H. P. Lovecraft: Friend Out of Time

(1890-1937)

What need to add one more
Tribute to the roar
Of shrill posthumous praise,
Nostalgic, loud in these latter days?

It s all been said and said:
Paeans, now he’s dead;
But like so many, I’ve
Wished I’d known him live.
01-01-80

Upon Reading of Lovecraft s Death

Sauk City, 1937

Thank Hastur, August Derleth paused
Upon the railroad bridge, and caused
His grief to turn itself around,
Till firm resolve made his heart pound.
A friend’s death, a friend’s book!
And never once a backward look
With each sure step that giant took.
04-02-79

The Festival

(for H. P. Lovecraft, 1890-1937)

Witches on the west wind,
Goblins on the east:
Everybody destined
For the ancient feast.

Will-o-wisp and ghoul ride
With the poltergeist,
Toward the rite of Yuletide,
Older than the Christ.

Spirits soon are dancing
See them weave and wind
Patterns in their prancing
Older than mankind.
06-01-70