Every year for 60 years beginning in 1949, the centennial of the death of Edgar Allan Poe, the famous "Poe Toaster" would appear in the wee hours of the morning at Poe's original grave marker in Baltimore on Jan. 19th, Poe's birthday.

The shadowy figure, dressed in black with a wide-brimmed hat and white scarf, would leave three roses and a partially-filled bottle of French cognac, then disappear into the night.

The Poe Toaster's last appearance was in 2009, the bicenntenial of Poe's birthday.  He did not appear last year.  Nor did he appear this year.  Never again?

"Deep into that darkness peering, long I stood there, wondering, fearing, doubting, dreaming dreams no mortal ever dared to dream before."

Cheers to you, master Poet!

Jim Caruso