Poe

Happy birthday to one of the great poets and writers of any generation, Edgar Allen Poe.

Poe

(Quoth the Raven nevermore  1/19/1809 - 10/7/1849)

By

Carlos Lorenzo Estrada 

Into the bleak of dreary night

In somber thought of prose he'd write

Beneath a moon wane grey 

His words composed would forever convey 

Alliterations meant to beguile 

In pensive mood and distinctive style

What nightmares came to him

haunted dreams of melancholic requiem 

Alas, we shall never ever know

That spark of genius in such troubled soul

Did enchanted spirits whisper to him

Revealing secrets most human of sin

Or was it in purpose of reason 

To unlock the madness of villainous treason 

His tales speak to us all 

In a black cat and raven's prophetic call

A writer who was more than his art

An intellectual mind with a telltale heart 

So remember should fear ever grow 

The darkly grim writings of Edgar Allen Poe

Author's Note

My muse Cate covered my eyes and asked me, "Guess whose birthday it is today? Here's a hint...they would be 213 years old!" Now, I knew this was a trick question, but I fell for it anyway and replied, "I thought you women hated being reminded how old you are." That did not sit very well with her, so now she has put me in a time out. So this might be the last piece of submitted writing for the foreseeable future. Anyway, Happy birthday Edgar Allen Poe! You truly were one of the greats.

Reviews

[Betty Hermelee]

Wait a minute! you're not leaving us???? This was truly a great tribute to a haunting poet... his tales of the raven and black cat; was he mad? Was his soul cursed? I love the line
" A writer who was more than his art, an intellectual ind with a telltale heart.... great words!
Best, B

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

Thank you B for sharing your thoughts with me. I'm taking some time away from writing to deal with some life issues. So this may be the last bit of writing for a while. I'll still be around commenting and encouraging for the time being. I just really need to resolve somethings that I have allowed to linger. I feel this is a good pausing point because my first submission was on Lovecraft and this one is on Poe. Thank you B for always being encouraging not just to me but to the community as well. I truly appreciate it.

[Betty Hermelee]

We'll miss your amazing poetry! Do keep commenting please!!! I love your analyzing mind!! Good luck and come back soon!!!
Best to you, B

[Cyprian Van Dyke]

I am not familiar with the works of Edgar Allen Poe but I've heard a lot of his work was dark, and you've shown that clearly in this poem of yours. There was an episode of the show Frasier that talked about one of his stories in which an Orangutan was killing people. I recall reading that story years ago. But your poem about him was well written from a writer's point of view, not knowing much about his work, again. I enjoyed reading your note as well.

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

Thank you Cyprian for your comment on this poem. Many of the great writers whose work has moved me through all these years were introduced to me by my literature treacher back in my high school days in the early 80s. I don't think I would have gravitated to their work on my own without my teacher's influence. Prior to reading those famous authors I was more a comic book fan. Though I believe there are remarkable writers in comics that have influenced many of today's generation of storytellers. Jim Starlin, Frank Miller, Neil Gaimen, Alan Moore, and many others whose works have become immortalized in much of societal minds by the entertainment media and films. One of my favorite movies is V for Vendetta. Where the masked hero who is never revealed enacts revenge on a tyrannical government while talking like a Shakespearean character. At a young age I was shocked to learn many of the comic book writers were heavily influenced by great authors of the past. Here I was as a kid believing myself to be a rebel bucking the system by reading what many adults believed is inferior trash, and only realizing a bit later at the prodding of a school teacher that the comic book writers I read where inspired by the old greats. Damn if I didn't learn a hugely profound lesson than about art and creativity. Thank you again my friend for sharing your thoughts with me on this piece.

[Cyprian Van Dyke]

I enjoyed reading your reply very much, thank you for writing this, Carlos.

[Lisasview]

I always enjoy your authors notes almost as much as your poem...Clever and oh so wonderful to write about dear Edgar... True artist never die..they stay in ones heart forever.......and ever.
Lisa

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

I totally agree Lisa they truly do. Thus is the power of art. It transcends language, thought, and different cultures. Artistry and creativity is the best of us. Because it comes from a deep place of love from within and a hope to make this a better world for us all. It shows despite our differences we all love the same, cry the same, and aspire toward our better humanity the same way. A world without art is a world that has died. We as writers and creative spirits can never allow that to happen. Thank you again for your kind words on this poem tribute to one of the greats.

[Lisasview]

I do not know what but your response made me cry...
wonderful thoughtful soul you are Jacob

[Lisasview]

So sorry I meant Carlos.. I often read both your writing one after another in the mornings..

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

it's ok Lisa thank you so much for your kind reply. I mean every word I say. It is so very important for us to share our art to the world. Because it makes others who may view us as different come to realize we are the same in our hearts. So keep writing your art and sharing those pieces of you to the world. Because in order to change the heart of another you must first open your own to them. As my abuela once said to me as a child "el amor cambia todo". She was the reason why I write and will always be. Thank you again Lisa.

[Lisasview]

Thank you for your kind response.. Lucky you to have had a great abuela.. My Grandmother told me that there was a good person and a bad person in me.. or did she say on each shoulder...anyway, and she said never let the bad one in...or take over..something like that.. I was so young and at that time I actually believed there were actually real good and bad "people" in me..sort of a scary thought..If any of this makes sense..

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

oh it sure does make sense to me because my grandmother would remind me of the same thing too. Only she would say an angel one one shoulder and a devil on the other because she was very religious. She always had long candles in stained Saint images on them burning in her room both day and night. She always had the curtains closed and it was like going into a church whenever I went to her room. It always made me feel I was talking to a holy Saint in a cathedral. Her mirror against the wall had several beads of rosaries draped on them. And a picture of Jesus on the wall whose eyes always seemed to be looking at me no matter where I was in the room. It was scary hahaha. Have a wonderful day Lisa.

[Lisasview]

Your response made me laugh..loved it..Oh gosh the things we remember from our childhood.. Actually, now that I really think about it and if I remember it correctly she touched or pointed to the inside of my shoulders.. and since I am talking about memories regarding my grandmother... I remember clearly sitting at the kitchen small table with my younger sister and younger cousin..We were all very very young.. They did not want to eat the food she served and she threatened all of us with the BOGGY MAN in the ceiling vent right above us..She said the Boggy Man will get you if you do not eat everything..and although young I knew it wasn't true but played along to get my sister and cousin to eat..Have a wonderful day! Lisa in Spain

[Rania M]

My collection has loads of his thrilling books. Love him. Well written and remembered Carlos.

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

Thank you Rania for sharing your thoughts with me on this amazing writer Poe. I'm a fan of his incredible writing as well. As long as there are poets in the world he will never be forgotten. Thank you again I appreciate it.

[Vertigo Cat1111]

Yes, Edgar Allen Poe! His work was amazing, and your work certainly does some justice. I loved the way this was written and incorporated so many things in, not to mention frequently remembering just how amazing these his work was. It’s amazing that even 213 years later, we’re still celebrating his art. It really goes to show how big of an impact poetry truly has. Thank you for sharing, and oh, boy, I really do hope we see more poetry from you, and you’re not in big trouble for too long, lol

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

Alas I will be taking a sabbatical from writing to sort out some life issues that I have allowed to lapse. But I will continue to comment and encourage the writers her in this amazing community. All of you have given me so much that I can't even begin to express my gratitude for. After the death of my father over 15 years back I never thought I would write again. But because of this wonderful place and great community I found my voice again as s well as love once more for writing. I mentioned before and I believe it wholeheartedly that a writer without words is like a bird without wings. Losing that ability to fly and inspire other to the same heights is heart-rending to us. They cafe showed me I still had words to say and art to share. I'm forever grateful of this community and the amazing writers like you in it.

[Vertigo Cat1111]

This is such an amazing message- thank you so much for being such a kind light in the community and I’m so glad you continued and will still continue to write after such a loss. I hope everything works out wonderfully for you. (:

[Patricia]

Oh dude! You did not! Ouch and hope that couch is comfy LOL too funny, love the poem though. Poe is a fav of many.

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

Unfortunately I did, which I recognize and a major failure on my part. Even though she is imaginary you still got to respect the muse. I will do my best to reconcile and win her favor again. Well to a point. I won't cater to her desires by wearing handcuffs, full black latex suit, and red mouth ball again. I have to draw the line somewhere. But I may entertain n****e clamps and a male thong lol All just to win back her good graces of course. Thank you Patricia for your comment on this poem.

[Patricia]

You’re welcome Carlos, be good to your Muse she may take a singles vacation and you will be twiddling your thumbs playing darts with your pencils in the ceiling….been there done that

[Sami Khalil]

"His tales speak to us all
In a black cat and raven's prophetic call

A writer who was more than his art
An intellectual mind with a telltale heart"

[Sami Khalil]

He is also one of my favourites Carlos. I studied him and his works. Did you know, other than the Bible, he studied the Koran and was fascinated by the ancient Arab culture? He wrote some pieces or books based on that. Google that. Not trying to promote anything. Just stating a fact. Secondly, I had the honor to see his original desk at the "Henry Ford Museum" in Detroit. I was ecstatic.
You have done him more than justice in this elegant and worthy piece. I knew I missed you around the cafe.

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

Thank you Sami for your comment on this poem. Back in the very early 80s in high school my lit teacher introduced me to Poe's writing. The Telltale heart was my first experience with the writer's work. Being a fan of the macabre I was drawn in by his style and story telling structure. From there I would discover one of my favorite writers H.P. Lovecraft who was a fan of Poe's art. The greats inspire the greats and I can't help but admire an envy the dedication those two men had to their craft. Despite them not gaining wealth from the art they created they continued to produce stories to astound. It is a shame they didn't live long enough to reap the gains so deservedly earned, but it goes to show they were driven by the love of writing more so than the success. Their art defined the complexity of their minds. The intricate workings of their intrigue into the darkness of the human pyche. Both may have been troubled in life but they undoubtedly were masters of their craft. They left a large impression on a teenage boy who was fascinated by them as human beings and incredibly prolific writers. I'm currently on hiatus from writing not for lack of but to deal with some issues. I will continue to comment on others work though if time permits. Thank you again my friend.

[Sami Khalil]

All understood. You are welcome. Nothing wrong with that. Hope all is well.

[John Prophet]

I love the “Telltale Heart”.
What wonderful talent you have.

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

Thank you JP for your thoughts on this poem. He was a masterful writer and I can still remember first reading his work back as a freshman in high school. I feel the older I have grown the more I've come to appreciate his work more. He truly is deserving of all the praise he's garnered. Thank you again.

[Chris Shaw]

Hello Carlos. Let's try again. Have just lost in the ether quite a lengthy response to you. Poe with his dark, melancholic voice was one of the first poets I was introduced to. The Raven and Lenore memorable, so it's good to see a birthday tribute. Shows his value to poetry that on his 213th birthday he is still as popular as he ever was. I was fascinated with the story telling and the melancholy of his writes. Your author's note tells you are hanging up your pen for a while. Well I hope it isn't going to be for too long. My pen has run dry for a while, so I am airing some of my older writes until my muse comes back. Thank you for your poetry and the contribution you make here. You are appreciated.

Chris

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

Thank you Chris for your kindness and encouraging words. Yes for the time being this will probably be the last piece I write. There are things I need to get in order personally. It is not from a lack of love or inspiration for writing. I need to concentrate on some issues I have not addressed in my life. I'll continue to comment and encourage others in their writing though but need to take this sabbatical from my creativity for a bit. I felt this particular poem would be a good bookend to the art I have submitted so far here to this wonderful community. It's been a bit difficult to get much sleep because of my writing and thoughts. Hopefully in a few months I'll be posting more work again. I'm so eternally grateful for all that this community has given to me since I joined. It gave me back my voice and love of writing I thought I lost years ago after my father's passing. I never thought I would ever write again and here I am now with lots of work I posted to this community. It's the first time I can honestly say to myself that I am proud of what I was able to accomplish. To find my voice again. A writer without words is like a bird without wings. Thank you Chris for your wonderful comment on this poem. I appreciate your kindness and friendship. CLE

[Chris Shaw]

I wish you a peaceful writing sabbatical Carlos and it's great to know this community helped you find your writing voice again. I have been one to benefit from that. All the best.