E. A. P.

E. A. P.

You've taught us

so much about ourselves

Our fascinations

Our fears

Our loves

Our laments

You were the master of horror.

I think you still are.

Even your initials, when stated,

make the sound of a scream.

I ask you, though,

Edgar A. Poe

what inspired your

fascinations and your fears?

You constantly allude to death.

Is it your tuberculosis curse

that was the root of this

constant, recurring theme?

Or was it something deeper?

Could it be your guilt

with these occurrences?

Is that why you were so reckless?

A drunkard and a loner?

Edgar A. Poe

their deaths were not your fault.

You may rest in peace.