He Haunts Me Still

Shallow, the blow
of a harbor breeze    
morn arrives
with the autumn air

Shallow, the breath
of a tortured soul
sunlight dies
on a mortal fair

Simple, the heart
of a lowly child
pennies poured will
mark his plaque

Simple, the turn
of a clouded ghost
poems proffered
with cognac

Centuries pass
from the date of his 
birth, see his legend 
burns brighter now

Eight score alight
from the date of his
death; sure his spirit
stirs even thou?

Set in the shadows of
a storm crossed night
his stories e’er bring
a chill 

Set in a plot
unconsolable 
“Nevermore”
He haunts me still