For 60 years,
in the dark of night,
a birthday gift
was left
for a master of fright

A dark-robed figure
in a wide-brimmed hat;
appeared with
three red roses and
a half-bottle of cognac

A unique tribute,
but not inappropriate
and one that
Edgar Allan Poe
could easily appreciate

This year however
when the sun rose
over the churchyard
where Poe lies in repose
No cognac or roses
were posed to attest
the day was special
or to honor Poe's rest

Is the "Poe toaster" finished?
Will this foot-note in history,
this dedication to a master
forever remain a mystery?

Perhaps

But thanks are past due
to this unknown fan
this dark-robed figure
who never forgot
for his tribute that kept
the master alive
in a way
the written word
could not