Inside the Muse

About the Book

Inside the Muse is a collection of multimedia poetry that visualizes what the mind sees, the heart feels, and imagination creates. It is a collage of verse and companion visuals sharing observations and concerns of an octogenarian who invites the reader–viewer to go on a virtual tour of Poetraitures hanging on the hooks of the mind Inside the Muse. The tour begins with a display of Muse Murals, followed by clips of Nature’s beauty in the Open and glances at daily life. Next is a montage of cultural impressions and expressions ending with a plea for a greater awareness of the looming environmental threat called the Anthropocene. It continues with cameos on our quest for knowledge and fondness for fantasy and nostalgia. The muse walk concludes with an exploration of the Mindsphere and the Planet of the Mind with a comment on consciousness and the possibility of a cosmic connection.

About the Author

Thomas A. MacCalla, or TAM, is a educator and self-styled poet born in Bridgeport, Connecticut in 1929. He started his dream ride with the publication of Sepiatones in 1998, reaffirming it with Rhythm & Muse in 2007 and Artistry in Word Music in 2014. Inside the Muse continues the journey with a guided tour. TAM was educated by the Jesuits at Fairfield University in the Nutmeg State, graduating from the College Preparatory School in 1947 and later receiving bachelors and masters degrees. He attended the University of California at Los Angeles, where he earned a doctorate and pursued post- doctoral studies. TAM was a high school teacher, assistant superintendent, college professor, and vice president at National University in San Diego, California. He also was a former Marine Corps Officer and a Korean War Vet who served as a Platoon Commander and Division Historical Officer.