Sinister Encounter

Poe laid flowers on her grave
    His lost Lenore
    One he’d love forevermore 
    But doomed to see her nevermore

Storm clouds expelled true daylight
     Yet near her grave on a dead oak tree
     An ebony raven stared and seemed to agree
     “Nevermore,” the bird mocked, flying off with ironic glee

Clouds burst, pelting the cemetery with rain
     Back to his horse and carriage Poe ran
     Was Poe a pawn in this raven’s game plan
     An unhealthy racing of his heart began

Arriving home, Poe sought to forget
     But there was the red-eyed, sinister bird
     Perched on the pallid bust of Pallas, it said just one word
     “Nevermore,” was all Poe heard

Stealthily the bird had entered through an open window
     “Did God summon you to add to my grief?”
     Poe pleaded, “Will I ever find relief?”
     “Nevermore,” cried the demon, to Poe’s disbelief

Poe tried to rid his home of the tormenting invader
     “Fly away; take your word with you!”
     But the evil visitor would not bid adieu
     Its single word was malicious; Poe could not misconstrue

When rainfall ended, the raven flew to the windowsill
     “Be gone!” Poe screamed, his voice filled with hate
     It eyed him once more, leaving Poe in a crazed state
     But loving memories of Lenore it could not desecrate



*Written October 1, 2014
Copyright © | Year Posted 2014

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Ryerson Avatar
October 15, 2014 at 7:12 AM
WOW Carolyn - Chilling take on Poe's masterpiece which you have obviously read and studied often! I especially like your method of indentation, which makes it all the more compelling...HUGE congrats - Tim
A. Sharma Avatar
October 14, 2014 at 8:56 AM
And back again wid huge congrats on ur awesome win Carolyn!
Mehta Avatar
October 13, 2014 at 9:42 PM
Quite a unique write on Raven, congrats on the win, Carolyn
Gorelick Avatar
October 13, 2014 at 7:58 PM
How nice, a big first. Enjoy and congrats- FOREVERMORE! LNC
Callus Avatar
October 13, 2014 at 6:04 PM
A compelling narration, Carolyn. Your imaginative ability is aptly displayed in this sinister poem. Well done and congratulations on being placed first in Kelly's contest. Love and hugs // paul
Deschler Avatar
October 13, 2014 at 5:57 PM
I really enjoyed your telling of the happenings, leading up to the writing of "The Raven". It adds a new chapter to Poe's classic story.... A terrific poem, Carolyn! Congratulations on your first place win!
Curtis Avatar
October 3, 2014 at 4:17 PM
This is "Top Self " material, Carolyn---you gave a new dimension to Poe's story about his lost Lenore, perhaps filling in some gaps. Since there is no ten, it will have to be a 7 .
A. Sharma Avatar
October 1, 2014 at 11:50 AM
Wow an amazing write Carolyn! Love both the substance n the rhyme n fifth n sixth stanza the most! Great pen u hv !
Chircop Avatar
October 1, 2014 at 7:12 AM
Ow dear Carolyn,a beautiful poem like this reminds me why I fell in love with your poetry about six years ago on poetry soup,and I don't say this just to fill the lines,but because I feel and I know what I am saying.Going to my favourites-Charma
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