Serenade
Some thoughts, and a poem
I’ve been thinking about creativity and the idea of artistic endeavor being inspired by a muse. The idea has been romanticized in literature and popular culture, and is most often expressed in the patriarchal context of a male genius whose creative passion is inflamed by his romantic obsession with a female, his muse.
As my friend Jane said, “Certainly ‘muse’ has been used as a sexist means of minimizing women’s influences. It’s such a passive word, unlike ‘artist’ or ‘author.’” We talked about “mutual muses” like Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, and Georgia O’Keeffe and Alfred Stieglitz. It’s arguable that the artistic achievement of both of these women eclipsed that of their men.
In Greek mythology the idea seems more expansive. For example, in their roles the nine sister muses were protectors of the arts. Protector is not a passive word, nor does it describe a passive role. Indeed, the muses were the active sources of art and knowledge.
The nine muses were the daughters of Zeus and Mnemosyne, the personification of memory. Calliope was associated with epic poetry; Terpsichore, with light verse; Erato, with lyrical (choral) poetry; and Polyhymnia with sacred poetry. Polyhymnia was also the muse of pantomime, which was dramatic interpretation, rather than the face paint and slapstick of modern times.
Serenade
I heard you, Polly, sweet
daughter of gods and memory.
You said “I spark”.
I scribble your whisper.
I mimic your lips poised.Thank you for reading Every Other Sunday. Have you subscribed? Please do, and if you know someone who might enjoy EOS, please share. Comments are welcomed - tell me what you think.