This week I'm combining my 2024 theme of Authentic Writing Experiences with some fun Valentine trivia about Edgar Allan Poe. He's the subject of my next decodable book - The Raven Remix: A Mash-Up of Poe Titles. Did you know Poe was involved in an Acrostic Valentine scandal? This particular story probably won't go in my children's book, but the poem-writing activity at the bottom of this post will definitely find a way into the Activity Book.
Here's the backstory. Edgar and his wife, Virginia, were living in New York. He knew she wouldn't live much longer. She was dying of Tuberculosis, and he was a bit frazzled. Anna Charlotte Lynch hosted weekly literary "salons" where famous authors and poets met. Edgar attended for 2-3 years and became very popular, especially with some of the ladies. One of them, Mrs. Elizabeth Ellet, sent him love letters that became a bit of a scandal. They had a falling out. There were threats from her brother. A fistfight with someone else.
Anna Lynch asked Poe not to return to her fun poetry gatherings. Unfortunately, this happened right before her annual Valentine's party.
Every year on Valentine's, members of the salon would write each other poems. Edgar wrote a poem to Fanny Osgood and sent it to Anna to read at the party. He hid Fanny's name inside the poem, probably because she was married, and he didn't want to get into any more fights.
That same day, Edgar's wife, Virginia, wrote an acrostic poem with a much clearer message - Honey, Let's get out of town! You can easily see his name in the first letter of each line.
Ever with thee I wish to roam-
Dearest my life is thine.
Give me a cottage for my home
And a rich old cypress vine.
Removed from the world with its sin and care
And the tattling of many tongues.
Love alone shall guide us when we are there. -
Love shall heal my weakened lungs;
And Oh, the tranquil hours will spend,
Never wishing that others may see!
Perfect ease we'll enjoy, without thinking to lend
Ourselves to the world and its glee-
Ever peaceful and blissful we'll be.
(Virginia Eliza Clemm Poe, February 14, 1846)
The poem was a success. They moved to the country. Unfortunately, Virginia never saw another Valentine's Day. She died on January 30, 1847.
For more Poe trivia, read my post from January 17 Happy 215th Birday Edgar Allan Poe.
Writing Acrostic Valentines
Directions: As a class, brainstorm words and phrases of positive attributes to go with each letter of the alphabet. Pick another student's name out of a hat, or pick a character from a favorite book. Write an acrostic poem based on the name. Have cookies. Read the poems out loud. Try not to create a scandal.
A - Artistic, Asks interesting questions
B - Best friend, Believes in people
C - Caring, Considerate, Can do anything
D - Daring, Does nice things
You get the idea. Remember that struggling writers have trouble copying from the board, so do them a favor and type out the list. Give the list to everyone so that no one is singled out. If possible, start by creating the list on your computer and project it on a Smart Board so students can see the list as it grows.
See the post on the Edgar Allan Poe Museum Website to read the poem Poe wrote to Fanny Osgood and to find her name hidden in the lines of verse.
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