The Gift of Poe

The ringing in my ear sends a sense
of overwhelming anticipation.

Waiting for a response...

Ring... ring...

A click and I hear his voice:

"Hello."

His voice; dry.

A chill down my spine and I almost freeze.

"Eh...hello... Mr. Poe...
I've been dying to speak with you."

"Speak then."

Nervous to the point of temporary paralysis
I try to mutter out my words.

"Well sir, I do not wish to exhaust you of
myself, however, there is something I must confess."

"Continue." he says, clearly unmoved.

"Well sir, I have become quite a fan of yours over the course
of my many years."

I wait for his response.

"I appreciate your kind words." he says in an unreceptive manor.

Trying not to falter...

"You're most welcome sir, but I assure you,
you will want to hear what I have to say."

Anxious; it's almost hard to finish what I've begun.

"You see sir, I only have but a short time left and
considering the circumstances, I felt it but only
appropriate to contact yourself."

I hear his breath gracing the receiver on the
other end of the telephone.

"My time here grows dim and in your honor I have felt it
necessary to compose my demise as an homage to you."

Sweat beginning to drip down my forehead; it's hot where I am.

"Your epic tales of horror are but an inspiration to anyone
privileged enough to read your works, and I have decided that
since my time draws near end anyway, that I would go out
in a way that only you would appreciate."

"What exactly do you mean sir?"  he says...

Anxiety is a difficult obstacle to overcome.

"As it should so happen sir, I have decided to end my days
in close proximity of my hero; you sir. That way, when my
demise is finally met, you shall hear my heartbeat for you...
for the rest of our days together; forever."

"What do you mean by all this?" he says sounding unimpressed.

"I mean sir, that once these final bricks are in place, I will
slowly drift off into eternal sleep with thoughts of you
scarred into my mind. And in honor of you sir, I will allow
my very own heart to continue beating for only you to hear..."

"Where are you? Who is this?"

He asks like he doesn't know...

"I am he who you created, and in return of the gift you have
given me, I extend my gift unto you eternally. One final brick
and our fates will be intermixed permanently."

"Wait, you can't possibly..."

I cut him off...

"It has been done sir. I must pray thee farewell for now; it's time
for me to put the final brick in place. Forget me you will not sir,
this much I promise, for you have entangled yourself into my head
and it seems only fitting that I return the favor unto you."

Click...

"Hello?! Are you still there sir...?"

Thump thump... thump... thump thump... thump...