The Gatekeeper Part 1 (In Memory Of Edgar Allan Poe) Poem by Gilbert Ortega

On a night that was so cold, and crystal
Formed upon the vines and thistle
I journeyed through the hollows
That no men dare to follow
'Til I came upon a gate.

Shortly then thereafter
I heard the sound of laughter
So, I turned and looked, saw nothing
But, still I heard the muttering
It was a sound I'd come to hate.

Staring at the bars ahead
I started thinking thoughts of dread
I gave the latch a proper nudge
But, oddly, found it would not budge
What lies beyond this malign portal?

On the brink of something ancient
In awe, but losing patience
Began to think and start recalling
Forgotten rhymes which send one falling
Past the realm where dwells not man or mortal.

And as I started chanting
I perceived demonic ranting
A transcending luminescence
Exude wrathful presence
Was it a friend or foe or felon?

I came upon a grave engravened
Words from Lenore, perhaps The Raven
Like a worm that writhes inside a shell
I trembled at the toll of bells
And spied the ghost of Edgar Allan.