Letter to the Muse

Letter to the Muse

writing poetry was your idea,

not mine

I just wanted to have some love

read others' books

and fantasize

being recognized

then you put my name

on your poems

did books and used

my signature

I couldn't pretend

we both know who was responsible

It was all the time,

you gave me your voice

and I used it.

but I know you will take leave

one day,

and then what?

What am I to do with that?

be an old voice mimicking 

you?

Will anyone believe?

Or will I just fade into the sunset

carrying one of your books

with my name as author

and the words inside

the ones you squeezed out of me

when I was too weak

to put the pen down

our ruse

our sin

became the words 

we're in.

erin-cilberto

12/31/23

Reviews

[schlanks]

I love the way you tackled this concept. A creative take with a strong ending. I really felt it and enjoyed the read.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Thank you for your kind words, schlanks.
j.

[The Rock And Roll Cowbo..]

i am but a vessel for the muse. and honored to be. I love this poem, very humorous praise to true inspiration.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I think we are all vessels, and lucky to be that..
thanks, Cowboy,
j.

[Desert Knave]

Wow. I've never felt like I am the source of all of my writing ... it has seemed like I get a little help once in awhile and often figure that someday the help will end. ~Jim

[jacob erin-cilberto]

That is what I think as well...each time I do not write for even a few days, I start feeling trepidation.
j.

[Nusquam Esse]

I really felt the last couple stanzas. Sometimes life is exhausting, and I wonder wherever is the muse. I look back on words written, and they seem unlike my own, and it is a surreal remembrance. Then it hits me, and the words come once more, and I wonder, could I truly be great if that muse was with me more, if I hurt more, or if I loved more? Or was that something beyond me, all along. Why, do my own words cut me like a friend I struggle to remember? Yet they don't weaken when they arise, are they not meant to weaken when neglected?

I am a shade, a spectre on here; but it is good to see you still steady Jacob...

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Nusquam...
muses take leaves of absences...it just happens.
Good to see you back...read moreNusquam...
muses take leaves of absences...it just happens.
Good to see you back...
j.

[Robert Trakofler]

I was very aMused by this:/ (sorry I can't help myself) There was a time when I could make the most delicious stew, honestly, I didn't have to think about it I would just throw stuff into the pot willy nilly and eventually what culminated would be delectable. Now when I make a stew I freeze up I don't remember what I used to do and then I overanalyze and it ends up tasting very contrived it is a stew but it is not "the stew" Maybe it is because my tastes have evolved and the ideal of it is far greater than anyone's capability or perhaps the muse has left me:?

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I like this metaphor...brother bunny...
your spices always taste good.
j.

[living lavender]

wow. this was beautiful. to be a writer's or artist's muse. now THAT is an honor in itself!
my favorite lines:
"the ones you squeezed out of me
when I was too weak
to put the pen down"
the definition of a muse. poetically translated.
{may i meet your muse one day??}

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I would love to introduce you, lavender.
j.

[keith]

the muse is most often mistaken for teacher rather than the training wheels we need to find balance within our chosen craft(s)
certainly your muse must be proud you have cast the helping hand opting to stand on your own words
freedom ... independence ... box free congrats!

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Thank you, keith...
I am lucky to get to do this.
j.

[poetgurl]

I love this write, very creative.
enjoyed this muchly.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Thank you, Meg,
j.

[emmajoygreen]

'Not believing that, jacob - even though you and your muse superbly contrived that poem! However your way of thinking makes sense, sort of. (poor English). but then, do not have the quality muse you have, sir. Admittedly there are valid points to how you come to that near conclusion. but inclined to think they were secretly etched whilst you were sleeping into this new year. Happy happies. by the way.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Yes, that is how I write...in my sleep.
must be.
Thank you, em, and happy New Year...
j.

[emmajoygreen]

Smiling and thanking you very sincerely, sir. :)

[Gee]

If you decide on an amicable split please send your muse my way Jacob, could do with upping my game :))
Happy New year to you and yours sir

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you, Gee...but I think your muse is doing a fine job...
j.