transient flame

transient flame

the fire that raged within her

now covers her skin

the silky smooth face

in wretched contortion

her lips seared in permanent kiss with God

fingerprints soldered to the strings

her instrument, a smoky guitar

eyes an orange hue

she prays one last prayer

sings one last note

as the world deteriorates

to a charred will of destiny

but her memory is saved

in pristine condition,

kindness insulated in a safe room

one she will always open for me

anytime i tap on her echo.

erin-cilberto

3/4/16

Reviews

[B-poet]

Vivid imagery backed by eloquent diction. A great combination for a masterful work of written art. Great work Jacob. A fantastic piece. :)

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for your kind words, B-poet...

j.

[Corset]

echos of the people we have lost are imprinted on our souls and all we have to do to open the door is to close our eyes and remember.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

that is so true...thank you for your kind words, Corset.

j.

[highonwords]

this one burns with religious/spiritual fervor, that martyrs the subject, and yet, she remains in tune with her kind self, that inspires those around her every time they think of her

steph

[jacob erin-cilberto]

love this reply...thank you, Steph...

j.

[hcarson]

I like this and the way it flows. I won't lie, I'm pretty new to poetry so I'm still working on the actual understanding an deciphering aspect of it but to my inexperienced mind this read well :)

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for your kind thoughts, hcarson.

j.

[Ruth]

Such a precious sentiment throughout this...those who can be the gentle tap are blessed in many ways...superb Jacob :)

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you muchly, Poppy...and really like your new pic

j.

[Ruth]

Thank you Jacob and my pleasure :)

[ms. barrie]

poetic beauty at its best! your ink {for me} is very
reminiscent of Cat Stevens' songs/lyrics...that aching
soul searching imagery & choice of words...
that lingers in the reader's hearts. it's truly astounding!
once again, I adore the title, which happened to have
caught my eye.
Thank you for sharing
~~ xx - barrie

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for your kind words and the comparison of Cat Stevens...my all time favorite album is "Tea for the Tillerman"--

j.

[ms. barrie]

you're very welcome, jacob..my pleasure...it's one of mine, as well (:

[Lydia Shutter]

Memories.....those we lost at a young age are frozen in time in our mind's eyes. If only we could have had them with us throughout our lives. When tragedy strikes a person so young, it is impossible to get over it. Still, her memory is a blessing to you.....and you will always have it with you. The last line of this poem is brilliant...which I had written it! :) Lydi**

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for your very kind words, Lydi,
j.

[Lydia Shutter]

WHOOPS....wish I had written it is what I meant.....have to make sure my fingers cooperate! LOL

[emmajoy]

' .. one she will always open for me -- anytime i tap on her echo .. ' Utterly beautiful.

What we remember is - perhaps, a moment where heart slowed and smile spread. You write so very sensitively here, a discretion of words - it wrings bells, jacob.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for your kind words, emma...

j.

[Érenn]

I would be lying to myself , if I said I have never thought of writing on the same subject you have. This is truly beautiful. This is also one of those poems where emotions are outshining words. Memories of a person never really fade away. I must say, I have always believed that only our memories tag along with us to our graves. So in the end even our loved ones would only have our memories to remember us by and I believe it would be true the other way around as well. Who knows we find it out sooner or later. That's why I believe in making as many memories as possible with my loved one in my life. Thank you for sharing

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for your very kind words, Errenn...

i appreciate your visits...
j.

[Abhilash Hegde]

Again, the title is what drew me here..

"but her memory is saved
in pristine condition,
kindness insulated in a safe room
one she will always open for me

anytime i tap on her echo."

how true! btw, beautifully penned, needless to say..

memories of a person, near/dear to us, can never fade away. they are evergreen and no distance away,
we can live with them, die with them or cherish them.
but memories will always remain memories, they 'll always be.

Wonderful write, Jacob, Thanks!

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for your very kind words, Abhilash...

j.