Sylum Advent 2023: Day Twenty-Six

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Title: Death of a Traitor

Author: Edgar Poe (Via Timothy Quinn)

Author’s Note: In ‘Ride with Grandpa – Hallow Thanksmas Eve‘ story Nico mentions the poem Poe sent after the betrayal of Giles. This is that poem.

Bj Jones Note: I give kudos to Speed – writing up an ‘original’ Poe wasn’t an easy task!

 

There is a man of ancient bearing, ancient lineage declaring, ancient ways still boldly faring,

Who set foot upon this shore – this humid, swamp bound, fetid shore,

For the purpose here of founding for his kin a safe retreat,

Where the steadily returning Souls of those once lost in yore,

Had thence fulfilled great longing to encircle him once more.

 

Time forever busy turning, taught him wisdom, brought him learning, yet left him ever fiercely yearning,

On this swamp infested shore

For the purpose here of building now this place wherein you meet.

Where you stand with me reflecting on the spot before this door,

Of the reasons you have brought, or that have brought you heretofore.

 

Go in and speak with fair intention, honest words without contention, bring you here no base deception.

Let there be truth, the simple truth and nothing more,

For the purpose here of lying, you will find no offered seat

Where those welcomed as family are treasured to the core,

Watch yourself be bound and bloodied, beaten, broken, bruised and raw.

 

As foul, a traitor once residing, in this Clan so wholly biding, did his actions darkly hiding,

Think himself above the lore – this long held, olde, unwritten lore,

For the purpose here of aid unto our foes he did entreat,

Where the safety of the secrets that were kept here long before,

Lay exposed to those more ruthless than the history books assure.

 

So knowing, brought forth judgement rendered, no lawyers came for pleas surrendered, no bargains made or sought or tendered.

Where there was guilt, and no denying, guilt was found and so much more.

For the purpose here betraying was a crime beyond belief.

Where the family is Clan and shall be hallow’d rich or poor,

Forever fierce defended far above all mortal laws.

 

If think ye then this tale embellished, words of passion over-relished, know the punishment be hellish,

Should you open now this door – this simple, unmarked, heavy door,

For the purpose here betraying, you shall never death defeat.

Where the man who looms behind you shall the balance then restore,

For the man who sits before you, ‘tis the brother he adores.

 

It is family that matters here, the only thing that is kept near, that will forever be held dear.

Should you choose such bonds to shake – the bonds than none can truly break.

For this purpose here worth clinging to is one both fine and sweet.

Where the Clan built here endureth long, of this you can be sure,

For this fight that once engaged in is engaged in evermore.