Once Upon a Midnight

On a dreary night in mid-December, As well as I can now remember, I sat and contemplated embers Smoldering in the fireplace, dying. Outside a bitter wind was howling, Inside were flickering shadows prowling 'cross study walls as I sat rocking, Watching flames with cinders vying. The maudlin poem I'd been perusing Had raised a question quite bemusing That circled 'round my cerebellum And captured my imagination. I pondered why Poe found it shocking When he heard that raven knocking. It was merely seeking haven From the storm, not conversation. He seemed to think it came to haunt him, And for his carelessness to taunt him, Though he had no recollection Of how he came to lose Lenore. She was wearing something furry, But after that it all got blurry, And the last thing he remembered Was someone yelling, "Nevermore!" But a cold, wet bird was no more omen Than "Cheerful Ed" was Poe's cognomen. Could be it was just a token Of whatever he was smokin', And was just the lady leaving As she slammed his chamber door. Author's note: I don't believe I've ever read or heard anything about E.A.P.'s sense of humor, but I certainly hope he had one.