
From childhood’s hour I have not been
As others were—I have not seen
As others saw—I could not bring
My passions from a common spring—
From the same source I have not taken
My sorrow—I could not awaken
My heart to joy at the same tone—
And all I lov’d—I lov’d alone—
Then—in my childhood—in the dawn
Of a most stormy life—was drawn
From ev’ry depth of good and ill
The mystery which binds me still—
From the torrent, or the fountain—
From the red cliff of the mountain—
From the sun that ’round me roll’d
In its autumn tint of gold—
From the lightning in the sky
As it pass’d me flying by—
From the thunder, and the storm—
And the cloud that took the form
(When the rest of Heaven was blue)
Of a demon in my view—

Edgar Allan Poe, born on January 19, 1809, in Boston, Massachusetts, was a writer, poet, editor, and literary critic. Poe’s parents, who were actors, died when he was very young, leaving him in the care of John and Frances Allan, from Virginia. John was his godfather, according to one source. From 1815-1820 Edgar was offered a classical education in Scotland and England. He later attended the University of Virginia but his guardian, John Allan, refused to let Poe continue due to his gambling losses.
In 1827 Poe published a pamphlet of Byronic Poems. Due to poverty, he was forced to join the army, under the name Edgar Perry. Eventually, John Allan helped him get an appointment to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Poe published more poetry before attending the academy. He traveled to New York and published more poems after being expelled from West Point.
In the early 1830s he began to write stories, winning a fifty-dollar prize from Baltimore Weekly for his story, “MS. Found in a Bottle.” He made a name for himself as an editor, with the Southern Literary Messenger. In 1836 he married his young cousin, Virginia. She died in of TB in 1847. Issues with drinking caused him to lose his job in Richmond. His prose, The Narrative of Arthur Godon Pym, which combined factual material with wild fantasies, was published in New York in 1838. The story is thought to be an inspiration for Melville’s Moby Dick. In 1839 he became the coeditor of Burton’s Gentleman’s Magazine in Philadelphia. There he wrote stories of supernatural horror, which included, “The Fall of the House of Usher.”
He continued to successfully publish stories and work as an editor for different publications. “The Raven” was published in the New York Mirror in 1845, giving him instant national fame. His level of imagination and insight had, prior to his writing, been unapproached in American Literature. He was not only considered a superlative author, but an excellent literary critic. After Poe’s wife died, he became involved in several romantic affairs. While preparing for his second marriage in Baltimore in 1849, he was discovered in a state of semi-consciousness; he died four days later. The cause of Poe’s death was reportedly “cerebral inflammation,” which was a common reason provided when the cause of death was thought to be alcoholism. The actual cause of his death remains a mystery.
Poe, who is most known for his dark and mysterious texts, wrote during the Romantic Period. He is considered the principal forerunner in the “art for art’s sake” movement in 19th century European literature, and he is attributed as the architect of the modern short story.
Sources: Brittanica, Poetry Foundation, and Wikipedia.
Thank you for visiting, reading, and watching! Be well. 💗 Michele
Photo (lightning) by Yordan Nedialkov
© 2023 MyInspiredLife
Wonderful review of Poe’s Life. Here is a blog post about Poe’s time at UVA where they have now made a museum of how it looked during his time at UVA.
https://equipsblog.wordpress.com/2017/10/31/nevermore-edgar-allan-poe-and-the-university-of-virginia/
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Thank you for reading and for the link, Pat! I enjoyed learning more about him. Cool, from your post, that his room at university was maintained by The Raven Society.
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Thanks, Michele. I thought it meshed well with you post since you mentioned hie time at UVA.
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A perfect mesh, yes! 😁
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Beautiful poem and recitation. He was indeed a reservoir of talent. Thanks for sharing, Michele. 🙂
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Wonderful feedback for me. Thanks so much, Terveen. It is interesting to learn about the backgrounds of talented writers. Most often their personal histories are plagued with trauma and tragedy, made more complicated by their extreme behavior.
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Makes me wonder, Michele, whether the beauty of creativity is in fact the result of much that is dark and painful. Quite the irony. Keep sharing and inspiring. 🙂
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I often wonder the same thing when learning about artists. From great pain comes great beauty. Thank you very much!
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Wonderful poem and Poe’s life! Thanks for sharing! 🌹💞🤗
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I am pleased you enjoyed my selection. Thank you, Giada. 😊 An interesting person and life, yes! I suppose his experiences gave him a lot to write about.
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Thank you for sharing this very informative post, Michele! Loved it!
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It was my pleasure. Thank you, Art! I love Poe’s work and learning more about him wasn’t too bad either. 😀
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You’re very welcome! Learning more about him was wonderful, too!
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Happy to hear it! 🙏🏻
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Poe is one of my favorites. This post reminds me that I need to get out my Complete Works of Poe and refresh myself on his writing. Wonderful post. Thank you!
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Fantastic! There you go! Happy to have inspired. 😊 His work is popular during the spooky season, but why wait! Enjoy. Thanks so much.
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What a wonderful post! He was such a fascinating character and intriguing writer.
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Thank you, Samantha. I am glad you enjoyed my Poe post! 😁 He sure was! If you aren’t familiar with his lessor known poetry, you might enjoy clicking on the Poetry Foundation website and reading more. His story, the Raven is wildly popular, but there’s more to the man of macabre!
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I like Poe, from what I’ve read but that don’t say much lol 😂 Good post tho!
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An intriguing person, for both his writing and his personal life. It seems most fitting that his death should be surrounded by great mystery. 🤔 If you’ve read about him and more of his poems, you know more than most, so that’s something! 😁👍🏻 Thank you!
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You make Poe proud. You make me proud, too. Well done!
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You are very generous, Sandra. I am honored. Thank you.
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So enjoyed your reading and thank you for introducing me to this work by Poe.
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Thank you, Richard, and you are welcome!
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such an insightful voice Poe , and brava to you Michele Lee, wonderful 💙💙💙😊
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Absolutely, yes! Much gratitude to you, Krissy. 😊💗
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Beautiful poem and wonderful reading, dear Michele ❤️
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I am grateful for your support. Thank you, Luisa. 🙏🏻💗
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It’s well deserved praise! 🙂
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😊
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I’ve read all of his works. Thanks for a beautiful share!
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Bravo you! Thank you very much, Dawn!
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The master of darkness, what we must actually get to know! Great post, as always. 🙏💖🤗
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Yes, we should! Well said; we can’t fully experience light without understanding the dark. Thank you for your gracious feedback. 💗
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You are most welcome ❤️🤗🙏
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Thanks so much for sharing his work and your beautiful recitation Michele❣️ I can’t imagine his voice so sweet and enchanting.. 🤣
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It’s my privilege and pleasure to spend time with poets from the past. Thanks so much for joining me, Cindy! 💖 You’re sweet about my voice! 😂 Wouldn’t it be fun to travel back in time? For a few days, anyway. 🤣
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It’s such a great way to honor them. It was a pleasure. Of course and yes it would be such a blast for sure!! His voice would scare me I’m certain of it. lol 🥰
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I have some recordings of old poets, but not Poe. How cool that would be!
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Totally cool!!! ❣️
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An excellent post, Michele. I just recently purchased a new book, which is a collection of some of Poe’s poetry. I am looking forward to reading it soon. Happy Saturday!! 💖🌳
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Thanks so much, Jeff! What a wonderful gift for yourself. Enjoy! 📕💖🌳 Happy weekending!
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You’re welcome, Michele! Always. Thank you! 📚💖🌳
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Your readings are to die for, Michele ❤
~David
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😆 People are dying to get in. 🤣 They aren’t paying to get in though! 😂 That’s very sweet. Thank you, David. 💗
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Well, I wouldn’t have enough money to pay anyway 😅
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😆 That’s ok, your money is no good here! 🤗
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Thanks for all this information on Poe. I knew nothing about him really. Sad to think that someone with his talents as a writer would die of alcoholism.
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I am glad you found it informative. Thank you, Anne. Sad, yes, and strange uncertainty surrounding his death. He seemed to have his demons.
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I enjoyed this, Michele, thank you for sharing!
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I am so glad! Thank you, Ingrid. 😊
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What a beautiful recitation of this amazing poem by Edgar Allan Poe Michele. Your rendition of “Alone” doesn’t make one feel alone. Thanks so much Michele my Belle for sharing your spotlight on one of our famous poets. 😊✍🏽🥰💖🤗
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Your comment warms my heart, Kymbelina. 💗 Truly. Thank you for watching and supporting my creative endeavors, in the loving ways that you do, rain or shine! 😁 My pleasure! Have a beautiful Sunday! 🌞
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You are so very welcome Michele my Belle. 🙆🏽♀️ Thank you as always for your kindness and compassion. Have a FANtabulous Sunday and a wonderful week ahead my dancing queen! 💃🏻🎆💃🏽 Hugs and Smooches!!! 🌞💖😘
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Poe’s Cottage is not far from where I live. It’s a special place to visit and I wrote a story about it a few years ago.
Wonderful piece, Michele, and a great presentation. All very nicely done! 🕊️
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That is very cool, Nancy! Is the story on your blog? If so, will you share your link here? Thank you!
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I’d be happy to share it, Michele. Keep in mind it’s a story of the love affair between Poe and his wife, not really a history of the cottage but there’s a blend of both in the story. I did my research so it’s also mostly non-fiction with a little bit of fancy here and there: https://theelephantstrunk.org/2017/10/15/the-whispering-cottage/
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Thank you for sharing! Will give it a read as soon as I can. 😊
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An interesting man and a lovely recitation. Thanks for sharing Michele!
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Very kind of you. I am glad you enjoyed it. Thank you. 😊
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WOW I learned SO much here. This is amazing! I never knew these facts about poe. Most artists are tortured and struggle I’m some way so I wonder if he really did have an alcohol problem.
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Wonderful to learn. Thank you, LaShelle! Many questions left unanswered and yes artists do seem to have their share of inner turmoil. Part of that struggle is surely transformed into beautiful art.
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What an absolutely gorgeous poem. Its words reach like an eternal light. I would say that joy is in every phrase. Thank you for sharing.
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He was a talent! Thanks so much, Lia, for watching and engaging with Poe’s words. My pleasure to read them! 😊
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Lovely reading, sweet Michele Lee. I enjoyed this. Thanks.
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I am delighted by your reaction to my reading. Thank you very much, Selma. 😊
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I felt your heart. Xo
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💗🙏🏻😊
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This is one of my favourite poems! I love it as much as I love The Raven.😊 You have read it beautifully, Michele. ❤️
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You are a talented writer with excellent taste! 😁 Thanks a million, Aaysid. I enjoy your poems and your visits. 😊💗
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The pleasure is all mine. I enjoy reading your posts, Michele, and I especially look forward to your readings. Your poetry renditions are a treat. Thank you for your kind words.😍
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Thank you, Aaysid. Hugs to you!
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Poe’s poems really are such a treasure and you’ve done this one justice with your recitation. Thank you!
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He did leave us many poetic gifts, yes! Thanks so much, Bridgette! I appreciate you! 🙏🏻😊
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Such a beautiful reading!
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I am so glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Belladonna! 😊🙏🏻
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A most interesting post and reading. I enjoyed the backstory of Poe. Your reading was very well done.
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I enjoyed learning more about Poe, too. Thanks, Dwight, for joining me in that and for appreciating my post. 😊
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You are most welcome!
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Thank you for sharing this lovely Po poem. Your review is awesome, Lee.
You truly are one of a kind. Amazing how you make everything so interesting to read.
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I end one day and begin another with your heartwarming words. 💗 Thanks so much, Yasmin, for your fine compliment. 😊 I am grateful!
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Reblogged this on johncoyote and commented:
Please listen to the amazing woman.
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Much gratitude to you!
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You are welcome dear Michele.
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🌻
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Hello dear Michele. I do adore your verbal poetry.
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Thanks so much, John! It’s nice to be appreciated. 😊🙏🏻
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You are welcome dear Michele.
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Hi, Michelle, link and thanks
Juan
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Muchas gracias!
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How gorgeous a reading of this soulful and haunting piece that truly encapsulates the imagery and emotion of Poe’s poetic landscapes! ❤
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Beautifully understood and interpretated. Thank you, Layla! 💗
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Peaceful recitation!!
I really enjoy when you recite the poems.
I wish you do it for all of your poems as well.
Thanks a lot for sharing, and thanks for telling me about Mr. Edgar Allan Poe
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Thank you for appreciating my recitation and my poet share, Devang. All my poems? 😩 That would be a lot of work! 🤯 I will continue to enjoy the process on occasion.
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I also like the your body language in this.
Great share overall 😀
Atleast, you can do it often, like a monthly thing 🙂
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