Claude Buck, Edgar Allan Poe, ca. 1915, pen and ink, ink wash and charcoal on paper, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Claude Buck, 1983.46.4
The secrets that you once concealed Stuffed under lid so tightly sealed Pried open by another Tactfully hid from our grandmother Where did you go when you departed? Leaving your widow so broken-hearted Restless was your soul presumed Unexplained sounds came from your old room Sightings of you at the edge of the bed Overnight guests quickly fled Were you meant to reflect on your transgressions? Reveal to the universe your confessions? Your troubled spirit stirred earthbound For years until all turned around As you fell silent when she died Were you simply waiting for your bride? Did she join you in the afterworld? Were all your secrets there unfurled? I pray to God that she may lie Forever with unopened eye Unless forgiveness there be known Through penitence you have shown In any case that she’ll be blessed With well deserved eternal rest
For dVerse Prosery hosted by Melissa Lemay. Melissa prompts us to “[w]rite a piece of Prosery of up to or exactly 144 words” incorporating the lines: “I pray to God that she may lie Forever with unopened eye” from Edgar Alan Poe’s “Sleeper”.
More of a poem than prose, but this is what surfaced… 😏
City, park or forest makes no difference to me; so long as I can seat myself in close proximity to any lovely tree. Most appreciated on a day that’s summery.
With all her love she so adores In exchange His love is feigned He appears to be onboard His behavior quite untoward Her reputation stained He remains “unchained” Despite her love forth poured
Unrequited love turns to hate Obsessive thoughts of retribution He is oblivious to her disdain Determined to seal his fate He offers her no solution She reciprocates the pain
A common bird in the eastern half of the United States and Mexico. A non-migrating species so revered for its year-round vibrant red that it is honored as the state bird in seven different states, including North Carolina. I find the females to be quite lovely as well. She is also unique in that she is one of the few female North American songbirds that sing.
Truth is hidden in darkness Buried under layers of should bes and what ifs Distorted by human perspectives Stifled by fear Smothered by ego Truth exists as the brightest light It has no agenda Where there’s no light in darkness Truth is mere delusion