Jamie FolsomOct 7, 2024
rottenartist

One hundred and seventy-five years ago today, Edgar Allan Poe died. There's a lot I can say about his death and a lot I do say about it to wonderful audiences all around America. But, for today, I just want to talk about this:

Poe never saw his poem, "Annabel Lee", go to print. It was published two days after his death.

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Oct 7, 2024 at 7:18pmWeb
Show threadrottenartistOct 7, 2024

When I'm performing as Poe, I'll talk about "The Raven" of course. Everyone knows it or knows of it and is excited to hear it. But when I mention "Annabel Lee", I see a very striking reaction.

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Show threadrottenartistOct 7, 2024
People love "Annabel Lee". I mean people LOVE that poem. I've had audience members in their 80's and 90's request to hear it. I've had audience members break the silence of the room to ask to hear it. I see audience members silently mouthing the words of the entire poem along with me as I recite it. I once had a long, deeply engaging conversation with an almost-centenarian woman talking vividly about her memories of first hearing "Annabel Lee" in the third grade in a one-room schoolhouse.
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Show threadrottenartistOct 7, 2024

This poem is CHERISHED by millions of people around the world and Poe never saw it published. He never saw what love it sparked in so many people.

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Show threadrottenartistOct 7, 2024

So, with that in mind, I say this to you on the anniversary of the death of Edgar Allan Poe: Never pass up the chance to make art and share it. Don't worry about making money off it or having it as a side hustle or whatever the world tells you makes art valuable. Art is valuable for itself. You making art is valuable for what it does for you. And you sharing your art is far more valuable than you will ever know.

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Show threadrottenartistOct 7, 2024
When we make art for the love of making art; whether it be poetry, prose, music, murals, dance, sewing, acting, comedy, singing, or whatever brings you joy; we also bring joy to other people. We may never know it. They may never say it. We may never see it. But art is important. It is important in ways that we may never know because our lives are so limited, but it is important. Never pass up the chance to make art and release it into the world. Others will cherish it, I assure you. 🧵
Show threadrottenartistOct 7, 2024

Edgar Allan Poe died on this day at the age of 40, but his art is immortal.

Your art will outlive you too, and a little bit of you will live in it.

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Show thread(((Cindy Weinstein)))Oct 7, 2024
@rottenartist. Love this thread! Thank you for sharing.
Show threadMother Suspiria Oct 7, 2024
@rottenartist Beautiful tribute, and beautiful advice. Thanks for sharing.
Show threadDavid W. JonesOct 8, 2024
@rottenartist
And don't forget to express your appreciation to artists you value: Death may take them at any time!
@etherdiver