Jewels of Darkness - 5. Iterum Conventus

“The most potent muse of all is our own inner child.”1

Stephen Nachmanovitch2

The full moon was brighter than the stars, that clung onto the blanket that protected the night sky, like a newly orphaned mother clinging to a safety blanket which smelt of its deceased mother, as a way of remembering her. The sun had fallen into the earth many hours previous, as the young lovers set up their midnight feast. It was a warm summer night, with the owls singing in the trees; Evelin sat down on the patchwork rug, trying to absorb all its intricate details. Each square was uniquely decorated, like each piece was meant to stand alone, and not combined. She shivered as a cold breeze passed over the park, making the blades of grass tremble.3

Once the food had been set up on the rug, Adam sat down next to her, arm wrapped around her shoulders, making her lean towards him slightly. Looking at the reflection of the moon in each other’s eyes, they became lost; at the same time, their Muses were struggling to get along, each trying to annihilate the other. Adam tilted her head up a little, and kissed her gently; simultaneously, their Muses sparked ideas inside their messenger’s mind.4

Both went for their notepads, and decided to collaborate, as they promised when they first met. Naturally, as oppositions and new lovers, they wanted to impress the other, but also surpass them. Writing one line each, Evelin began.5

Falling into fantasy6

With drops of happiness7

Becoming drops of tears8

Wiped away by Love’s hand9

Yet alas! it was, too, touched by Death.10

Yet Love fought Death11

To no avail12

Death gave up13

Knowing Love was too weak to stand down14

Love grew in happiness15

The happiness quickly turned to shame16

As Death walked away17

Since Love knew that she could do better18

She thus followed Death19

Alas! rivalry sprang its head.20

Adam spoke, halting his Muse’s progress and train of thought. “Evelin, I don’t understand. It flows perfectly, but… Why do I feel like I’m competing with you? I honestly don’t want to, but I believe I am, subconsciously. Hey, maybe it’s our Muses.” He spoke jokingly, since he did not believe that Muses existed; he thought they were simply a myth created to keep the poets attenuated.