Puzzling Over Inspiration

for Cigeng What, dear Cigeng, inspires you to write your poems? Is it the moon-madness of Li Po, or the steady light descending over Tu Fu? Does that dot of white light at the beginning of night follow your movements, shyly at first, ducking out of sight whenever you turn to catch a glimpse, or pass a mirror, and look deeply into its transparence for her swelling presence. She never fails you! And when she rises in the middle sky, a bright glowing orb, you know you have been marked for her gift, as single single ray or a steady stream. Yes, the Light is yours! I'm satisfied with that lunar hypothesis. Whether it showers me all night or targets me with one sharp blade of light, it is a sufficient explanation. And by then - it's time to write. But for you I think the Spirit of Poetry lingers out of love for you. There is no drama. It is simply the passage of time through space which carries your thoughts and feelings for a spell as you select the words which fit perfectly. Another poem is made, another mystery lives within our ken, and we are grateful.