A Letter To Edgar Allan Poe

Dear Edgar,

I could not endure the tragedies of your short life,
suffering through the death of your young wife.
Orphaned at the tender age of three years,
is it any wonder that you cried unending tears.
You were only forty when death came to your door,
such a talented hand was now stilled, forevermore.

It is because of you that I write these days,
you have been an inspiration in so many ways.
I remember the day when I first discovered Poe,
such deep words of torment, sadness, and woe.
Which is exactly how I was feeling at that time,
to me, your poems of darkness are truly sublime.

You wrote of haunted pasts and a premature fate,
with such agony and loneliness, I can truly relate.
You also wrote of many a romantic endeavor,
and your humorous stories were really quite clever.
Time has condemned you with a "gothic" label,
but, much like my writings, it is all just a fable.
No one made you apologize for writing "The Raven",
so, why should I hide like some cowardly craven?
Your rhymes and your poetry continue to inspire,
how did you ever master it, might I inquire?
Copyright © | Year Posted 2014

Poem

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That Archaic Poet Avatar
August 10, 2014 at 9:21 AM
You know if it's about good ol' E.A. Poe, I'm all about it. He's been a major influence on me as well (but you already knew that lol.) Great tribute, SP! :)
Deschler Avatar
August 13, 2014 at 12:39 AM
Yes, I already knew that, BP, lol .... This poem was for a contest which asked for a letter written to your favorite poet. It would have been interesting to see what you might have come up with! :)
Robson Avatar
July 20, 2014 at 9:25 AM
Poe is one of my favorites Kelly, he was one of my first inspirations...Keith.
Deschler Avatar
July 25, 2014 at 12:15 AM
Poe was one of my first inspirations and he continues to inspire. I have read the works of other writers, but Poe will always be my favorite!.... Thank you for the nice comments, Keith. I appreciate it very much!
Kendrick Avatar
June 23, 2014 at 4:45 PM
This is awesome work!! No wonder it is in the winners’ list..Sara
Deschler Avatar
June 25, 2014 at 3:55 PM
Thank you for stopping by to read my poem, Sara. I really appreciate your nice comments!
Lindley Avatar
June 22, 2014 at 12:46 PM
Congrats on a fine win!!!!
Deschler Avatar
June 25, 2014 at 3:36 PM
Thank you, Robert!
A   Avatar
June 21, 2014 at 10:25 PM
Sweet, I love this poem.... yes... Edgar!!!! Linda
Lawless Avatar
June 21, 2014 at 9:27 AM
It is interesting how poets like Poe always find a place in our hearts. great write and win. Way to Go.
Deschler Avatar
June 24, 2014 at 11:54 PM
Thank you for the nice comments and the kind congrats, John. I appreciate it very much!.... It was about 15 years ago, when I first read Poe's work, and he has been inspiring me ever since. I know that Edgar Allan Poe will always have a place in my heart.
Sirak Avatar
June 21, 2014 at 8:21 AM
Thank you for entering my contest. This is sad, beautiful, brave. I love your thoughts that if Poe could push through, then you can too. Now that is inspiration.
Deschler Avatar
June 24, 2014 at 11:40 PM
You're welcome, Monterey. I really enjoyed writing for your contest!.... Poe has inspired me in many ways, and his poetry was only one of them. His life was not an easy one, but writing is probably what helped him through it. Poetry has gotten me through some tough times, too.
Mehta Avatar
June 20, 2014 at 10:54 PM
Congratulation on a great win on the theme of Letters to poet, kelly
Deschler Avatar
June 23, 2014 at 11:04 PM
Thank you very much for the kind congrats, Dr. Ram. Your comments are always appreciated!
Sietesantos Avatar
June 20, 2014 at 7:38 PM
Dear Kelly, thank you for penning this great, moving dedication to one of my all-time favorite poets! Bravo and congratulations on a fine win!
Deschler Avatar
June 23, 2014 at 10:51 PM
Thank you for reading and commenting so kindly on my poem. I appreciate it very much, Pandita. I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Christian-Bowling Avatar
June 15, 2014 at 12:38 PM
Edger Allan Poe was a great poet ...I love his work my mom introduced me to him wen I was little......Great Job:-)-Love Ettie PS. I rate this a seven and put you as a fav poet:D
Deschler Avatar
June 17, 2014 at 9:59 PM
I've been discovering other poets over the last few years, but Edgar Allan Poe is still my favorite!.... Thank you so much for your nice comments, and for adding me to your fav poets list! It really means a lot to me, Ettie! :)
Vaso Avatar
June 14, 2014 at 11:06 PM
Well, because of this I am working on a few inspired by him, not sure when they will be ready, trying for a trilogy!!!!
Deschler Avatar
June 15, 2014 at 8:27 PM
That's awesome! I'm looking forward to reading your Poe inspired poetry, Arthur. :)
Vaso Avatar
June 13, 2014 at 9:12 PM
He was I think the first poet I read as a child, in fact, because of you I will open a Poe book tonight, so that I can say both you and he inspired me!
Deschler Avatar
June 14, 2014 at 10:59 PM
Thank you so much for the nice comment, Arthur.... When I was a kid, my Mom used to read me those classic Mother Goose nursery rhymes, and Dr. Seuss books. But I think Poe was the first poet that I discovered on my own. No matter how many times I've read his poems, I keep going back to them, and they continue to inspire me!
Bordner Avatar
June 3, 2014 at 4:05 PM
Perhaps Edgar master his song by making honesty truth Kelly. He would be smiling with a melancholic grin on the lip of love for what you've felt. " Poems of darkness are truly sublime... " The raven flies free. J.A.B.
Deschler Avatar
June 4, 2014 at 11:07 PM
Thank you for the great comments, Justin. I do appreciate it.... Edgar was never afraid to express the truth, no matter what the aftermath might be. To have my mentor and my idol smile approvingly at what I've written, would mean more to me than winning a thousand poetry contests!.... I hope that raven is never caged....
Lindley Avatar
June 3, 2014 at 7:34 AM
I always loved Poe! A great tribute you write!!! Bravoooooo!!!!!
Lindley Avatar
June 20, 2014 at 10:00 AM
Yes and sadly the world lost him far, far too soon. Your tribute would have pleased him no doubt on that. As would your writings..
Deschler Avatar
June 4, 2014 at 5:30 PM
Thank you so much for the kind comments, my friend!..... Poe inspired me from the first moment that I read his work, and he continues to inspire. I see that he has made a lasting impression on you, as well!
Guillermo - Fraser Avatar
June 1, 2014 at 4:30 PM
I love this Kelly!!!! i read Poe's poems and truly they are so lovely.. .. great great write! i hope this will top in the list.. :)
Deschler Avatar
June 3, 2014 at 1:51 AM
Thank you very much, Olive. I always appreciate your nice comments. I'm so glad that you enjoyed this poem!.... It's nice to know that there are other poets out there who have an admiration for Poe! :)
George   Avatar
May 31, 2014 at 4:22 AM
Ah!!!!you know him well. He was my inspiration too and the reason I write poetry. This will top the list for sure, Kelly. bfn Lainie
Deschler Avatar
June 3, 2014 at 1:18 AM
Thank you so much for the kind and encouraging comments, Lainie. I see that you know him well, also. It's nice to meet another fan of Poe!
May Avatar
May 30, 2014 at 7:32 AM
A great tribute Kelly... an interesting question at the end...interestingly enough Lord Byron was his childhood hero....best wishes in the contest
Deschler Avatar
May 31, 2014 at 10:45 PM
Thank you very much, Joseph.... I think I did read that about Poe somewhere. I guess even the best poets needed a mentor to learn from, and Lord Byron would've been a great one.... Maybe I just answered my own question!
Devonshire Avatar
May 28, 2014 at 12:32 PM
Dear Kelly, Poe is credited as the creator of the short story, but I like his poetry even better. Your letter is very good and I wish you success in the contest. Also, I sent you a Soup mail regarding getting the birthday booklet to you. Love, Carolyn
Deschler Avatar
May 30, 2014 at 6:38 PM
I do enjoy reading Poe's short stories, but his poems are my favorite. They just capture my attention and never let it go!.... Thank you for the kind comments and the good luck wishes. I appreciate it so much, Carolyn!
Onclaud Avatar
May 28, 2014 at 2:30 AM
poignant in its brooding tonality, kelly.... our poe must be riling in his grave... wonderful! SOUP MAIL
Deschler Avatar
May 29, 2014 at 12:34 AM
I have learned so much from Poe! I only hope that I could make him proud with this tribute.... Thank you for the great comments, Nette. I appreciate it so much! :)
Branham Avatar
May 28, 2014 at 1:21 AM
Meant "inner in-securities" - my bad. Loved the letter though.
Branham Avatar
May 28, 2014 at 1:19 AM
You are a natural Kelly - the words slipped right off my tongue when reading...keep writing and soon you will have written all your inner securities right out of your life - cause this is good stuff!??
Deschler Avatar
May 29, 2014 at 1:15 AM
Thank you for taking the time to read and comment on my poems. I do appreciate it, Regina!.... Writing can be very therapeutic, and it has gotten me through some tough times before. As long as I have a pen and a piece of paper nearby, I know that I have a friend who will always be there for me!
Dietrich Avatar
May 28, 2014 at 12:07 AM
this is an EXCELLENT rhymed letter to Mr. Poe. I quite enjoyed it. one of the best in the contest.
Deschler Avatar
May 29, 2014 at 12:30 AM
Thank you so much, Andrea!.... I couldn't write a poem about Poe and not have it rhyme in some way! :)
Smith Avatar
May 27, 2014 at 7:20 PM
A wonderful letter Kelly..A terrific poet to get inspiration...hugs Tim
Deschler Avatar
May 28, 2014 at 12:59 PM
I agree, Tim!.... Thank you for the nice comments. I appreciate it very much! Hugs :)
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