sff_corgi_lj | A poem, from myfanwy, who is up to her eyebrows in alligators

I quote:

Here's a poem I wrote for an assignment due tonight. The task: "make something Poe-ish" and this was the best I could do. Not bad for an hour's work, I think, though I was a little late getting it in...

The Maven,
or Poe's Lament

At this desk where once were pens revered, I face a monster recently appeared,
To take the place of vellums fine, and quills poised over ink.
A wicked thing, rapacious beast, on my words it longs to feast,
So many words but not the least can bring me from the brink;
So many words, but no mot just -- of the right word, I can't think —

I simply cannot think!

Now this creature and I are face to face, ash to glowing blue -- the cursor keeping pace
With racing thoughts and pounding heart, its malice just the same.
Just one more word is all it will take, and my deadline I will make!
A finger poised to hunt and peck, the final word, the one to bring me fame!
Then … BLUE SCREEN OF DEATH - and I know not whom to blame;

Gone, I don't know whom I can blame.

A gelid breeze cracks from inside the tower, whence comes a form of such power;
Growing apace until I see the face! the hair! none other could it be:
For by that certain lack of chin, it is he, it is he! No shade and no twin
Would cause my to PC spin -- the Microsoft Maven is he!
"Mr. Gates! Mr. Gates, I clearly can see that you've come to rescue me –

The Word Maven will rescue me!"

His soft nerdy face turns scarlet with rage; he is no more the benevolent sage –
He stares at the screen, hits a button or two, while I soak in whisky and terror.
"My program is fine, and Vista is great; I'm a bazillionaire not by fate.
On reboot shall you wait. The fault can't be mine, so I say therefore,
It truly must be all yours." Then gone with a flicker, but just two words more:

Quoth the Maven, "USER ERROR!"

(Aside: [crotchety tone] 'Poe-ish'? 'Poe-ish'! I remember when we used to call those parody or pastiche!)