INSPIRATION
All creative acts are inspired.

But by what...? Or whom?
Is it internal desire, external manifestation
or some magical combination which triggers an outpouring?
Is there a way to turn it on?

I felt a presence, intruding my quandary...
The Muse, now overtaking my mind, spoke clearly,

"Tell me of Inspiration"

Surprised and somewhat confused, I replied,
"I thought that was your function..."

I sensed her smile,
"True, it is part of me given with joy, but it's not a responsibility. So I am asking what you think it is."

I shrugged, and replied,
"Well, I never thought much about it, until just now. When it came, I sometimes used it...
for however long it lasted."

More seriously now, she continued,
"And when it was gone what did you do?"

"Nothing. Well nothing of any creative value... I mean work, eat, sleep, you know... the stuff most do to survive."

"And how do you feel... about this existence without inspiration?"

I paused to reflect... but with nothing specific in mind,
I had to admit,
"...kinda... Empty..."

"Do you like being... Empty?"

"No... not really."

"What would you be willing to do to be full, or rather fulfilled, more of the time?"

"Offhand, something I suppose... I don't know...
What are you suggesting?"

She drew close, wrapped her arms about my neck, and whispered,
"Inspiration is the wind in a sail of thought. To captain your ship, you must learn to play its whims and wisps, its puffs and fury. It will empower your craft, take you to destinations you have been, but have never seen...

Her lips brushed my ear,
"Open your eyes, look with your heart, tell me what you see..."

She relaxed her embrace. I turned, just to see her recede.
"The breeze is freshening... a journey is begun... I must attend my loves."

I stammered,
"When...will... I see you?"

Her voice was gentle and trailing,
"When you gift me... your pain and pleasures..."