Coy Clio,
with half-smile and backward glance,
her stance unsecured–
she balances time and chance.
Reflected in the glass,
her image wavers, not quite straight,
always moving, she knocks down Fate.
She leaves her scent in dusty tombs,
and book-filled rooms, and there within
a musty cell, a faded ledger in a bin.
There are cries from eras long forgotten,
she sighs through silk and ships of cotton,
whispers through graveyards and dockets, ill-gotten
gains and weathered remains of centuries, unexplained.
Ask her for enlightenment, not for glory,
still she replies there are many untold stories–
look at the monuments, partly erased, salted
and wind-kissed, the lines spaced
unevenly in past’s embrace.
And here, a doll, a letter, a locket
that falls from a red-splattered pocket—
love and connections, a mystery,
blood-drenched fields, the history.
This is in response to Ingrid’s dVerse prompt this week to write a poem invoking a muse. Some of you know I have a history book chapter that I need to finish writing (like now), so perhaps a poem about Clio, the muse of history will help. I’m posting this for today’s dVerse Live Open Link Night.
Yesterday and today: Merril's historical musings 
i love this and she might be a great choice
Thank you so much, Beth! I hope so!
I love, love, love this. The way you evoke imagery is amazing, vibrant, and beautiful. This just blew me away. 😀 My mind is still reeling in from this. Hang on, please stand by.
I really loved these few lines:
“She leaves her scent in dusty tombs,
and book-filled rooms, and there within
a musty cell, a faded ledger in a bin.
There are cries from eras long forgotten…”
I also did not notice the rhyme scheme until looking back. Somehow that’s when I know that I was really into a poem if I didn’t notice it rhymed at first or had a rhyme scheme, hahaha. This is very well written and beautiful. Hopefully, the muse of history helps you finish your history book chapter too. 🙂 All the best.
I so love your exuberant praise, Lucy. Thank you so much! I can’t ask for much more than to leave you reeling, and I’m so pleased the rhyme was subtle.
Yes, I’m facing a deadline, so it will get done,
but I prefer writing poetry. 😀
Your ‘backward glance’ 🙂 Appropriate for Clio. I do like the way this flows from rhyme to rhyme and bits of forgotten past.
Thank you very much! I was hoping you’d see it. 😀
I looked in the dverse links to see if you were there. I don’t know why I don’t get notifications from you. I’ve checked and I should.
HOW do you do this? A deep deep poem that I’ve read several times. I never knew about Clio the history muse. I’m guessing Clio is quite pleased and will help you finish that chapter.
Aww–you are so kind, Pam! Thank you very much! I hope so–right now, I think it’s the looming deadline. 😏
Very nicely woven and it lends to history a fragrant skein. I always felt history and mystery were both in Clio’s ink.
Thank you, Brendan. I hadn’t thought about it quite that way before I wrote the poem, but I think you’re right. There are so many mysteries.
This is incredibly gorgeous, Merril! The tone, the language, the pacing that lends to glimpse of Clio is skillfully woven in this poem 😀 This particular bit stood out for me; “There are cries from eras long forgotten, she sighs through silk and ships of cotton, whispers through graveyards and dockets, ill-gotten gains and weathered remains of centuries, unexplained.”💝💝
Thank you so much, Sanaa. That’s such a lovely comment! And thank you again for hosting. ❤️
An excellent piece, tight, taunt, and rife with nostalgia and history..History the mother, mistress, teacher and herald, too often unheard, unseen, forgotten, pushed aside.
Thank you so much, Glenn.
The type of history I write tends to be about ordinary people who do not show up in records so often.
Enjoyed your reading today at the live meet
Much💜love
Every line is so well crafted, but this line hit me:
Ask her for enlightenment, not for glory
Yes‼
Yes, the “enlightenment / not glory” line is outstanding re what we should ask of Clio, but the whole damn poem rocks, Merril. I bow.
Clio is going to get you through! Beautiful, Merril!
Utterly gorgeous, with inticing rhymes and inspiring alliterative touches. Of course, as an avid fan of history, I’m hooked! Wish I’d heard you recite today, but next time! 😀
Beautiful 🥰 I loved this line
“she sighs through silk and ships of cotton”
Stunning!,
This is so beautifully written and you taught me something new. I had no idea about Clio.
This is an excellent take on your muse with her “backward glance” at history. Enjoyed your read. Good luck with finishing your book.
Thank you very much, Ron!
A really superbly written piece – such excellent history, rhyme, and description of an apt choice of painting.
Wow–thank you so much, Derrick. Yes, I found that painting afterward, and the depiction is so different from most.
Wonderful Merril. An apt and much needed muse. (K)
Thank you so much, Kerfe.
For me, it’s the small, everyday objects that bring history to life:
‘a musty cell, a faded ledger in a bin.’ I love that you wrote this poem to the muse of history. I hope it inspired you to finish your book chapter 🙂
Thank you so much, Ingrid. I think you’re right about those small objects.
I worked most of the day on the chapter. . .😀
Merril, I would have to say that you channeled Clio… or your muse helped you read between the lines. This is so good. I really love this one. ❤
Thank you so much, Colleen! I appreciate your kind words. ❤️
Your poetry has been really meaningful to me lately. Your muse is amazing! ❤️
Awww–thank you! I’m so pleased. ❤️
I love how you’ve personified history through the metaphor of Clio. Aside from enjoying how well-crafted the poem is, I’m thinking that if anyone wants to understand the study of history, as well as our relationship to history, they should just read this poem. It will tell them everything they need to know.
I hope Clio helped you finish that chapter, Merril! I really enjoyed the poem, captivated by the first two words, Coy Clio. History can be coy at times 😉
Thank you, Marie. I’m about two-thirds done. This is the first draft due, so we’ll see what happens. 😀
Good luck 🙂
Thank you!
So many stories left to tell… I love your poem…
She leaves her scent in dusty tombs,
and book-filled rooms, and there within
a musty cell, a faded ledger in a bin.
It will be much easier to erase history in the digital world!
Thank you so much, Dwight, for your thoughtful comment.
Yes, I think you’re probably right. Although digitized records have made it easier to get to and read some sources from long ago.
You are welcome!
This is truly wonderful, Merril. I love the flow.
Thank you very much, Dale!
You are welcome, Merril!