Miss Subways was such a great idea! Riding the NYC tube to work in the morning, a man could feel like a real schmuck — but when he looked up and saw the Miss Subways display, he knew what he was fighting for. On the way home at night after a hard day at the plant he could again look up, see Miss Subways, and know that she was patiently waiting at home. Not waiting for him, but waiting for somebody. So at least there was that, and he carried on! We all carried on!
In a similar way, you can feel like a schmuck when you’re writing a poem. All sorts of negative thoughts can prey upon your mind. "Is anybody every going to read this?" — that’s a very common thought, and one of the least painful. Many other thoughts are much, much worse. As I’ve attempted to show in earlier posts, a muse can provide a way out of this. In fact, as Robert Graves taught us, every poet (man or woman) needs a muse: a beautiful female spirit who in some miraculous way is both our voice and our listener, our instrument and our inspiration.
To fill this need, seven prospective muses will audition in this space during the next week. Each will answer a series of questions to support her candidacy, and each will also contribute an original poem. Of course, there will also be photographs of the aspirants. At the end of the week, I — yes, I alone!!! — will select the winner! I will certainly give due attention to the comments and suggestions of others, but ultimately I know best in matters of this kind. My selection will be accompanied by an essay explaining the reasons for my choice, along with other important information.
So please check in tomorrow evening and every evening during the next week. Because your muse is out there! She cares about you! She gives a flying fuck! She’s not like the rest! No way Jose! Treat her right and you’ll come up with some great poems — and it will be easier than you ever imagined!