Prayer to the Muse

Relieve me, Muse, from this midnight watchpost.
It’s late and I hear sleep gently singing.
Release me from the duties of this desk
And let me wander at your side in fragrant meadows.

If I lay down my wooden sword and shield
Will you heal my broken words and crippled rhymes?
I hear your supple fingers strum the lyre.
Tomorrow, let your song breathe my words with holy fire.


—Eric Nelson