Part of any mystery is the fun of not knowing or understanding the why. By not knowing, our minds can fill in the blanks and add to the mystery by making up our own version of the why. Sort of makes the mystery more interesting, don't you think?
The Poe Toaster
The Poe Toaster is the nickname given to a mysterious man who pays annual tribute to Poe by visiting his grave every year. The strange tradition started in 1949 – a century are after Poe’s death, and it occurs every year on the author’s birthday (January 19). According to Wikipedia: “In the early hours of the morning on that date, a black-clad figure, presumed to be male, with a silver-tipped cane enters the Westminster Hall and Burying Ground in Baltimore, Maryland. The individual proceeds to Poe’s grave, where he or she raises a cognac toast. Before departing, the Toaster leaves three red roses and a half-bottle of cognac on the grave."
The Toaster wears a black hat and coat and hides his face with a hood or scarf. Groups of reporters and admirers are often on hand to watch the event. There have been no attempts to interfere with the Toaster or to unmask him – most likely out of respect for the tradition.
See, I really don't want to know why the toaster does what he (or she) does. Just the fact that someone spends a little time every year paying respects to someone that is no longer with us somehow gives me some small comfort. I can't explain it, but somehow...it does.
Coffee inside this morning. The weather is going to be warm, but rain is expected.
