In Deeper Vein.

The Incubus.


The way was dark within the gloomy church-yard,
    As I wandered through the woodland near the stream,
With slow and heavy tread
    Through a city of the dead,
When suddenly I heard a dreadful scream.

My heart gave frantic leap, as when the roebuck
    Is started by the clamor of the chase,
And I halted all atremble
    In the vain hope to dissemble,
Or cloak the leaden pallor on my face.

'Twas in the ghostly month of grim December,
    The frozen winds were bitter in their cry
And I muttered half aloud
    To that white and silent crowd:
"'Tis a somber month to live in or to die."

And then as if in answer to my whisper,
    Came a voice of some foul fiend from Hell:
"No longer live say I,
    'Tis better far to die
And let the falling snow-flakes sound the knell."

Perched upon a tombstone sat the creature
    Grewsome as an unquenched, burning lust.
Sitting livid there
    With an open-coffin stare--
A stare that seemed the mocking of the just.

And in my thoughts the dreadful thing is sitting--
    Sitting there with eyelids red and blear,
And see it there I will
    'Til my restless soul is still
And the earth-clods roll and rumble on my bier.

Edwin C. Ranck

Edwin C. Ranck was an American lyricist noted for his work in the early 20th century. He was a prolific writer and his lyrics were often characterized by their humor and wit. One of his standout works is the poem 'The Optimist', which reflects his positive outlook on life. Beyond that, little is known about his personal life or career. He remains a somewhat obscure figure in literary history.

Edwin C. Ranck

The Sissy Boy.

Edwin C. Ranck, Simple Poetry

Now There's A Coon In The Moon.

Edwin C. Ranck, Simple Poetry

Keep Tryin'.

Edwin C. Ranck, Simple Poetry

English

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