Homage to the Nonsense Poetry Muse or Writing Poppycock
The nine muses of classical mythology were sister goddesses who inspired humans with insight into the arts, sciences and philosophy.
Storytellers, astronomers, dancers, musicians, poets, dramatists and others in creative or skilled practical pursuits looked to one or more of them for divine assistance in their various activities.
Though this is not generally known, there is at least one other muse who is named Silliusnincompoopia who is rarely depicted in classical art and literary tradition. Her contemporaries either shunned or disparaged her, for good reason. She was often called just plain "Silly".
I know about this because she has followed me relentlessly through life, inspiring my written nonsense, and artistic incompetence, often in the form of doggerel poems. Silly is always lurking, even when I try to be serious.
To this muse I dedicate the following poem, in the hope that she will leave me alone for awhile.
Sillyusnincompoopia does not appear in the portrait above. She is off somewhere being silly, while the other nine sisters are being very serious about all of their artistic pursuits at the temple of Apollo.
A Praise to the Nonsense Poetry Muse
(Preferably to be read aloud in a pouring rain.)
Poppycock, and all that rot, taps on a window of my brain.
Then, in time, the nonsense rhyme requests permission to remain.
Now, at the door, it taps some more and walks in uninvited.
I question, "Who said, 'Come on in'," realizing ... I did.
The Muse of Nonsense Poetry rarely gets a mention,
But her insane, insistent tone demands my prompt attention.
She enters my brain and is bound to remain with snippets of unscripted ode.
Once deep inside, she can't be denied, demanding a written mode.
Then I find, within my mind, I am to doggerel inclined, growing stubborn habits.
The ebb and flow will come and go, then multiply like rabbits.
Becoming a lyric which rhymes without reason, a web of idle thoughts,
Switches up meters and rhythms and mode like a weaving of macrame knots.
Nagging to be written down, the claptrap will remain.
Inventing a verse, getting much worse and progressively more inane.
Idle bunkum, trivial thoughts, becoming more confused,
Demand some polished ordering to make sure they're perused
By readers who may come by chance, and linger for awhile,
Finding motive to read this junk and briefly crack a smile.
I might support lost causes, and do it all in rhyme,
Speak out for homeless hermit crabs and do it all the time.
It might seem sheer insanity, or something even worse,
But somehow seems more sensible to put it into verse.
When nonsense rhyme or rhythm, gets stuck within my head,
I'm jotting verses all day long, until I go to bed.
And yes, I'll blame the Nonsense Muse, she has to have her say.
I'm chosen to convey her words. (All nonsense, by the way.)
Some say my life is wasted, but nonsense is my lot.
The gift for writing writing epic tales, is not the one I got.
Scribbling on philosophy would turn out sounding phony,
I script the musings of a muse whose forte is baloney.
Are you stalked or afflicted by the Nonsense Poetry Muse?
Comments
Oh, this was fun! I have a big smile on my face right now. Thanks for sharing your muse with us. I hope that she returns to spark more poppycock another day! Her name is great, by the way!
I laughed my way through this poem. I am glad Silli is your muse, lol.
Rochelle,
Poppy-cock? Is that the father of a hen?
You have sicked silly on me
And now I'm giddy as can be
I found someone who understands this side of me
You make me feel at home
With complete aplomb
Please do not lose this Muse
Humor is something everyone can use
*
*
Blessings
Great fun, Rochelle! Turn that muse loose and there is no telling what she will do or say. :)
LOL!! Enjoyed reading! Great write.
I love the way you introduced the poem. "Silly" is a fun muse. Embrace her and carry on!
Thanks for such a great poem Rochelle. I wish the nonsense poetry muse did stalk me, but alas it is not so!
I want the muse she's got! Great nonsense poem Rochelle. It is good you dedicated a poem to Silliusnincompoopia, somebody had to. I write nonsense verse and limericks from time to time so I think she gets around a bit. Voted up.
Very clever, Rochelle. Although I haven't been visited by this particular muse, when it comes to insane verse, I mean inane verse, I can rhyme with the beast of them, I mean best of them. ;)
I think she visits me now and then but I haven't published any - not silly enough!
This is great; you've written about silliness in a very clever way. Well crafted and well formed. It did indeed make me smile.
Love this hub! I think that same muse visits me often. lol
i find this to be quite witty indeed. thank you.
This is really cute. The Jabberwocky rides again!
This is so funny. Silliusnincompoopia sounds like a great muse. She's serving you very well!
Hahaha! Love it! How clever!
You write poppycock so well that it is easy to tell that Silliusnincompoopia is your guide. You're an inspiration to the masses who, for all our hours in classes, can't write such clever doggerel, though we've tried.
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