Adrian Paunescu

BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — Adrian Paunescu, Romania's most famous poet — a man who praised the dictator Nicolae Ceausescu yet remained popular among Romanians — has died at the age of 67. The Floreasca Emergency Hospital in Bucharest said Paunescu died Friday morning from multiple organ failure. His last poem was written Oct. 31 from his hospital bed. Paunescu, physically huge and a prolific writer, was larger-than-life character who appeared on television several times a week. During the communist era, he wrote flattering poems about Ceausescu. Critics said the poems contributed to the dictator's personality cult. Still, Paunescu's sentimental verse struck a chord with many Romanians. Dozens of mourners began gathering at his house in Bucharest as news of his death spread. They lit candles and left flowers and Romanian flags. Paunescu will lie in state later Friday for mourners to pay their respects. Romanian President Traian Basescu sent condolences, thanking Paunescu for helping a