Of Muse and Madness

I did not ask you, darling

To love me; unborn jot

You vex me before I am up

And tease my every thought

I cannot bear your essence

Matrix of ice and fire

Yet, how I crave your presence

Provoking my desire

Did you happen upon me

Or is there something more?

You press against a levee where

Ten thousand whispers roar

Ah muse, what keens your spirit?

Are you a curse or gift?

For I can hardly bear it

...without you I’m a-drift

And you pursue me, madly

I laugh and weep and groan

But oh, if you would leave me

My pen would turn to stone

© Janet Martin