Being who I am, I cannot avoid analyzing words and phrases for their full meaning.
Consider "contracting a muse."
Taking the last sub-phrase "a muse" first, this is simple. To wit:
- (in Greek and Roman mythology) each of nine goddesses, the daughters of Zeus and Mnemosyne, who preside over the arts and sciences.
- a woman, or a force personified as a woman, who is the source of inspiration for a creative artist.
I think that is pretty clear. Of course, I could compress the sub-phrase "a muse" into "amuse", but that would take us down unnecessary tangents.
The first word "contract" is altogether more tricksy though:
noun
- 1. a written or spoken agreement, especially one concerning employment, sales, or tenancy, that is intended to be enforceable by law.
- informal: an arrangement for someone to be killed by a hired assassin.
- BRIDGE: the declarer's undertaking to win the number of tricks bid with a stated suit as trumps.
- dated: a formal agreement to marry.
verb
- 1. decrease in size, number, or range
- 2. enter into a formal and legally binding agreement.
- 3. catch or develop (a disease or infectious agent).
- 4. become liable to pay (a debt).
Such a plethora of meaning wrapped into a single word.
Of course one could argue from a modern romantic sense that all the above are meant to apply to modern relationship, but I would disagree.
The point I was trying to make though is that I have now contracted (entered into an agreement with) a muse that I am fortunate enough to have previously contracted (been infected by).
Hopefully I will not be contracted [liable to pay (emotionally or otherwise)] to, or contracted [decreased in size, number, or range] by, said muse. I doubt it, I have heard she is lazy with the karmic paperwork.
So go the thoughts that hum through my head on a Tuesday evening.
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