trying to awaken the muse

i tempt

her with charm. i set a drink

out for her.

i bring food

to the table.

i lower the lights,

i make

the room brighter,

i offer

a different chair. i pull the chair

i'm on

closer to the desk,

i tap my pen

against my head, then

open the window.

i let a cool breeze come in.

i rub the stubble

on my chin.

i show her the veins

in my arm,

i flex

the muscle in my calf.

i offer

remorse, regret,

i confess my sins.

i do penance, but still nothing.

what have

i done wrong

to have her ignore me

like this?