Here's a tale in history

About a period of tragedy 

A man who thought of horrid things

But really sought what happiness brings 

Terror instilled within the souls

Of men and women, young and old 

Come and listen to me, my friend 

He'll make your morale descend 



One Boston day, it's sad to say

A newborn child was granted miserable life 

Abandoned by his father and

Left alone by death of father's wife 



Foster child 

Tobacco exporter gave him a chance 

History defiled 

Twisted by literature, dark and opium enhanced 

Irregularity 

So far ahead of his time 

A spark of a breed

Regarding all of his literature creed 



Infamy of tales and poetry 

Connecting his themes to his wildest dreams 



The maelstrom grew but no one knew 

He descended far beyond its spinning walls 

Into the pit, the black abyss 

His house was collapsing as he searched for El Dorado 



Perched upon Pallas was life, hard and callous

The shadows of burden lifted nevermore 

The vulture eye of death concealed

By wooden planks below the floor 

The quest for solace evolved into sorrow 

Lingering obsessions 

Intoxication, stimulation, creation 

Hindering addictions 



Apparently the message in a bottle was lost

For I could see no conclusion 

But all of us remaining in the shrouded past

Must remember to further ourselves by obtrusion 



Inebriated grin leads the mighty pen

Across the paper as his fears come alive 

Satiric whim ignites the brim

Of insanity as Pluto arrives 

Swaying cognac barriers

And the beating of his hideous heart

Increasing ever so constantly 

Conjuring the ne'er forgotten lore 

'Tis only this and nothing more 

Nevermore 



Lightning bolts

Tearing through his house and soul 

Mental gibes 

Darkness hailed in what he's told



Eternally infatuated with despair 



Fortunado leads the way to fermented pleasures 

But as the cup of drink is met

The hour tolls and the Red Death guest reveals 



In a kingdom by the sea

Is where they left beloved thee 

The time has come to join, my dear

In your kingdom by the sea



Hear the toll of the iron bells!