Born from a love sweet as harmony, Edgar emerged with a soul dark as ebony. Jealous of the dog's soft tail, Envy brewed in his heart, cold and stale. Greedy for his neighbors' toys, He measured their worth in mere coins. Bitter was this ugly boy, Snarling, sneering, criminally coy.
In four years' time, Another was born, sweet as a rhyme. A boy named Reed With a voice as deep as the sea. He could sing and calm the wind, Play the lute to silence sin. Parents proud of Reed, their delight, He overshadowed Edgar, a pitiful sight.
Edgar, consumed by envy, Craved Reed's soul, Desired to strip his lute-worn skin From blessed bone, Burn the wood in fiery hell, Snuff out his brother's final breath.
Reed played symphonies that touched every heart, Drowned abysmal ears in blissful art. The village and beyond were charmed, Their best dreams intertwined with his songs. He cradled their wounds with his melodies, Made every woman swoon. Reed shone like the sun in night skies, While Edgar wished for his demise.
As time passed, Edgar's envy grew too vast. He became unrecognizable, With protruding skull and sunken skin, Living in self-pity, Shadowed by his kin.
At eighteen, he took a kitchen blade And pierced his only brother, Ending his singing soul's serenade. The elder felt a sweet release As he grinned while his brother fell, Crushed his calloused fingers Under an iron bootheel, Relishing the murder Driven by age-old fire.
When Mother found her Reed Shattered on the floor, The village hunted Edgar As she wept and mourned alone.
Father had drowned in his fishing boat, Edgar had gone astray, Leaving Mother to grieve alone.
They found Edgar and shot him, Piercing his writhing soul. Edgar lay bloody, Vanquished flesh and bone.
But the fratricide was in vain, For Reed's songs carried on beyond his name. Edgar slept in wicked shadows, While his brother remained eternal In song and echoes.
Yet still, Mother weeps, Her family deceased, Her heart too heavy To maintain its beat.