Imitation - A Poem By Edgar Allen Poe

"Imitation" is a poem that explores the concept of imitation in art. Poe is saying that imitation can bring something new and exciting to art, just like the beings in his dream brought something new and exciting to his life. He's also saying that imitation can be just as good as the real thing.

Transcript

Imitation A poem by Edgar Allan Poe A dark unfathomed tide Of interminable pride A mystery and a dream Should my early life seem?

I say that dream was fraught With a wild and waking thought Of beings that have been Which my spirit hath not seen Had I let them pass me by With a dreaming eye?

Let none of earth inherit That vision of my spirit Those thoughts I would control As a spell upon his soul For that bright hope at last And that light time have passed And my worldly rest hath gone With a sigh as it passed on I care not though it perish With a thought I then did cherish