Reviews from

The Midnight Hour

She is coming for me...

68 total reviews 
Comment from Sean A. Chai
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

I don't typically review poetry. As I don't write much of it, I am far from experienced enough to provide an appropriate review; however, having said that, I enjoyed your prose on Poe. It gave wonderful tribute to his own writing and reminds of "The Tell Tale Heart" with the dead laying heavily upon his mind. I also found your reference to "Lenore" fascinating, since (although it addresses the death of a young woman) this poem also considers celebrating the passing rather than mourning. Much different from the morose, mournful tale of this title.

As for Poe's mental state...have you ever watched "Mysteries at the Museum?" It is one of my husband's favorites. Not too long ago was an episode documenting that Poe's hair was tested for cause of death. Alcohol was ruled out. Rabies was speculated on - both for behavior immediately preceding death and for his fondness of cats - although that cannot be proven now. Scientists test for that today utilizing brain tissue or saliva/salivary glands.

Wonderful writing, sir, as always.

 Comment Written 21-Sep-2014

Comment from Ric Myworld
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Thanks for another of your great poems, filled with melody and rhythm that makes our bodies move, dancing as out-of-control marionettes. Great job. :-)

 Comment Written 21-Sep-2014

Comment from Jeanie Mercer
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

This is a most appropriate horror and thriller poem about Edgar Allen Poe. What vivid imagery (crumbling mortared walls, the chilling breeze, creeping through thin cracks and climbing up his back and betwixt the naked trees, and many more than I will take time to mention specifically). Your excellent writing brings alive the over-all atmosphere of darkness. All this is supported by the marvelous presentation. I assume that's Poe's real picture up at the top; he certainly looks like a tortured, though talented, poet. My best regards, Jeanie Mercer




 Comment Written 21-Sep-2014

Comment from Drew Delaney
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Wow! This was really good, Dean. Once again, I must commend you on your excellent writing skills.

I also like learning and I never knew this about Edgar Alan Poe. I think sometimes people have a difficult time coping with the grief that often is constant, and therefore they are emotionally ill. But that does not make them insane.

Great job, Dean.

 Comment Written 21-Sep-2014

Comment from seaglass
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

This is skillfully written to reflect Edgar's writings. The decorative fist uppercase letter is mindful for the way 18 and 19 centruy writings were scripted. I adore Edgar and he and Van Gogh have captivated me for years.

My opinion: Writers and poets and artists of all sorts are often of gentle and sensitive natures. I actually just watched a documentary about it on PBS. Artistic brains are wired a bit differently. It's not insanity. Even the Greeks referred to them as melancholy.

With so much loss and grief, in todays' world, he would have been treated for Post Traumatic Stress. It wasn't uncommon for people to seek treatment for internal torment with use of opium. It was common for the day. This drug can enlarge the capacity of an already big imagination. It may have created his haunting ghosts and talking ravens.

His death was blamed on many things. Recently in a special about him exposed journals and letters of his friends. Poe was very caring for animals. He often shared his food with strays, birds or homeless people. He told a friend several weeks before his death that he had been badly bitten by a raccoon he had attempted to hand feed. The symptoms he suffered the days before his death are in keeping with human rabies.

This is another possibility that isn't nearly as mysterious and although it has always been know, it doesn't capture the imagination of his fans like the wonderment of madness.

 Comment Written 21-Sep-2014

Comment from Mystic Angel 7777
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

This is awesome and although I am a huge Poe fan, this reminded me of "The Children's Hour" the flipside of that 45 so to speak LOL. The rhyme and meter throughout are flawless and the insert of the quote simply took my breath away. Nicely done and I thank you so much for sharing this with me.

 Comment Written 21-Sep-2014

Comment from GWHARGIS
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

As for me, I think most writers are insane. Harmless, but nuts. LOL. I count myself among those. Great suspenseful buildup and the fact that he couldn't stop writing is something all writers can identify with. Great job. Gretchen

 Comment Written 21-Sep-2014

Comment from lancellot
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Ha1, This is excellent. Are you reincarnated soul of Edgar Allen Poe? If you're not, then I think he needs to move over. Great job, great presentation and build up. I could feel it. PERFECTION!

 Comment Written 21-Sep-2014

Comment from Darkhorse555
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

love this vision dean a builder myself Outside the crumbling mortared walls as always pal most delightful piece of reading a pleasure beautifully penned

 Comment Written 21-Sep-2014


reply by the author on 21-Sep-2014
    Many thanks to you, Liam. I appreciate your comments.
Comment from boxergirl
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

I like this suspenseful story that is full of inner rhymes as well as the AABB rhyme scheme. Your keen descriptions kept me engaged from the start and I cautiously read until the end to see what happened to him. I liked that he invoked the name of God to his rescue. Presentation is good as always. 8-)

 Comment Written 21-Sep-2014