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Poe's Untimely Demise

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*Note I had to bring this one back, though I've been posting mostly new writes here that PS hasn't seen before. This poem has been edited many times over the years. I consider it to be among my best. The meter and rhyme structure are borrowed from the final stanza in the famous Poe poem, Tamarlane. One of the theories proffered as to how Poe died is rabies. I just took it a step further. This won't be everyone's cup of tea, since it is old style traditional poetry. Still, I hope you like it. Come close and learn the mystery buried long ago on yonder hill. The truth revealed in whisp'ring winds was veiled these past two centuries- a penance paid for wanton sin? (To swallow now this bitter pill cast down my throat against my will has left me in a troubled state, and yet this tale I must relate). An evil gale on that night blew and terrors that he never knew would visit him in black of night as threats were made demanding flight- he sought out refuge in the heights. No starry night to light the sky, no moon o’er head the sky to ply, just darkness thick as London fog as ebon creature took to wing- his old unearthly mystagogue hovered o’er head - a ghostly thing. And the raven flew into the night And the raven flew into the night (Earlier that night) A wager made the ante in- the loser who for want of heart throws in his last remaining coins and prays tonight’s the night he’ll win. The dealer laughs and then enjoins each one to play, the game to start before the twilight should depart. He loses all but pleads to stay, his title deed now on display. And so once more a playing hand is dealt before a wretched band of sharks who’d never prayed to God, whose backs had often felt the rod, the holy path they’d never trod. But fate once more would him aggrieve, no winning card hid up his sleeve. Without a friend or place to go he leaves the hall with face aghast and whispers words of hope and woe, “O that this night might quickly pass." And the raven flew toward the east And the raven flew toward the east The deed a closer look is made and ‘fore too long ‘tis evident that all is not quite as it seems, ‘twas nothing but a rook's charade. Revenge is now the plan they scheme- this band of thugs with cruel intent on finding Poe are now hellbent. And so into the night they sped with brutish beasts inspiring dread, the rabid dogs held fast by chain in chilling wind, in blinding rain. A movement in the distance seen- a man alone or so it seems, the hounds set loose in low ravine. Their prey runs high upon the hill, each howl his craven spine would chill until ill fate caught up with him- his future prospects rather grim. The evil jaws upon him clenched, he screams aloud before the fall, the poison in his blood entrenched- delirium soon cast its pall. And the raven flew toward the light And the raven flew toward the light There as he lay upon yon hill, the chase now o'er, the silence sweet, he gazes 'bove into the night as clearing clouds betide goodwill. He sees an angel dressed in white and hears a steady rhythmic beat, so low and calm and quite discreet. The heavens part to his delight- the figure standing in the light extends to him an outstretched hand- a voice like waters bids him stand. He wonders now if just a dream or are things really as they seem- a voice or just a nearby stream? Then suddenly he feels no pain as wind abates and same the rain. The hand then grabs him by the throat, another tears his woolen coat, his life flashed up before his eyes and thro’ the brightly illumed sky he sees Miss Clemm to his surprise whose mournful plea to him is, “Why?” And the raven flew into the sun And the raven flew into the sun He breathed his last then bade goodbye, that troubled bard who’d gone awry- the mystery resolved at last on how it was that Edgar passed. And if you wonder how I know these secrets held from long ago…

Copyright © | Year Posted 2023




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12
Date: 7/21/2025 6:19:00 AM
Errrr...genius bit of poetic brilliance comes to mind. Exceptional!! :) john
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Tom Woody
Date: 7/21/2025 11:35:00 AM
Always tweaking this one trying to make it better. Thx much John
Date: 4/1/2025 7:38:00 AM
Brilliantly written, I must say! I've a soft spot for old style writings and such and you're spot on. Five stars! :)
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Tom Woody
Date: 4/1/2025 7:40:00 AM
This is my best, I think. If you like this style check out my collab with fellow poet Becca Teagan titled - Debacle
Date: 3/19/2025 8:40:00 AM
Hello Tom, I just had to reach out about your poem for it’s absolutely mesmerizing! I always love Poe's writings and you captured the eerie mystery and the struggles of Edgar which is incredible. I felt like I was right there with him, caught in that dark chase. Seriously, keep writing like this. You have a real gift for storytelling that draws us in and leaves us wanting more. Can’t wait to see what you come up with next! Spring Blessings, My Friend, Daniel (Also Left You a SM)
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Tom Woody
Date: 3/19/2025 9:23:00 AM
So glad you approve of this one Daniel. This poem is important to me
Date: 2/24/2025 6:27:00 PM
Oh, here we are!!! My apologies, I almost missed it - though I will say I very much liked the silly one too - but this - this is something else entirely!! I love how the last lines leave us all suspended. A tale worth telling. I am impressed, Tom. I love your alternate reality of what became of Poe. Clemm's plea tugs at the heart.. Always, Laura
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Tom Woody
Date: 2/25/2025 6:14:00 AM
So nice of you to visit this oldie. I've really been favoring haibuns over rhyme poetry of late, though I do a lot of narratives too
Date: 12/15/2024 1:22:00 AM
An intricate plot. Words that convey a mood of horror. A dark, foreboding setting. You’ve captured all the elements in your poem that scream Poe remarkably well Tom. I’m not a great fan of Poe but for me what stands out here is your meter and rhyming. It’s masterful. Now then..I’m going to say it..I really loved your POE-m. (Taxi for Mr Rad.). Cheers - Gary
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Tom Woody
Date: 1/24/2025 6:44:00 AM
Hmmm... I really don't remember.
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Gary Radice
Date: 12/15/2024 6:06:00 AM
My rhyme scheme and meter memory may be mistaken here but didn't you once set a contest using the same rhyme scheme as this? I'm sure it was you. Cheers - Gary
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Tom Woody
Date: 12/15/2024 5:41:00 AM
Thx Gary. The rhyme scheme and meter are borrowed from the last stanza of Poe's poem, Tamarlane. I used the same in my collab with Becca on - Debacle
Date: 11/1/2024 3:41:00 AM
I thought Poe was a victim of foul play, when I read about him years ago. Whatever the case, your poem is remarkably good.
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Tom Woody
Date: 11/1/2024 5:52:00 AM
This is fictional but thx so much for visiting what I consider to be my best
Date: 8/1/2024 2:36:00 PM
Just wanted to read this again, and wanted to say i was listening to some poe poems on youtube and thought of you cus of how similarly they wer recited:
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Tom Woody
Date: 8/1/2024 2:42:00 PM
Hmmm... I thought I had audio on this one here but I guess not. Probably too late to add now thx inky
Date: 5/21/2024 4:56:00 PM
Very good, like him indeed, I enjoyed this piece a great read
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Tom Woody
Date: 5/21/2024 4:59:00 PM
I'm sure it's more structured and classically written than you would like but this was my approach. Thx
Date: 5/15/2024 10:55:00 AM
I love this poem Tom...I was captivated by the rhythm and story. I read too fast the first time just to find out what happened but then ireread it again, and again. The transition of the raven's direction is genius... the twist was genius... one of my favorite! Xo
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Tom Woody
Date: 5/15/2024 2:50:00 PM
Thx Crystol. I consider this one of my "biggies."
Date: 4/6/2024 10:12:00 AM
I'm so glad you brought this piece to my attention, Tom. I can easily see why it keeps drawing you back to work on it some more. I had never heard the "rabies" suggestion before...I guess I always assumed he expired from opium or booze overload.
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Tom Woody
Date: 4/6/2024 10:14:00 AM
Rabies is unlikely. All they know for sure is he was delirious and disoriented. Thx for visit Jim
Date: 4/4/2024 8:59:00 AM
Exquisite piece of work. Well Done Tom.
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Tom Woody
Date: 4/4/2024 9:05:00 AM
It's a never ending wip. I even made a few minor edits this morning. It's a bit of OCD I fear. Thx Edward
Date: 9/21/2023 9:53:00 PM
I hope you repost it soon; love to read it
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Date: 9/20/2023 9:55:00 PM
Just want to say, I keep getting drawn back to this poem. It's freaking chilling!! I can only imagine Poe would be impressed. (Not that I would know, but still...) How long did it take you to write it?
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Tom Woody
Date: 9/21/2023 5:58:00 AM
I have another like it that deals with the Salem witch trials, a collaboration with another poet. I may repost it one day
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Tom Woody
Date: 9/21/2023 5:57:00 AM
Interesting question. It's one of those rare poems (of mine anyway) that's never quite finished. I would say I've tweaked it a few dozen times over the past five or six years since I wrote it, and in fact did a minor edit again before I reposted it here.
Date: 9/19/2023 2:08:00 AM
Do you publish your work Tom?
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Robert Schatz
Date: 9/19/2023 10:13:00 AM
It's so rich. I guess "not aggressively" are the most opportune words.
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Tom Woody
Date: 9/19/2023 5:47:00 AM
I have not aggressively pursued it
Date: 9/18/2023 1:51:00 AM
Big fan of Poe. This is great. A triumph.
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Tom Woody
Date: 9/19/2023 5:47:00 AM
Appreciated Charlie
Date: 9/17/2023 1:53:00 AM
Damn Tom! This is freaking amazing! On to more of your stuff...
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Tom Woody
Date: 9/19/2023 5:46:00 AM
Coo
Date: 9/16/2023 1:53:00 AM
Thank you for bringing me into the fold, Tom.
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Tom Woody
Date: 9/16/2023 5:46:00 AM
Sure thing Robert
Date: 9/15/2023 9:49:00 PM
Breathtaking in every direction! Such a powerful pen! Chantelle
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Tom Woody
Date: 9/16/2023 5:45:00 AM
Yes ma'am and thx
Date: 9/15/2023 3:41:00 PM
I love it, Tom. What an engaging tale, and thou my friend doth tell it well. They took his life, but death for Edgar, for them meant life in Hell. Thanks for sharing your masterpiece with us, Tom. I vote POTW! A FAV for my list! Enjoy your weekend! Bill
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Tom Woody
Date: 9/15/2023 3:42:00 PM
Ooh potw. Well, we shall see. Thx Bill
Date: 9/14/2023 1:43:00 AM
Intricate, dark and beautiful, Tom:)
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Tom Woody
Date: 9/14/2023 5:20:00 AM
Thx much Joanna
Date: 9/12/2023 4:29:00 AM
Masterpiece.. That's all I've got to say after reading this write of sheer brilliance and impeccable wordsmithery. Honestly, I didn't know about Poe until I read Ink's poem 'dark' and now your poem has compelled me to explore the world of his creativity. (I'm still very new to the poetic world). But, this write has really become one of my favs of all time and I am sure that I will be visiting again and again just to absorb its myriad depth and richness, just wow and beyond brilliant, Tom.
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Tom Woody
Date: 9/12/2023 5:15:00 AM
I didn't know if you would like this bc it's traditional poetry with all the discipline attached to it. It was very hard to get right and there are always a few lines I am scrutinizing to see how I might enhance. Thx for kind review
Date: 9/11/2023 12:23:00 PM
I remember this one. I do like Poe and you did justice to his theme of poetry.. this one is dark and flows just like something he would produce.. You replicated him really well... Although I dont think he wrote poems this long.. lol... great poetry my friend..
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Tom Woody
Date: 9/11/2023 1:03:00 PM
This one follows me wherever I go. Thx SO
Date: 9/10/2023 10:54:00 AM
A very haunting creation about Poe. I can feel the night you describe.
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Tom Woody
Date: 9/10/2023 11:17:00 AM
Spooky!
Date: 9/10/2023 8:46:00 AM
Well Tom- you get my vote on this one. I’ve a lot to learn from you my friend. I can only echo Inks brilliant evaluation as always. To me, regardless of whether you like this style, genre of writing ( and I do very much!) this has left me speechless with its pure class and sublime artistry. I haven’t read all your work but wouldn’t need to, to know that this is definitely one of your best pieces. In my opinion, this takes some beating.
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Tom Woody
Date: 9/10/2023 11:33:00 AM
Ps. I did a collaboration with Becca Teagan using this same rhyme and meter scheme titled Debacle. It's all about the Salem witch trials. May repost some day
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Tom Woody
Date: 9/10/2023 11:28:00 AM
I couldn't ask for a better review than that. Much thanks. Yes, I rather favor traditional poetry over the new stuff, but I try not to be a stick in the mud, hence, I am willing to try almost anything. So happy you came my way
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Christina Bowring
Date: 9/10/2023 8:51:00 AM
I think Poe would be thrilled as I am presently reading it. I would go as far as saying that he couldn’t have written it any better. That’s how impressed I am with it. I love old style poetry/ writing maybe even more than contemporary form. So, I get it and I am in awe of its magnitude. POTD for me Tom. You are an amazing poet and yep- I’ve become a fan! :):)
Date: 9/9/2023 4:47:00 PM
So beautifully written and dark, in the style of Edgar Allan Poe! The refrain and the moody picture were also really great touches, Tom. :)
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Tom Woody
Date: 9/9/2023 4:54:00 PM
Thanks Evelyn
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