Halloween Tale, Poetic Dream of Raven, Poe and I

Halloween Tale, Poetic Dream Of Raven, Poe And I (Not a contest entry) When into an unearthed slumber I fell An accursed storm came with its black tail Within isles of swirling doom and gloom I woke, a prisoner in a dark tomb Chained to the wall in a small blood-soaked cell Lashed repeatedly, pains a bloody hell. No dawn ever came, gasping echoes wailed Hands of black had this tortured soul impaled Every fortnight a red moon cast its rays Shadows brought forth from saddest pallid greys In agony, these I begged to speak Lifting their veils, a few began to peek. Ungodly were hideous faces seen Gaping fanged mouths, wicked eyes glowing green Skeletal white hands with long dagger claws Razor edge teeth shown in gaping jaws Such a grave sight made my heart skip a beat As evil green eyes did this poor soul greet. That terrifying sight brought thoughts of Poe His inspiring verses truths I did know Conjured up my thoughts of Raven's dark words My lifelong fear of that devilish bird Soon as thought a magnificent voice spoke I am Poe, dearest friend, so glad I woke. At this news, my crying soul felt relief Poe was my hero, always my belief Somehow his words giving this soul power To this heart sent bright bountiful showers In great need, his speaking gave me some peace I knew only he could gain my release. Alas! All was happening far too quick I thought of Raven, this must be a trick Could it be master Poe was not so near Had I fantasized that he could appear Knowing Raven my inner thoughts had read Into defeated brain his poison fed. Raven then demanded master Poe must leave Return to his realm to Annabel grieve Poe spoke, "innocent soul you must set free" This battle is between myself and thee Raven shot, "your pen gives me no commands." I yield not to such great foolish demands. Poe replied I need no poetic quill To vanquish you and evil curse you spill I need only this soulful heart in me Faith and grace rests within my peaceful sea Your villainy is cracking your weak shield Nothing more powerful can your hate field. At this refute, I saw Raven cower From strong vibes of Poe's increasing powers His legs crumpled while his beating wings flamed He knew Poe won, he had been far out-gamed Light into that abyss began to flood To wash away ghastly gore and blood. Suddenly my chains crumbled into dust To my freedom fast flee, I felt I must To my friend Poe these grateful words I spoke Thanks, for freedom from Raven's slaving yoke For his inspiring poems, I have read That sent me on poetic journeys tread. Before my exit, Poe I bade adieu Praying him, divine mercy he is due At those parting words, Raven flew away Shouting out, "we will meet some future day. On that day my powers shall be immense From my weapons, there will be no defense." With joyous glee, I stepped into the light Then recalled that Halloween is tonight Next thought was Raven may again appear Would I be brave or hideaway in fear Poe whispered softly, my friend I am here Darkness shall not prevail, that truth is clear. Robert J. Lindley, 10-12-2020 Dark Rhyme, ( A Halloween Tale, for readers of any age ) A poem first composed in early 1990's *edited heavily in 2014, and again in 2020...