if only to breathe

if only to breathe

 

 

your cesarean birthed my black heart

onto a bed of bleeding interrogation

questions like umbilical cords that won't let go

 

infant poetry trying to find open air 

but the static of your indifference

made love inaudible

 

i wanted you to call in with an answer

but my radio show was canceled

before you could respond,

and i was left to ponder

 

if you ever even listened once

or just played your iTunes

over my voice

so your conscience wouldn't skip a beat.  

 

 

 

erin-cilberto

10/8/16

Reviews

[Hebe]

Great way to describe the difference and distance that is created between parent and child. ... very creative.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

i like your interpretation of this piece, thank you Hebe.
j.

[Lydia Shutter]

We don't listen to our parents...don't want to heed their advice. Once they are gone, though, we remember their words and realize they were right all along. The iTunes reference made me think of my grandchildren who are always connected even as I try to speak with them. "people before paper" used to be a saying....now it should be "people before electronics." Good one. Lydi**

[jacob erin-cilberto]

yes, it should be....i agree...

thank you, Lydi.

j.

[Ted Kniffen]

The funny thing j. is that I think they really are listening. Mine, who now have their own, are starting to get what we were saying. Was there such a thing as a 'blind' ear? It was probably the one I used with my dad. But they do get involved with their families and have little time for parents. As we used to say, all we can do is
Keep on keeping on.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

yes, Ted...we learn later that what we didn't want to listen to at one time, was more helpful than what we once thought.

j.

[Einstein Noodle]

man oh man! every child and parents challenge ...to let go ..to cut the cord ..indifference, age gaps, and blind ears sure add to the fray .. interestingly Frey is the Norse god of fertility, crops, peace and prosperity .. the spelling came to mind so i looked it up ;)
the struggle to "become" is tragic to no end when it is impeded, even destroyed, by a hostile environment .. but i mostly relate this to parent/child :(
E.
well done says i!

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for your kind review, E.

j.

[Bala Gorthi]

How the indifference hurts the love and the innocent is clearly depicted in your work.
These days, they have more eyes, ears and heart for technology than for human feelings or the beauty around us.
Thanks for this beautiful poem. It is very relatable to today's world. Keep sharing.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for your kind review, Bala...

j.

[Kelly Scheppers]

What I would give to sit in on ONE of your classes...just one! Damn!!

[Jon Roggie]

I picture all of us. Give us a big room.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you both for your kind words.

j.

[andrew mitchell]

count me in!

[Kelly Scheppers]

I knew I couldn't be the only one who felt this way...I knew it!!!

[andrew mitchell]

Sharp, pointed pulling no punches so to speak. I felt the theme of not being heard or just plain ignored, maybe you needed a cell phone!! . Images like these bring to mind the invisible man.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

ah yes, the invisible man....claude rains...

thanks, andrew..

j.

[redzone]

let me try again to leave a comment... lol...

why is it that people ignore or become silent when affection is given in an open and honest way and not forced or ugly... are we that indifferent towards each other???? as I read your first verse Jacob I could feel that umbilical cord gripping me with the pain and hurt of inaudible static... your metaphors had sharp tongues in this poem Jacob...

redzone

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for your words, Curt.

j.

[Alice Poésy]

The metaphors in this are stunning, especially in the first two stanzas. It makes me think of a person in my family with whom I have a somewhat rocky relationship. It's always a sore spot when anyone brings it up. Your words struck a nerve very close to home, Jacob, and very few poets manage to strike this deep.

Stunning imagery, and vivid emotions as always. Wonderful work.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you, Alice...sorry i hit a tender nerve with this...but i appreciate you relating to my words.
j

[MOON]

Lovely, the play on modern life , always your writing unique and love falls by the wayside.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you, Moon, appreciate your review.

j.