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My Interview With Poe (Be Warned: Kind Of Long)
| Open Poetry #6 |
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My Interview With Poe (Be Warned: Kind Of Long) |
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Michael
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-13
Posts 7666California 
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MY INTERVIEW WITH POE Cursing and complaining, Pounding my fist to the door. Not surprising, it was raining, My first time in Baltimore. I had no choice but to go, As if guided by Destiny. It was after all a man named Poe Who had invited me. So soaking in frustration, Wet, I walked around the back. Where, nigh, to the occasion Appeared a man dressed in black. Incessant, I looked upon him But though the rain couldn't quite see. Yes, indeed, vision had grown quite grim With this man stood before me. I felt him due a greeting, But the words hung in my chest. Nodding head, eyes still not meeting, Was truly offering my best. It was then the sweet smell of wine Whisked slowly off his breath. A cold chill lingered up my spine To the words, "I welcome death..." At this, open wide, swung the door, The hinge yielding a creaking groan. Stepping inside, speaking once more, He then added, "but not alone." Words perhaps I should have pondered, But then, so cold, so dark, so wet, His meaning my mind never wondered, Entering the oubliette. There I shivered, there I shuttered, For inside ‘twas even colder. Lo, something flapped, something fluttered, Felt it over my left shoulder. Yet nothing there caught my vision With head turned in that direction. Cobwebbed corners of indecision, Portrait of my misconception. Beckoned to follow down the hall, I treaded through the dim lit gloom. I couldn't seem to swallow all The thickness hanging in this room. As if sensing uneasiness, The man gestured, raised a chalice. "A sip may ease the queasiness, Alas, welcome to your palace." There he unbolted the clasped door, Blinding me from a light within... Sudden warmth cut the cold I wore, Enraptured in delightful Sin. With fevered pitch and glowing eye Upon his face, an impish grin... Seeming somewhat amused with I, The man then proffered, "Please come in." Almost eager, I stepped inside. Began to take a look around. Antique decor left me pie-eyed, In finding his taste quite profound. "Be at home", words echoed faintly Lost to the wonder of a child. As the door behind closed quaintly, While I looked on, ever beguiled. Ivory statues lining the walls Velvet chairs, a marble chess set. In the distance, fading footfalls Singing subtle their minuet. Till silence laid claim the chamber, Till dampened cold return duly. As I lay in wait, in languor, For the man who beckoned me. An interview of immense worth, For who before had known this man. Cursed of Aidenn, cursed of the earth, If by angels or darkling clan. My only summons, now seemed Time, Shadow creeping across the den. As screaming, voiceless as a mime, My words echoed empty, again. Whence by chance or chanced by notion, Felt I a glaring behind me. Turned to face, void of emotion, Two woeful eyes staring blindly. A mysterious portrait, inlaid By captioned gold, the name of Poe. But there the face boldly displayed Was mine in melancholy glow. I gasped, my voice by rictus quelled. Turning, running, reaching the door. But no inner knob there was held. As Despair threw me to the floor. Where by the sobbing of each tear, I heard his laughter echoing. The impish man who led me here, Heralding life, my forfeiting. As Time, frozen, holds me captive. By the spirits of Misery. In darkness ever adaptive, Come these timeless eyes to see; By bleakest notion in my head, A righteous world never forgives... I give my answer to the dead, That within me the ghost now lives. Michael R. Anderson 3/03/2000 [This message has been edited by Michael (edited 03-04-2000).] |
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| © Copyright 2000 Michael Anderson - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Elizabeth Santos Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269Pennsylvania |
So many dark but wonderful images,("cowebbed corners of indecision") in this poem, long, you say, but captivating. An enjoyable read, exemplary of your fine writing. Liz |
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Nurse Crachet Member
since 1999-09-27
Posts 318They know where I am! |
This is fabulous, well worth the length and the whole read in general. You had many captivating lines in this that were just awesome. |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
I'll just wrap the blanket more tightly around me and pretend my shivers are from the chill of morning... knowing I lie. *G* Well done, Michael!! |
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Marge Tindal
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
I stand in awe of your mind-travels, Michael. ~*Marge*~ ~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~ noles1@totcon.com |
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hoot_owl_rn Member Patricius
since 1999-07-05
Posts 10750Glen Hope, PA USA |
I'd settle for Frost's inspiration at this point...on a dry spell big time. Wonderful poem Micahel. Your imagery is so descriptive I can almost see the whole thing. Was it really long? It didn't seem so. Great piece  |
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Cerenity Member Elite
since 2000-02-16
Posts 2637Escondido-California |
Hi Michael, My heart pounds at the trip I just took on the words you so very well layed out, yes there was chill in the air and still lingers here. Wonderful... Cerenity [This message has been edited by Cerenity-1 (edited 03-04-2000).] |
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Mistikman Senior Member
since 2000-01-10
Posts 682San Jose, CA, USA |
Excellent poem Michael, it didnt seem long at all, when I finished I was yearning for more |
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Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648 |
I think this one qualifies as one of your best works, Michael! This is excellent to the highest degree! Denise |
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Janet Marie Member Laureate
since 2000-01-22
Posts 18554 |
Ivory statues lining the walls Velvet chairs, a marble chess set. In the distance, fading footfalls Singing subtle their minuet. Till silence laid claim the chamber, Till dampened cold return duly. As I lay in wait, in languor, For the man who beckoned me. An interview of immense worth, For who before had known this man. Cursed of Aidenn, cursed of the earth, If by angels or darkling clan. My only summons, now seemed Time, Shadow creeping across the den. As screaming, voiceless as a mime, My words echoed empty, again. M, extraordinary tribute to this favorite poet, and source of inspiration. Also a perfect example of your amazing talent, The imagery in this is excellent.Entrancing and enjoyable reading. jm ...every moment of every day... your still with me in every way. every poem and song... every rhyme and verse... your still here...like a beautiful curse. janet marie |
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Poet deVine
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-26
Posts 22612Hurricane Alley |
You amaze me! This is so wonderful!! PLEASE submit this one....anywhere! The Boston Review deadline is in June, I sent you the URL..please submit...YOU deserve to be published. Incredible work......just incredible..... |
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KimW Member
since 2000-03-04
Posts 268Medford, Oregon, USA |
O MY! Another winner here! Incredible. (I absolutely LOVE Poe, so instantly wandered in.... ) I was not disappointed. I think others have already expressed what went through my mind.. you should be published!!!!! Kim |
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Jonas Senior Member
since 2000-03-03
Posts 796Oregon |
This is one of the finest pieces I have had the pleasure of reading. Poe is one of my favorites, and your poem does him justice. The imagery is outstanding and created very vivid images in my mind as I read this. Bravo! Simple words from a simple guy |
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Meadowmuse Member Elite
since 1999-12-27
Posts 3263 |
And a gripping interview it was! It sounds, Michael, as though our Master Poe had a few queries of his own to make of you... This is excellent writing, Michael, oh, and I loved the raven allusion upon entering. Just wonderful! ~ Claire |
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Poeminister Senior Member
since 2000-02-26
Posts 1862Regina SK; Canada |
Dear Micheal Just wanted to say that I think your words are marble in this poem in regarding such a figure of eternal inspiration to poets. Definitly unforgettable is Poe, and likewise such a beautful tribute from your own gift. --Poeminister (who wears the name of Poe in his handle as his most humble admirer) "...no single sound too rude Upon thy slumber shall intrude, Our thoughts, our souls- O God above! In every deed shall mingle, love." --Edgar Allan Poe (from Serenade) |
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Michael
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-13
Posts 7666California |
Thank you all for the kind replies. I wasn't sure if any of you would be able to stay awake through this one. suthern, glad to know I can give you a chill once in awhile... Ruth, Frost is no one to sneeze at....LOL but Poe has always held me captive. Cerenity, it's a bit chilly here too...LOL, this one kind of got away from me. Mistikman, thank you - could have went on all night on this one. Who knows - maybe i'll grant a sequel to this. Denise, thank you for the reassurance, that's quite a compliment... I really wasn't sure about this one myself. PdV, I'm working on it - I really really am...LOL Kim, I am so glad you made you way to Passions. I'm am even happier you have expressed a liking of my work. Poe is my favorite, also. I was hoping not to do him any injustice in this piece. Thank you. Claire, yeah - I think Poe has had it in for me for quite awhile...LOL He can hound me like no other I've ever read. Poeminister, As you said, being as you hold "Poe" within you screenname, I know how much he must mean to you. Indeed, I take your words as high compliment. michael |
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Compgirl Member
since 2000-02-19
Posts 85USA |
WOW..that is the only word that seems to be comming to my mind. Very well written! If this writting comes this easy to you, you need to be published. You have a gift.  ) |
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WhtDove Member Rara Avis
since 1999-07-22
Posts 9245Illinois |
No doubt about it Michael! Publishing material you have! You will make it, you will! You've done nothing but leave me in awe with few words to describe the feelings you've left me with lately! And that's a good thing |
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Christopher
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-02
Posts 8296Purgatorial Incarceration |
Now THIS is what I'm talking about! Here, with a mid-boggling sense of creativity, you bring together concepts which baffle and amaze! You have created a masterpiece here with this incredible tale. Haunting and playful, dark and devious... true talent Michael! |
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Skyfyre Senior Member
since 1999-08-15
Posts 1906Sitting in Michael's Lap |
The only word that comes to mind is "amazing." Michael, you have a rare talent, and this is a prime example of that gift at work. Thank you for a most excellent read. --Kess Full fathom five thy father lies, Of his bones are coral made, Those are pearls that were his eyes; Nothing of him that doth fade But doth suffer a sea-change Into something rich and strange... --William Shakespeare, from The Tempest |
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