Mon Amie, Joyeux Anniversaire

On this day, 201 years ago, my favorite poet was born, Edgar Poe (“Allan” came later when he was adopted, although not legally, by the Allan Family).

You would think that today, should be a day of celebration.

This man not only invented the detective-fiction genre but played a part in the science-fiction movement as well!

His bone chilling tales of  mystery and macabre are stupendous!

So why am I so gloom?

I’ll tell you why!

Today, a tradition has been broken.  A tradition that remembers this dark and haunted poet.

Since 1949, Edgar Allan Poe’s Baltimore grave, on the anniversary of his birth, has had an unknown vistor who has been penned “The Poe Toaster”.

In the morning’s early hours, this admirer makes a toast with cognac and leaves behind three roses.

That is until today.

This year, the mysterious mourner did not appear.  As the sun rose, the lonely grave stood bare of cognac and flowers.

Has the tradition of “The Poe Toaster” ended?  

Until we know their true identity (some believe there are actually several individuals who have kept this tradition alive while some believe that it is a publicity hoax), this question will remain a mystery.

It seems fitting since Poe’s death is surrounded by mystery as well.

So let’s raise a glass and make a toast to one of the most brilliant, horror genre masterminds ever!

To Edgar Allan Poe, may peace, that eluded you in life, find you in death.

Forevermore,

~Mallie Fox