Sing in Me, Rational Muse!
Plato’s “descriptions of poetic inspiration occur over a
long period of time, ranging from his earliest works to
his latest, and there is considerable uniformity in what
he says. Throughout P.’s work the mental state of the
inspired poet is described in similar terms: the poet,
when composing, is in a frenzy and out of his mind; he
creates by divine dispensation, but not with knowledge.”
~ Penelope Murray, Plato on Poetry, 7
Let’s dispense with all this inspiration
Guff. Firstly, no one thinks like that now. More
Than Plato, we employ cogitation
And do not need divine afflatus. Soar
With visions from on high? I don’t think so.
Instead a line or image comes to mind,
Or one idea. That’s enough. Words flow.
And ,secondly, while reading you may find
Your “Muse” in something there—an expression
Or thought that causes something to explode
Inside your brain—like an intercession
From gods, but this in a rational mode.
..You don’t need “Inspiration” to extol
….It, Keats. Just grab the hint—then let it roll.