At KPN, we had a discussion about muses and who had them. For me, the story itself is the muse, but because of a previous story I had posted it became a running joke that I killed muses. This is a story I wrote for a Muse-inspired love story competition. It is a "conversation" I had with my "adopted muse" about love. She is the one in pink and italized.
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LOVE in the Eyes of my Muse
Love.
The four letter word that inspires millions to follow the dictates of that Greek fluttering menace, Cupid. Not that everyone hates him of course. He’s admired by many- inspiration to the other muses and even Ares, the God of War, likes him. Something about inspiring jealousy and creating heated thoughts that ultimately lead to war…I think he had a hand in the Trojan War come to think about it.
What do you think about love?
I, on the other hand, find he distracts the greatest talents. Once struck by that silly little arrow- poof, poets start spouting mush, painters and photographers lose their individuality and focus more on what others like, and we, Muses, become forgotten bits of lore.
*Sigh* You’re just jealous because people actually know who he is and no one remembers Muses unless they are an artist of some kind.
Shut UP! I am NOT jealous. How could I- bringer of the world’s most beautiful works- be Jealous of that child-like, chubby, midget who flys around in a toga shooting heart shaped arrows at people?
*clenches teeth* How should I know? I’m just the lowly human you’ve ever so graciously bestowed your majestic gifts upon.
*narrowed eyes* I can take those gifts away, you know. Stop laughing like that- you need me to help you finish this rather drab and uninteresting dribble you seem determined to call a novel.
Have you by chance read my short piece called “A Muses Death”?
No…should I have? *hair flip* It was before I entered your life so why should I care?
Do you even know how you entered my life? No…well let me tell you. Me and another writer thought you belonged to a friend and accidentally incinerated you. Thankfully, Muses are flame resistant and you only ended up slightly crispy. Now if you don’t mind I’d like to actually write this piece right. Let’s try this again.
Love.
I hate you. I don’t care if you hate me. I have to turn this in. Now come on. And I don’t care if you want to finish! *sniffle* We are not writing about love. Love is not something I contemplate. Why not? Most pieces are created from some kind of love. Mine never were. Just who did you belong to before we accidentally incinerated you?
Not telling.
Dear GODS!! Do I have the muse of Charles Manson?
OF COURSE NOT! He scared the crap out of me! BRRRR…I shudder to think what I would have become.
Then why won’t you work on this piece?
*quietly* I don’t know what love is.
WHAT?!
SHHH! Don’t be so loud. I don’t want anyone to know. I’ll be out of a job if anyone finds out.
But how do you not know what love is?
Did I ever tell you I hate Cupid too?
Not in so many words, but I kinda got the hint. Why exactly do you hate him?
He told me I can’t know love. I am the only muse unable to feel it, taste it, or experience it.
Why?
*wail* HE HATES ME!
Okay, okay, stop crying. You’re getting the paper wet.
*sniffle* Sorry. Please don’t put me back in that biohazard container. I’m afraid of the dark.
So, you don’t know anything about love.
Yes.
Are you sure?
Of course, I’m sure...Why?
Well, my novel you think is drivel….its about love, family and never giving up.
Really?
Uh, yeah, really.
Then I do know something about love.
I would assume so since you’re helping me write the damn thing.
You’re not going to put this as your story are you?
Why not? Technically this is your view of love.
But?
I promise I won’t put you back in the biohazard container.
That’s not the point. Everyone will know that I have been cursed.
*longer sigh* You are not cursed. I’m sure we can find someone here that will be able to help you.
Yeah right, like any of them will come near a loveless muse.
I already told you, you are not loveless. It’s just temporarily been misplaced.
Really?
Sure, let me post this and you’ll see- everything will be fine.
If I get ridiculed instead, I’m killing your novel.
*snorts* Since when have any of the writers or their muses ridiculed anyone? Just let me post this and we can start on that Mid-Summer’s Dream project that’s due in seven days.
I don’t know if I can write that.
Sure you can, you’re a muse. You can write about anything. Don’t let that chubby Greek guy bother you so much. Maybe he just likes you or something.
EEWWWW….No WAY!!! You post this and let’s get to work. I need THAT image out of my mind! Gross!
Love….for my muse has turned into middle school drama.
DON’T ADD THAT!!!!
*really long sigh*
