and I was quickly corrected. Alas, apart from a visit from Moses, I suspect those Ruby Fall waters will remain as pallid as your kitchen tap-water. I'll bet there aren't any rubies, either.
I still like Mercurochrome.