Mr. Popularity!!!!!! - Just That Archaic Poet's Blog

I originally posted this in the "Fun & Humor" section of the forum, and since we've established that not a lot of people check the forums (I'm just kidding!!) I decided to repost it here so maybe a few more people would read about my experience ;)

So I have this huge, beautiful, hard-cover book of Poe's collected work (over 1,000 pages!), all black and gold with gold-tinted pages, and I took it with me to the doctor's office this morning. I always take a book with me for a dr.'s appointment, but never have I ever had such a reaction as I had today, toting that big book with me. At first, people thought I was reading the Bible, but when they saw Poe's name on the cover, I had all sorts of people talking to me, and mind you, I'm not a big "talker" (introvert that I am!). First thing this lady said to me was, "I always see people reading at the doctor's office, but I've never seen anyone reading Poe. You must be very smart!". I couldn't help but to smile; that made me feel good. And I had my glasses on so I guess I looked a little "intellectual". So I had people in the lobby talking with me about Poe, then when I saw my doc, I had yet another interesting conversation with him about the book. (My doc and I always discuss the book I'm reading; he's a voracious reader as well). Then, while I waited for my scripts to be filled, another gentleman approached me, and wanted to discuss "The Raven". Poe's very name alone sparks intrigue and interest, and I have never been so popular in one morning as I have been this morning, all because of good ol' Edgar Allan. Suffice it to say that I had a more interesting morning than I had ever imagined.

This happened a while back, but since it's autumn and Halloween has just come and went, it's always my favorite time of the year to read Poe. Inevitably, he always inspires me, either with his tales, essays or poems. "The Poetic Principle" is a great read for every poet. I don't agree with everything Poe has to say on the matter, but overall I do agree with most of it. I'll wrap up this little anecdote with my favorite poem by Poe, entitled "To:______". Hope you all enjoy it as much as I do :)

I heed not that my earthly lot
Hath little of Earth in it,
That years of love have been forgot
In the hatred of a minute:
I mourn not that the desolate
Are happier, sweet, than I,
But that you sorrow for my fate
Who am a passer-by.

When I have terrible arguments with loved ones, I always try to keep verses 3 & 4 in mind; they hold such great truth for me. Anyway, hope everyone had a great Halloween. If you ever feel devoid of inspiration, I suggest reading some Poe to get the creative juices flowing ;)

Thanks for reading! ~Chan aka JTAP

Karen Anglesey Date: 11/2/2013 11:57:00 AM You're a genius writer. This BLOG was super entertaining and interesting. You are such a passionate and caring person. I admire your work ! Login to Reply Just That Archaic Poet Date: 11/2/2013 12:27:00 PM *are warming lol Just That Archaic Poet Date: 11/2/2013 12:26:00 PM aWWWWW! Shucks lol. Thanks, Karen. Your words and warming and humbling; I appreciate them so very much <3

Debbie Guzzi Date: 11/1/2013 6:55:00 PM Yup I did I saw Ender's Game by Orson Scot Card in my opinion one of the best writers of the 20th century [him & Ann Rice!] Login to Reply Just That Archaic Poet Date: 11/2/2013 8:00:00 AM I <3 Anne Rice; she's one of my favorite authors :)

Charmaine Chircop Date: 11/1/2013 5:39:00 PM Tnks for sharing your thoughts and these powerful verses by a great persona such as E.A.P..Halloween was great ..At home with some pumpkin soup..I managed to do an ugly face in it with parsley : )..Some halloween sweets too.Of course i had kids knocking on the door for trick and treating..It was treating : ) Login to Reply Just That Archaic Poet Date: 11/2/2013 7:59:00 AM Thanks for reading, Charm :)

Andrea Dietrich Date: 11/1/2013 5:38:00 PM this is an excellent blog for our "forum" haha. I mean it though. SUPERB blog very fitting for this time of year. I ought to bring a book by Einstein to some place and look like I am reading it. But no, then they will be asking me all kinds of questions I can't even answer!! It's so cool that you like Poe. He is not a big favorite of mine but I sure love some of his stories, particularly the one where a guy gets cemented in behind a wine cellar wall! /cask of Amontillado? Something like that. Login to Reply Just That Archaic Poet Date: 11/2/2013 7:59:00 AM Thanks so much, Andrea! :)