Chasing Inspiration

CHASING INSPIRATION*
An example of Quintilla Poetry
February 25, 2005


Here I am, my club in my hand,
chasing wily inspiration--
From mountainside to seashore sand,
one step ahead of frustration,
my footprints all over the land.

I catch a glimpse of flashing light,
a heel fleeing out the door--
Are those ideas taking flight?
If I see one, there might be more--!
Return to me and end this blight

I implore to no avail.
Chimerical whimsies, fancies,
I can turn into a tale;
anything I'll use to appease
this stirring elusive trail.

But, alas, see? My club's too short--
inspiration has fled the scene,
and now I've naught but to abort
my artful literary dream.
I think I'll find some other sport

in which to wield my energy.
Or, perhaps, instead, I shall choose
to wait for things less challenging;
put down my club, forget my muse
and loaf awhile beneath the tree.



*Inspired by this quote from Jack London:
"You can't wait for inspiration. You have
to go after it with a club."