Fiction Adaptation - The Raven

My second idea for a poem to do would be 'The Raven' by Edgar Allan Poe.
I would post the poem up here but it is way too long. If you fancy a read however just follow this link:
http://www.heise.de/ix/raven/Literature/Lore/TheRaven.html
Having studied this poem in length during my A Level studies, I have a good idea of the meanings behind the poem, the biggest being, that the Raven symbolises death. He constantly refers back to the angelic maiden 'Lenore', who is the main characters lost love.
Poe wrote the poem as a narrative, without intentionally creating an allegory or falling into didacticism. The main theme of the poem is one of undying devotion. The narrator experiences a perverse conflict between desire to forget and desire to remember. He seems to get some pleasure from focusing on loss. The narrator assumes that the word "Nevermore" is the raven's "only stock and store", and yet he continues to ask it questions, knowing what the answer will be. His questions, then, are purposely self-deprecating and further incite his feelings of loss. Poe leaves it unclear if the raven actually knows what it is saying or if it really intends to cause a reaction in the poem's narrator. The narrator begins as weak and weary, becomes regretful and grief-stricken, before passing into a frenzy and, finally, madness.

I figure that if I were to do this poem, I feel I will not use a bird at all, but maybe have an incantation of Death it/himself. Appearing at the door, when he see's nothing, but yet hears the raven, upon closing the door the figure of Death would be beside him, scaring him half to death. (haha).
Death would not move, but instead just stare at him, watching, creepily answering his questions at the end of every stanza 'nevermore'.
I would have narration for the poem, however when a character is to speak, they would speak rather than the narration.
I may also take a few of the verses out, not all are entirely necessary and it may be too long if all are included.

I shall continue working on both of my ideas until I can decide which one I will be able to adapt better. I shall keep you all updated!