The 19th of January will mark Edgar Allan Poe's 203rd birthday. I absolutely love Poe and his writings; even the mere mention of his name conjurs up dark and forboding feelings and black birds swooping. I will always maintain that he is one of America's greatest treasures and I give credit to my high school senior Engligh teacher, Mrs Whitt for turning me on to his works and making me see just how beautiful his stories and poetry are. His life is tainted with a history of poverty, opium abuse and the marriage to his 13 year old cousin Virginia Clemm which would be seen as a scandal by today's standards. Even still, at her death, he quoted "Deep in the earth my love is lying and I must weep alone." Is that not romantic?? Sigh, to be loved like that!
I painted this ACEO as how most people remember him with the dark sad eyes and even sadder expression:
I really like the raven in the background! To view this on Ebay,
Click here!
The thing is, I really like Edgar. . . I mean I must confess that I have this really big crush on him. . . I would give anything to know what his personality and demeanor really was; Was he friendly and outgoing or withdrawn and not a people person? I bet he opened the door for you and treated you like a lady but that's just due to the era he was from (yes, there are a few chivalrous men still left!). I would just love to know that if the two of us went out to dinner, would he sit and stare and then break in to a conversation of his tormented soul or would we have a nice, friendly, and animated conversation about whatever fancies us???
But one thing in my eyes is certain:
He looks hot in this picture. . . go ahead, laugh if you want. I think he's handsome even by today's standards. And just look at that mischievious look in his eyes. . . naughty boy. But then I will never know. .
Happy Birthday anyway, Edgar. I could have given you a few things to write poetry about. . . heehee!
To see a wonderful biography on his life, click here
