Oh, Poe Toaster, Where Hast Thou Gone??
Today is Edgar Allan Poe’s 201st birthday and, for the first time since 1949, the figure known affectionately to the world as “The Poe Toaster” did not visit Poe’s grave. I’m distraught by this news and, I have to admit, a little confused. Of course, we can only speculate as to why, Mr. Toaster, you did not show. Perhaps, due to unforeseen circumstances, you couldn’t make it? Understandable, of course. Perhaps, for instance, you did not get you cloak back from the dry-cleaners in time? Maybe you overslept. Or caught the swine flu. Or got amnesia. Or had trouble crossing from that alternate dimension. Maybe sixty years has been enough? (Though I hope not)
I only hope that this is not the last we’ve seen of you dear Toaster. Who knows, it’s Poe’s birthday until midnight tonight. You could still make it, you know….
Last year, in the cold and the snow, I stood outside the Westminster graveyard on the side entrance to the cemetery. I waited for the Poe Toaster to appear and I do believe I was lucky enough to catch a small quick glimpse. That entire trip to Baltimore was one of the best trips of my life and, in the future, I know I will be back to stand and wait for you to appear-my literary version of the great pumpkin.
At any rate, I hope you are somewhere toasting Poe in spite of not being able to do so at his gravesite. Tonight, in celebration of the life of one of America’s greatest writers and poets, I toast with you.
Happy Birthday Eddy!
I only hope that this is not the last we’ve seen of you dear Toaster. Who knows, it’s Poe’s birthday until midnight tonight. You could still make it, you know….
Last year, in the cold and the snow, I stood outside the Westminster graveyard on the side entrance to the cemetery. I waited for the Poe Toaster to appear and I do believe I was lucky enough to catch a small quick glimpse. That entire trip to Baltimore was one of the best trips of my life and, in the future, I know I will be back to stand and wait for you to appear-my literary version of the great pumpkin.
At any rate, I hope you are somewhere toasting Poe in spite of not being able to do so at his gravesite. Tonight, in celebration of the life of one of America’s greatest writers and poets, I toast with you.
Happy Birthday Eddy!