Ode to my vacationing Muse

Where’ve you gone, my Muse?
     Vacationing, on a cruise?
Well, rest well, sweet Muse,
     I hope you’ll return refreshed,
     And sing your songs in my ears.

Did I over-tax you, 
     My soul too untuned for you?
You wanted to sing
     About mountains and the sky,
     When I turned my thoughts on you.

You were wide open
     In your mind and heart, and then
Suddenly, silence!
     How have I offended you?
     Answer me, then whisk away!

You are a shy Muse;
     My questions startled you, eh?
Pierced your virgin heart,
     And then you vanished from sight,
     Perhaps to find a gentler love.

I regret your absence;
     So to invite your sweet songs,
I’ll forego questions,
     Turn my gaze as you direct
     To our mountains and wide skies. 


—Wm. P. McKane
    24 January 2020