Muse Abuse

“Where the heck have you been!”

“What? Can’t a Muse take a vacation once in a while?”

“Once in a while? I’m lucky if I see you once a month! And, believe me, those few times you have been dropping the ball on the quality of ideas you hand out.”

“Yeah, well, even a Muse has lapses in imagination. Let it not be said we are perfect.”

“Ya know, I should just fire you and look for a replacement Muse.”

“Oh yeah? And what Muse would have you, huh? The word has gotten out about your Muse Abuse. No Muse in their right mind would want that.

Look, I don’t think you truly understand what a Muse is all about. A Muse gives inspiration, not a complete story or poem. You really need to apply yourself a little when it comes to your writing and stop taking advantage of your Muse.”

“Oh geez, you are so right. I’m sorry. I know my well of imagination has been dry, my need to write is so over-powering. I guess I really want to prove I am good at something, seeing as I have failed in so many other endeavors.”

“Don’t take it so hard, Val. You have a beautiful heart and mind, but you let so many other things going on in your life interfere. Those problems over-shadow your imagination, keeping it from its full potential. There have been so many nights I have seen you agonize while trying to write anything that has a good feel to it. I bet if you looked in your laptop’s trashcan, you would be surprised how many pieces you have deleted. You started out strong, but fizzle out not even half way through a piece. In frustration, you delete them. I know you strive for perfection, that is a human condition that can’t be denied.”

“You know me all too well, Muse. How long have you been with me?”

“I was selected to be your Muse before you were born. It wasn’t until you became self-aware that I became an active part of your life. Those were such lovely times, watching you find pleasure in the simplest play to occupy your time as a baby.”

“I wish I could remember those times, Muse. It would be nice to have some more good memories.”

“Then let me remind you of days you can remember. How about when you learned to read? Remember all the excitement you felt when you were swept away to times and places real and imagined?”

“Oh yes! I do remember those! They were wonderful times!”

“Feeling any better about yourself now?”

“Well, yeah, but what about my writing? When are you gonna give me some inspiration to write again?”

“Val, think about this very carefully. Are you thinking?”

“Umm, yeah.”

“I’ve inspired you to write this dialogue for “The Dialogue 500”, haven’t I?”

“Why so you have! Thank you, Muse! Oh, and I think we need to change your name to Hope.”

Word Count:500