poem2

Much I marvelled this ungainly fowl to hear discourse so plainly,
Though its answer little meaning --- little revelancy bore;
For we cannot help agreeing that no sublunary being
Ever yet was blessed with seeing bird above his chamber door ---
Bird or beast upon the sculptured bust above his chamber door,
                                               With such name as "Nevermore."

But the raven, sitting lonely on the placid bust, spoke only
That one word, as if his soul in that one word he did outpour.
Nothing further then he uttered --- not a feather then he fluttered ---
Till I scarcely more than muttered "Other friends have flown before ---
On the morrow he will leave me, as my hopes have flown before."
                                                Quoth the raven "Nevermore."

Wondering at the stillness broken by reply so aptly spoken,
"Doubtless," said I, "what it utters is its only stock and store
Caught from some unhappy master whom unmerciful Disaster
Followed fast and followed faster so when Hope he would adjure ---
Stern Dispair returned, instead of the sweet Hope he dared adjure ---
                                                That sad answer, "Never --- nevermore."

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Remembering a Legend