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In the Hush of My Sanctuary

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This is my newest Halloween Poem and the last of the series dedicated to Poe that I am posting this year. I waited until today, Halloween, to introduce it, and I hope that you enjoy it as much as I did writing it.  Happy Halloween!!

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In my sanctuary’s hush, Poe’s tales I clasp, Into his world, I plunge, a breath, a rasp. Beneath the creaking floorboards, a heart's pulse In my mind, it throbs and gasps; Suddenly, I'm the culprit, in horror's vice, my soul enclasped. Entombed alive, in a sepulcher so confined, Where terror's craftful design, I awaken in crypt's obscurity. Dread, a palpable force, reality maligned and intertwined, In untimely interment, against fear, unity. In this sepulchral cell, my heartbeat amplifies, Resonates with each creak, each stifled sigh. Shadows dance where darkness lies, I'm bound by dread, under a moonless sky. The mirror now reveals a spectral face, William Wilson, in my reality, is encased. A duel to demise, a chilling, dread-filled chase, In this tale of terror, in an unknown space, I'm defaced. The Rue Morgue's enigma beckons me near, Its heinous act, a memory etched in sear, A chilling tale, whispered in every ear, In this enigmatic realm, where darkness is clear. In Dupin’s shoes, vigilant, I stand, Unraveling clues with an acute mind, I demand. Dark secrets unfurl in this haunting land, In a tale of horror, where truth takes a resolute stand. Bound and defenseless, the pendulum descends, Closer it swings, as time, in stillness suspends. In the pit and the pendulum, my fate depends, A tale of terror that never ends. The pendulum’s deadly arc, a chilling strain, A relentless blade, a tormentor's gain. In the depths of despair, I'm forced to maintain, A will to survive, to endure the pain. With a shudder, I close the book, return to my realm, Shaking off the dread, seeking calm at the helm. Poe's tales, linger, like a haunting, spectral elm, Leaving me entangled in their otherworldly realm. Yet, as I gaze around, something is amiss, The room, cloaked in darkness, the abysmal abyss. A shiver down my spine, a chilling kiss, I'm trapped in Poe's world, sealed in its crypt. Beneath the floorboards, a heart slowly beats, A rhythmic pulse, my fear retreats. I'm haunted by the narrator's plea, "Villains! Dissemble no more! I admit it! I did it!" The pendulum descends again with a hiss, This isn't just a story, it's a crevasse. I scream and shout into the mist, But there's no escape from this horrifying mess. With final swing, the pendulum strikes, The pain is real, like a thousand spikes. And as darkness descends and light takes flight, I realize my fate, my soul's all Hallowed Night. Am I trapped in Poe's world... forevermore? Am I just a writer with a quill in hand, bleeding obscure lore? Or is this but a writer's fevered, fevered dream... A mind unexplored?

Copyright © | Year Posted 2023




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Date: 3/5/2024 10:23:00 AM
A marvellous poem...the wat you weave and interweave is remarkable. Great Stuff
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Date: 12/4/2023 11:03:00 AM
Had there been ten placements this would have landed there. I like how you weaved several Poe tales into this frightening write. In the end I leaned more toward the Plath voice for my top wins. Fickle me. Thx for awesome support and fine effort. This is almost epic
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Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 12/4/2023 11:45:00 AM
Thank you so much, Tom, and I appreciate your consideration. It took a while to assemble this; some earlier writings included more Poe characters. However, it started to take away from the poem. I was grateful that you read it and commented. - Blessings, Daniel
Date: 11/21/2023 2:35:00 AM
Your rhymes and descriptive wordplay here is truly impeccable and so captivating. A dark poem that truly hits hard and flows in such eloquence. As a fan of Poe i can see the darkness he portrays too here and is an excellent tribute so. Well crafted. I loved reading this one. Congratulations on your win . Well deserved
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Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 11/21/2023 7:18:00 AM
Good Morning, Thank you so much for your wonderful thoughts about my poem. I also want to say congratulations to you on winning! - Blessings, Daniel
Date: 11/20/2023 6:58:00 AM
This poem's faultless rhythm, combined with its vivid metaphors and superb use of rhyme, reveals your superb talent. The fear and anxiety produced within the verses are gracefully crafted, creating a finely crafted poem that pays honor to Poe and his artistic legacy. Thanks for your comment on my page.
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Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 11/20/2023 8:06:00 AM
Good Morning, Sotto, Thank you for your insightful and affirming insights. Poe is one of my favorite poets due to his depth and mastery of writing. - Blessings, Daniel
Date: 11/7/2023 12:58:00 PM
This is a breathtaking write Daniel written in the style of Poe - great tribute to him. The poem’s cadence, along with imagery and rhyme, is impeccable. You have created such fear, tension, in its lines so masterfully. Each stanza draws the reader in more and more as the atmospheric horror builds.So many great references to Poe cleverly instilled into the writing. Love the twist, like a cliffhanger, at the end. This begs for a sequel- a dream or terrifying reality as you are trapped in Poe’s
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Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 11/8/2023 7:17:00 AM
Good Morning, Christiana. Thank you for your wonderful compliments on this poem. It did take time to write, with several or perhaps many revisions. I wanted to write something that would really leave one hanging and guess what the outcomes would be. Maybe next year, I will write a sequel based on your suggestion. Thanks so much again!! - Blessings, Daniel
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Christina Bowring
Date: 11/7/2023 1:00:00 PM
dark world?? Sheer brilliance. Well done. Must have taken some time to create. Worth it - for what you have achieved. Really enjoyed it. Admiration to you :):)
Date: 10/31/2023 2:36:00 PM
reading your poem almost made me shudder with fear...seriously, an excellently constructed poem with so many references to Poe and his work. You managed all of that and had a rhyme scheme and imagery. Brilliant! A fave. enjoy your evening, Sara
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Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 11/2/2023 6:12:00 AM
Good Morning, Sara. Thanks for your affirmations and your comments. It is very much appreciated. Have a fantastic kick-off to your November!!

Book: Shattered Sighs