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Lord of Long Shadows, Master Poe and I

Lord Of Long Shadows, Master Poe And I 

Lord of long shadows had invaded hearth and home
sauntered in amidst cracklings of hot fireplace flames
Saying, " I like this sad place, may I freely roam
you know friend, I do dearly love playing sad games".
And with sardonic laugh, flew around and about
breaking mirrors so no image was reflected
Shall we see just how many pains I can churn out 
shouting, "let me remind, sad woes you've neglected".

I questioned, asking if it would once be so kind,
for I the master of hearth and home had some rights
Shadow said, "ask away poor soul, I do not mind
I oft get deeply bored on these cold wintry nights".
Searching for something to give me some kind of sway
for these darklings, can bring epic pains and sorrows
I queried, "did you plague Master Poe night and day
seek to destroy his joys and all his tomorrows"?

That sardonic smile, and hideous laugh roared back
I see you too like to play clever little games
Somehow you figured out my past and are on track
shall you be seeking any more great poet's names?
Shall that triumph of my destroying power do
to strike proper fear into your old, aching heart
I shall advise, lets recall your woes, set your dues
tis best we gaze at your love's losses for a start.

Then with twinkling flame-red eyes, power to thus cast
shadow snapped fingers, removed its covering mask
This beauty was your first and you then swore your last
need I give angelic name, dare you even ask?
Through tears I saw my love, so many years passed on
those dear blue eyes and her smile that I now so miss
Then shadow showed her fiery death and bleached white bones
asking, "would I want to touch, her decay now kiss"?

I could not reply, the pain ached in me so hard
my sobs echoed and gave shadow such immense glee
Shadow cursed and cried, "you dare call yourself bard
when you can not bear these sorrows, I gift to thee".
Would your Master Poe not in deep dismay thus frown
at this pitiful wretch, just one lost love has wrought
You act as he, seeing Annabel's bloody gown
knowing her sad death, has so much of his fame bought.

I then saw envy in shadow's arrogant mind
how it despised all poets and Poe's fantastic fame 
A great weakness, for such conceit makes one stone-blind
seeding a crack in its misery birthing game.
My thoughts interrupted, shadow had more to show
it cast forth delicious picnic by a blue lake
With it, image of my love Helen laughing so
yet again this was more than this lost-soul could take

Now begging, please, please, show me such losses no more
I recall each true love that in my youth I failed
Shadow have mercy, this one act I now implore
save me from what, past death scene daggers have impaled
With pride out of sight, it stooped to look down and close
as it gazed I said, "your art and you are adored."
Such was my chance to deliver truth's overdose
you destroyed Master Poe yet more you have implored.

Its rapt attention, flattering words soon did gain
with guile I asked, why this world, your fame now denies
For my poet's heart found words to shower like rain
with, why does wicked world, ignore your righteous cries. 
Sent you to torment poets like Master Poe and I
as a ghastly shadow, form devoid, with no name
Its hideous face changed, tears formed as if to cry
as it saw it too was victim, we were the same.

I hid my smile, seeing rage and bitterness set in
for shadow now felt wrongly used and thus betrayed
Shadow felt my words, their true weight, knew just then
his game lost, how by this loser he had been played.
With a curt and dismissive bow he said goodbye
proclaiming how my kind he'd visit no more
Yet would greet me after my mortal coil shall die 
and with sardonic smile said, " to even the score."

Entering my room on beam of glittering white
from within Raven's painting out came my friend Poe
Saying, "I told you we would have such great delight,
that was same wicked shadow that dealt my death blow".
I replied, "thank you grandfather of my dear muse,
shall we drink or out that window at the moon shout 
For your guile, insightful words I wisely did use
shadow now knows its pride, has been kicked about".

Master Poe smiled and laughed saying, "what a grand treat
your wicked shadow once won its game against me
Now dearest friend, with our words we gave its defeat
and we have for now set your poetic soul free."
With fine advice, Master Poe bade me this goodbye
write my friend, even dark poetry if need be
For heaven hears poetic words artists pen-cry
prays sweet blessings upon those believing as we.

Robert J. Lindley, 11-19-2018
Rhyme, ( Long Shadow's Defeat and Poe's Revenge)
(ORIGINAL VERSION STARTED IN 1978)

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Kurt Ravidas Date: 6/27/2019 1:42:00 PM Oh, yes, write, my friend. The heaven hears. If it doesn't, all of it, pain, blood, poetry, doesn't make sense. Login to Reply Robert Lindley Date: 6/27/2019 5:22:00 PM Thank you my friend. I too believe that true poets are heard in Heaven- as true poetry is written from heart and soul- so oft a beseeching unto mankind and beyond, even unto a higher power...

Sunlite Wanter Date: 6/25/2019 12:47:00 PM Thank you for posting some Lindley "classics." And I pray for your improving health. Login to Reply Robert Lindley Date: 6/27/2019 12:10:00 PM Thank you my friend. I had just edited this old poem again for the umpteenth time. And then on a whim, decided to go ahead and post it here.

Geoffrey Brewer Date: 6/24/2019 4:07:00 AM Extraordinary, epic poem resolving the seductions of darkness and light. You might say that one without the other would have no meaning. These wise and thoughtful verses demand reading and re-reading. I am very impressed, Robert Login to Reply Robert Lindley Date: 6/27/2019 12:07:00 PM Thank you my friend. Your kindness and poetic insight are both greatly and truly appreciated.