Capital Punishment

 

Capital Punishment

 

 

 

the mall tree was electrocuted

and Christmas Eve died in the chair of commercialism

the lights dimmed,

 

the packages ripped open before they got home,

home where the heart was burning,

waiting for a sleigh full of anticipatory gratification

 

fundamentally there is no crib

or wise men

or shepherds singing to an infant

 

the prayers went Cha-Ching

in some register on a counter

with a shallow chorus of Merry Christmas

from the voice of a 9-5 emotionless employee

watching the clock,

 

near penniless, jealous of those who can practice

tying ribbons to thousands of dollars worth of gifts

 

but inside, there is a child

who remembers midnight mass

and dark blue bulbs on a real tree

 

when we barely slept the night before---

so excited for that one gift in the morning

 

the one that meant the most

the one we no longer unwrap,

the one that can't be bought at the mall....

 

the one now short circuited...

the one executed in the blizzard of modernism

the one only poets talk about

since the star disappeared.

 

the gift ---

love.

Reviews

[Jimmy Yetts]

Gorgeous work; elicits fond and precious memories.
A delightful read that also manages to humble.
You rock the manger, Jacob!

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for your very kind review, Jimmy.

j.

[Myenigma]

haha i like this, i did not know what to expect with the name of your title, but it fits with your piece, it captures some of the legitimacy irony of the business that Christmas has become, a sort of force commercial life sentence we have to engage in. I really like the stanzas with a child inside who remembers the actual principles that matter, the unions of communities, family and love.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for your insightful words,

j.

[Myenigma]

ironically to my post, now that think about it, I actually like giving gifts lol......... but I do believe and agree that the message of Christ, love and family should be the main focus of Christmas.

[andrew mitchell]

There are two worlds out there one we share and the one we rather forget, keep hidden! Nice and deep as always J in your profound words or images you depict for translation:)

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for your kind review, andrew.

j.

[gabrielle]

The disparity of the poor and the rich is likewise seen on how they celebrate. .. it appears that the spirit of christmas is slowly being overshadowed by commercialism.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for your words, gabrielle..
j.

[CA Anurag Sharma]

So magnificently written Sir....
the one now short circuited...
the one executed in the blizzard of modernism
the one only poets talk about
since the star disappeared.

the gift ---
love.

simply wow.....

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you, Anurag...

j.

[...]

I'm not religious, Jacob, but I do believe in love and for me, the holidays are just about eating a wonderful homemade dinner and being with the ones we love. The rest of it is just madness and you said that so brilliantly!

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for your very kind words....lynn
j.

[Chris]

Philosophy 101:

Finding ones way to their humanity isn't an easy task - the increase in active "Rage" of every type bears witness. Respect isn't about being fearful but when respect is striped away what's left? Seems everyone is ALONE in the crowd anymore - and it's all about MY... and do unto others no longer applies - is just do TOO.

So many have decried commercialism - likely for centuries, but few have lived the present version and I agree it really bites. And the blame? is shared by us all. We empower and allow everything and every 'tude - until we don't.

a good poem of the times Jacob.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for your insights, Chris...always appreciate your takes, and philosophies...i will take 102 with you also, i think...

j.

[Chris]

will be a hellofa class... I can appreciate the company

[Alfred Kukitz]

The sad truth told in a most impressive way. Really magnificent Jacob!

All the love,

Al

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you, Al.

j.

[M. Shepherd]

Ugh how the bitterness and disdain seeps through the paper of these words and drips to the floor, I HURT and am reminded of every mass produced cheap piece of crap I've ever wept at, travesties of true possessions, artisan handiwork or the truest of all, love. I'm sickened to my core with nostalgia at the second half. Very beautifully crafted.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for your words, Marcie...

j.

[Gee]

Ah Jacob,how much you have learnt from me over the years,you're coming on well my son,coming on well.........BRILLIANT !!!!

[jacob erin-cilberto]

:))) thank you, Gee...

j.