Above the ancient island cliffs
upon the soldier's stone memorial
perched the raven, ever stately
echoing his rasping call
across the windy sea.
A second bird above the waves
called in reply to her grim mate
level with the cliff she flew
looked us gravely in the eye
close at our side, stern she stayed
until we left her hill.
inspired by Edgar Allan Poe for Totally Optional Prompts
(most of the adjectives used to describe the ravens in this poem come from Poe's description of the raven in his poem The Raven.)
19 comments:
And not just the words, the rhythms and sounds and feel of the poem all echo the original too. But the setting, the sense of place is original and wonderfully done.
Your link reads 'crafty green poe'
and the poem shows great craft; a real tribute to an exceptional talent.
thanks paul, I had hoped that but didn't want to make that claim...
stan - thanks. yes crafty green poe for this post...
Yes, a marvellous tribute there - and titled after one of the greatest metaphysical poems ever done.
lovely imagery here. :) you set the stage and allow the story to unfold.
Great response to the prompt!
I love your conception of the second bird and how her presence is silent yet strong.
I like how you incorporated all those adjectives from "The Raven."
I used to teach the poem to eighth grade students and read it so many time, I think I know it by heart. Your poem brought it all back!
Aside from the wonderful imagery and talented use of words, I love that last line Juliet.
wonderful rhythm and unique imagery
I think I've stood on that cliff...brrr. Lovely imagetry of the raven, inspired by Poe but unique as well.
I liked this poem a lot. I think you get the essence of raven into it and a sense of foreboding. I do enjoy your poetry.
Oh, this is so Po-etic! A fine job of weaving old and new and still staying in form. A pleasure to read!
I enjoyed this, Juliet. The mood is definitely there.
poeish mood set in a very concrete way!
powdered charcoal
I thought of Poe before I saw your note. :) very nice!
(I went to Poe's grave years ago.)
wow, great imagery! i can *see* everything very clearly.
What a wonderful idea!
Your poem is beautifully descriptive.
And of course, The Raven is a forever favorite of most everyone.
A very creative twist...good job!
IdeasforGoingGreen
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