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I Love the Poetry of Edgar Allan Poe

A Dream Within a Dream

By: datura
Written on October 20th, 2008

I first read this is high school and fell in love with it. It was shortly after the break-up with my first boyfriend and the poem seemed to capture my feelings.

All these years later, and after much study of life, the universe and everything, I do think that all we see or seem is but a dream within a dream.

 

A Dream
Within A Dream
by Edgar Allan Poe

Take this kiss upon the brow!
And, in parting from you now,
Thus much let me avow—
You are not wrong, who deem
That my days have been a dream;
Yet if hope has flown away
In a night, or in a day,
In a vision, or in none,
Is it therefore the less gone?
All that we see or seem
Is but a dream within a dream.

I stand amid the roar
Of a surf-tormented shore,
And I hold within my hand
Grains of the golden sand-
How few! yet how they creep
Through my fingers to the deep,
While I weep— while I weep!
O God! can I not grasp
Them with a tighter clasp?
O God! can I not save
One from the pitiless wave?
Is all that we see or seem
But a dream within a dream?

By: datura
Age: 56-60 , Female
1,457 people have read this story

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53 responses
  • datura
    datura

    Not to forget The Raven or The Bells....

    Jul 14, 2011
    1 like
  • Quintesse
    Quintesse

    It is my favorite poem. I cry every time. That is some powerful writing.

    Jul 13, 2011
    2 likes
  • datura
    datura

    Q, I actually memorized Annabelle Lee as a teen because I loved it so. Still remember it.

    Jul 13, 2011
    1 like
  • Quintesse
    Quintesse

    Confession: I have not read any of the comments because this story is so old--just felt the need to insert myself.

    He is my favorite. He was a genius.

    See: Annabelle Lee

    Jul 13, 2011
    1 like
  • datura
    datura

    Well, I'm not glowing green like you :-) Reminds me of Stephen King's novel The Tommyknockers!

    Jul 13, 2011
    1 like
  • Orangetas
    Orangetas

    Yeah yeah , but have you got the glow?

    Jul 13, 2011
    1 like
  • datura
    datura

    I have my moments when I feel the same, Tas.

    Jul 13, 2011
    2 likes
  • Orangetas
    Orangetas

    dreams seem more real to me than ' RL'

    Jul 13, 2011
    2 likes
  • datura
    datura

    Yup!



    I got Under the Dome for Christmas but haven't started it yet. Did you like it?

    Jan 7, 2010
    2 likes
  • destry
    destry

    very spooky and awesome. Also the Stephen King of his day! lol

    Jan 7, 2010
    2 likes
  • datura
    datura

    He sure was, Destry! I fell in love with Poe's short stories in 6th grade when my teacher read us The Tell Tale Heart. It was the start of my love for the macabre!

    Jan 7, 2010
    2 likes
  • destry
    destry

    He is very intense. I like it!

    He is also the Rod Serling of his day! :D

    Jan 7, 2010
    2 likes
  • bcj
    bcj

    hehehehehe

    Dec 13, 2009
    2 likes
  • datura
    datura

    How can this be, Sir b!



    Is there hope that the warrior/scientist and the spooky forest queen might find common ground!



    I am amazed ;-)

    Dec 13, 2009
    2 likes
  • bcj
    bcj

    alas, I believe that it takes a special person to partner a genius. Every social issue that the modern woman complains of in the relationship, will be her plight if she is the partner.

    Dec 13, 2009
    2 likes
  • bcj
    bcj

    Ah, but then he chose to remain (I presume) in this anti-social construct, ie single, and as a result his genius could flourish.



    It looks like we might be agreeing - again.

    Dec 13, 2009
    2 likes
  • datura
    datura

    Perhaps, sir b--yet in Poe's case it was the loss of his relationship with his wife through her early death that was a catalyst in his writing genius.

    Dec 13, 2009
    2 likes
  • bcj
    bcj

    true lady d, but the genii of the world simply do not have the time and energy available to invest in such "trivia", lest their work will be largely unfinished when they die.

    Dec 13, 2009
    2 likes
  • datura
    datura

    Perhaps a human connection can remain alive--yet not staying exactly the same, but growing and developing-- without conscious work if both parties are aware of this philosophy and have no preconceived notions and expectations as to how the connection should be. But, yes, to keep it alive as it presently is would require awareness and work.



    It is better to let it blossom and develop than to try to keep it the same?

    Dec 13, 2009
    2 likes
  • bcj
    bcj

    I have left this comment on another story but I think that it fits aptly here too when one considers the duration of a relationship vs changes.



    see below

    I am the sum of my genetics plus my experiences, so I am by the very nature, changing every moment of every day because my experiences are increasing to match.



    This indicates that my connection with another human, the environment, documented works, architecture, fashion, etc. is doomed to be transient or mutating.



    After the "magical phase" of the connection is over, I have to consciously work on keeping the connection alive if I want to retain elements of that present reality.



    humbly

    b

    Dec 13, 2009
    2 likes
  • datura
    datura

    A very good thought, Sir b.



    Genius, by its very definition, would no longer be genius if it were simply normal or average!

    Dec 13, 2009
    2 likes
  • bcj
    bcj

    i just found this now, milady.



    Genius, by its very nature, is "abnormal" and thus a social misfit. It cannot continue to yield its fruit in a "normal" construct and so, the life of a genius will always seem to be a "mess" to the eye of "everyman". He will outgrow his partner because of the pace at which he changes, and maybe even, outgrow the social construct of his time.



    just a thought

    b

    Dec 13, 2009
    2 likes
  • datura
    datura

    Hi thedistracted1. I would have to agree with you.

    Dec 13, 2009
    2 likes
  • thedistracted1
    thedistracted1

    And yes its true all the greats were troubled. Buddha was troubled, that's why he left the princely palace and starting wandering, in am attempt to find the truth of life.

    I think its the pain which deepens us. All the deep understanding and wisdom has a root in misery somewhere

    Dec 13, 2009
    3 likes
  • thedistracted1
    thedistracted1

    Datura, this is a gem constructed out of words. feeling>expression>words>gem

    Thank you for sharing this.

    Dec 13, 2009
    3 likes
  • datura
    datura

    I used to read a lot of poetry , and often get the books out to re-read old favorites.

    Oct 25, 2008
    2 likes
  • nectarine
    nectarine

    what a lovely poem!! dont read much poetry, maybe I should start.x

    Oct 25, 2008
    3 likes
  • celerystalk3000
    celerystalk3000

    Gordon **bleepin** Ramsey totally **bleepin*** ROCKS!!!!



    And now back to our regularly scheduled Edgar Allen Poe - a - thon....

    Oct 20, 2008
    3 likes
  • Pricey
    Pricey

    Lol... he's awesome. Troubled though, for sure!

    Oct 20, 2008
    3 likes
  • Orangetas
    Orangetas

    Yuk! Is he over there? You can keep him!!

    Oct 20, 2008
    3 likes

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