“No Poe!”

That is what the note read that had been placed upon my copy of the complete works of Edgar Allan Poe, which in turn had been placed on my bed.

Books are scattered throughout my house. Some have been read from cover to cover, some have been partially read, and others will likely never be cracked open. I don’t particularly like Poe’s work. I tried many years ago to relate to his tales and poems but could not. But I recently removed that book from the bookshelf and reread “The Tell-Tale Heart”. I was looking for overlap between that story and my own situation.

Anyway, my positive attitude advisor saw this book at my bedside and has made it clear that I am not to engage in literature of a dark and brooding nature. It’s just as well. For the best line I found was the final line:

“Villains!” I shrieked, “. . . tear up the planks! here, here! – it is the beating of his hideous heart!”

I solemnly swear to never utter those words to a cardiac surgeon.