Melpomene, by Franz Stassen, 1869-1949, Museum Hanau Melpomene, Muse of Tragedy, Library of Congress, Washington, DC Melpomene, as re-imagined by Disney animators. A little too cheery, I think. [Home]

Invocation to the Muse

I sing to you, Melpomene, least remembered of the Nine, yet most necessary of your sisterhood in this misbegotten age. Mother of Tragedy, Queen of Woe, Architect of this unworthy mortal's mental halls and towers, favor me with your gifts. Guide the shaping of this code, exert your sad and gentle touch upon these bits and bytes, my text and imagery, the markup of my misery.

Find the message in my madness and direct me to it. Help me weave misfortunes, both real and imagined, into amusements for those who discover this corner where I set my scratches in the sand. Lend me strength and purpose to fill blank screens. Let my fingers be untied to convey what I have learned of the world and its ways. And when at last my tale is told, embrace me in my ending, and grant me rest and comfort in your solitude.