Controversy doesn't deter Poe toaster from annual visit

(AP) - Undeterred by a controversy over the tribute's origins, a mysterious visitor placed three red roses and a half-filled bottle of French cognac at the grave of Edgar Allan Poe early Saturday morning before stealing away into the darkness.
Nearly 150 people gathered outside the cemetery of Westminster Presbyterian Church, but the man known as the "Poe toaster" was, as usual, able to avoid being spotted by the crowd, said Jeff Jerome, curator of the Poe House and Museum. The tribute takes place every Jan. 19 - the anniversary of Poe's birth. Link

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 we'll 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 Clemm Poe

Illustrations & poem: Wikipedia