DEWEY DIRKS

Dewey Dirks

MUSE WINGS

I dreamed last night

A great dragon muse came to visit me

Here in the 21st century---

Me with my cell phone, and pick-up truck,

Prejudices, internet, and electric bill

I was very frightened at first,

Because I thought maybe he was Gabriel or something

But then I noticed he looked just like a man

Except I could see the brilliant sliver spark of his soul inside him

And I thought maybe there was something on his back

Gentle and happy and honest as the day is long,

He told me hello

And invited me to coffee down at the bar.

We walked outside my house and I was surprised to find

He drove a klunky looking old car.

“Don't you fly or something?” I asked

He smiled and said, “Only when I want to do something

Like go to the sky.

When I go to coffee, I rather like to drive”

Down at the bar to my surprise he ordered coffee

And put in two sugars.

“Muses like coffee?” I asked.

“Don't you?” he asked in return

I said, “You aren't quite like I expected”

He smiled a little

And I thought I felt joy

He said, “I'll tell you a bit of a secret,

A muse just a guy who's figured out a few things

And accepted a couple ideas

Like the notion that people can grow wings

And the idea that when it's all said and done

People are pretty cool creatures

“What are you here for?” I asked

He smiled a quiet smile

And I think the bar got a little brighter inside.

He said, “I like talking.

I think I'll hang out with you for awhile and chat”

I thought for a second about what he'd said

Curious, I asked, “What do you mean

When you say people can grow wings?”

“One of the secrets of muses is our wings,” he replied

“They don't grow out of your back like bird wings---

They grow out of your head

Although they often drape down your back when you're at rest,

Which is where the idea came from

That some beings such as angels and fairies

Have wings on their backs

Just as a birds wings are made of the combination

Of bones, tendons, muscles and feathers,

A muses wings are a synthesis of ideas, heart, soul

And the great flow of life itself

Because the realms of thought and soul

Are far greater than the abilities of physiological form,

Our wings allow muses to do things

Like shape-shift and more---

They also allow us to be especially intuitive,

Compassionate, empathetic, intelligent and creative

Likewise, they allow us to notice

Much of what is ordinarily hidden in the world

And to connect much better to the grand song of life

They allow us to journey to the farthest reaches

Of places both imagined and real...

That's why we call them 'wings'

I took a sip from my warm cup listening intently

He took a drink of his coffee as well

And then continued on

“That's also why over the long centuries

Artists going as far back as neolithic man

Have depicted holy people with things like horns, antlers

And halos on top of their heads... That's their wings

It's also why shaman, and holy men

Of many religions such as catholic cardinals,

And people of high status in many cultures over the centuries

Have worn elaborate headdresses

And funny looking hats, wreaths, turbans, and crowns---

Those are faux wings

People who have real wings don't need fancy hats

Because they've already got something around their heads... Their wings

People can often subconsciously sense these wings

On those who have them

And many animals can sense them or even see them as well.

One of the most important ways that every person

Is quite unique, is the shape, style, form and totality

Of all their interactions with other individuals

Of their own kind, and with members

Of other species of animals and plants

Those interactions go a long ways in defining

What makes each of us into individuals

In fact, much of the fabric of the unseen realm

Of muses, souls and creativity is a well woven tapestry

That tells great stories of the intermingling

Of plants, animals, objects of creativity

And the fruits of hearts and souls

You might be surprised to hear

That Humans aren't the only creatures

On the planet who are creative

Now, in order to get your wings,

You must intermingle in both spirit and thoughts

For a long while with your own kind

And with other animals and plants as well

When you grow your wings they are always made in part

From gifts given by souls of other creatures and plants

Since everyone is unique in their interactions,

Each persons wings are also unique

And have a unique appearance.”

Mesmerized, I looked at his head, but for the life of me,

I couldn’t quite seem to see wings on him there

Suddenly curious, I asked, “What do your wings look like?”

“They can appear differently to different people

To some they look like tree branches,

Or kind of like lightning bolts that touch at the top,” He said

“Others may see then as a wreath of leaves, bird wings, or feathers

Or a great shining disc

We were quiet for a while then I looked at him and asked,

“What color are they?”

“Blue, or gold, gray, red, or green,

Different colors to different people”

He said with the kind hint of a smile

Dewey Dirks