EDGAR ALLAN POE

One of America’s most famous writers
Was born in Boston, January of 1809.
Both his parents were failing actors
And his father was drunk most the time.

In 1810 Edgar’s dad disappeared
His mother died soon after.
A childless couple took him in
Raising him with love and laughter.

Edgar had a Negro nurse
Who brought him to her quarters.
There he listened to ghost stories
Far beyond earthly borders.

The strange tales he later wrote
May have come from her inspiration.
The words she used to describe death
Gave Poe his taste for sensation.

The Allans moved to England
Where Poe attended boarding schools.
There’s no doubt his time spent there
Sharpened his skills as tools.

Returning to Richman and back in school
He began to compose new verse.
Heavy debts forced him to leave college
As his life took a turn for the worse.

Poe caught a ride on a coal barge to Boston
Where he was unable to find employment.
A young printer agreed to publish his poems
Giving him hope and enjoyment.

Penniless, Poe enlisted in the army
And was accepted to West Point in 29.
Poe couldn’t stand not being a writer
Self-imposing his dismissal from The Line.

SHAKESPEARE

Shakespeare, perhaps the greatest writer in history,
In his day was known as a master of good plays.
The theater gave him the freedom to create
And in turn he put hearts and souls a blaze.

Far from the world of the stage
Shakespeare was born in April of 1564.
In the little English town called Stratford
With several sisters and brothers after and before.

All the boys went to the same grammar school
As soon as they could read and write.
Where the only subject taught was Latin
Which was of little use to those born bright.

At 18 he married a woman named Anne Hathaway
Who was 8 years older than he.
The daughter of a neighboring farmer
Who bore his children, with twins, made three.

In 7 years he was a successful actor
After starting his career at 21.
Only the best actors found work in London
And by the grace a God Shakespeare was one.

Many actors of the period were playwrights
And Shakespeare was one of the best.
His greatest success was Henry VI,
Which placed him above the rest.

Shakespeare turned to another kind of writing
When because of a plague London theaters had to close.
He wrote two narrative poems greatly admired by the critics
Though to be famous as a poet, he never wanted or chose.

He in stead, turned back to the life of the stage
As soon as the theaters reopened again.
He joined an acting company until he retired
Writing plays for the Chamberlain’s Men.

Shakespeare died in 1616
And was buried in his local church back home.
Where he had been baptized 52 years before
He lies in his grave silent and alone.

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.

Reverend King, one of the most influential black leaders
To ever march for civil rights and justice
Was born to a minister and a teacher of school.
Educated to where he earned his P.H.D.
Becoming a pastor marching against what was unfair and cruel.

Leading a boycott to protest bus segregation
He gained national prominence in 1955 and 56.
As he preached and marched for freedom for all
He was jailed, threatened, spat on, and beaten
As for peaceful demonstration he would call.

Marching to Washington, D.C. in 1963
He was one of the leaders of faith
Voicing concern for the plight of the poor.
Soon there after, he was killed by a sniper
In Memphis, supporting workers rights and more.

King dedicated one of his books to his children
Praising God and praying for mankind’s future
With words for all to prayerfully remember.
To be judged, not by color, but by character
Shunning violence never to surrender.

Dr. King will be remembered down through history
As a man whose mission in life was the enrichment of others.
“A Soldier For The Lord” with goodness of heart
Risking everything for man’s freedom and equality.
From his legacy of self-sacrifice we must refuse to part.

All Poems By
Tom Zart

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