scabs paying the tabs

 

scabs paying the tabs

 

 

 

barbaric love affairs

one-sided wars

the victor aligns with the spoiled prey

 

hearts pierced in agony

skin deep wounds won't belie

the sordid triumph

 

but wars repeat,

history shows that losers come back to avenge

and broken hearts duct tape new dreams

to their psyche

 

and the Caesars, the Hitlers

the Politicians, the Actors

the Boys in the band

never see it coming

 

the Trojan Horse

eyeing redemption

speaks its way through the gate

in broad daylight.

 

and that which happened under a quarter moon

with expected impunity

is now called to reckoning

 

and the judges slap sentences

upon those accused of War Crimes

that have no periods,

just endless days

to pick at their own scars.

 

 

erin-cilberto

2/16/18

Reviews

[‘Thoughts In Time..]

We’re just on a merry-go-round that replays itself over and over again- if it was known-why is it again? Blinded is the human race at times reacting without knowing why- winderful insight and many truths being brought to light- we need to think more like you...very moving🌹

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for your words,
j.

[‘Thoughts In Time’🌹]

My pleasure🌹

[Alexa Apothic Red]

Wow, what a stunning and humbling commentary on so many issues rolled into one...

At first, I picked up on the micro-level of broken hearts, one-sided relationships in which one partner is doing all the work and care in the relationship.. I also saw an affair that tore into a committed relationship but the relationship sustained the blow of the affair but the wounds never truly healed (hence the victor aligning with the prey).. the objective of a love battle may not be the true matter of the conflict.. going after symptoms such as an affair rarely does anything to solve the underlying root of conflict and tension...

Then it grew to a macro-level lense on wars, politics, history and humanity. I really appreciate your mention of the Trojan Horse... hauled in by their own people in broad daylight.. welcomed and celebrated (you fools!) but that was a true danger within.. this speaks to the array of propaganda the media serves up (on all sides, mind you)... it all plays to drama and ratings and a business power play of where the money and control of power are.. nothing is really truth.

I really like the rough reality of a patch-up job by duct tape.. as if that could repair a broken heart and seal it with a new dream..

I agree with Robert and you, to really be aghast at the human capacity for slaughter and such a flippant observance over the value of life is naive.. this is universal and has occurred since the beginning of time. The potential for cruelty is unfortunately innate in us. But with that, we also have a greater power, if we are more powerful than evil urges, the power to love, the power to conquer fear, the power to offer kindness, bestow humility, serve others in compassion. That is my vision and commitment to the human race.. to make it better by love and service and kindness.

Thank you so much for speaking to such a profound topic!!

[jacob erin-cilberto]

i appreciate all of your keen insights, Alexa...thanks for such a comprehensive review,
j.

[Alexa Apothic Red]

You're quite welcome! My pleasure!

[AYVID N]

Such a brilliant poem Mr. Jacob. I could just read and re-read this great literary offering and the deep thinking it invokes. More than this, I do not find myself worthy enough to comment.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

you are too kind...and whatever you see in it ...that is what it says...
j.

[Mary]

but wars repeat,
history shows that losers come back to avenge
and broken hearts duct tape new dreams
to their psyche

this is why I don't trust the history books nor do I believe the old saying that we learn to do better if we study history. Ha! History books are usually written from the perspective of the victor. If we really learned from history wars would have ceased long long ago. Your poem is powerful and very relevant and very well done.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for your kind review, Mary.
j.

[repituugjng]

This was such a deep, intricate poem. Quite a lot of strong, political statements and this line especially resonated with me: "history shows that losers come back to avenge". Great job!

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you, John...
j.

[R.E. Ray]

J., as I read this poem, I was reminded of an interview I heard recently on a podcast. In short, the interviewee, a college professor, expressed his outrage at an Defense Department senior executive, speaking about a "war crime," who said he could've never imagined how one human could slaughter another with such brutality. The professor rightly said no person should hold such an office if they can't understand the human capacity for violence and brutality. And, that's what I get from this piece. Despite thousands of years of war, unspeakable crimes against humanity, we continue in this perpetual cycle of ignorance, always asking "How could this happen?" And, along the way, we never look in the mirror and recognize we're all capable of violence, as evidenced by thousands of years of war. Another insightful piece that put my mind to work.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

i appreciate your words greatly, Robert...

thank you,

j.

[The Rock And Roll Cowbo..]

Not only do those homage poor judgements guess to greed not only hurt themselves but innocent bystandards pay even more.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

so true, Dale...thank you for your words,
j.

[Lydia Shutter]

This one is so powerful, Jacob! You've woven romance and history into this one seamlessly. Had to think of song lyrics...as usual...when reading this. "“So often times it happens that we live our lives in chains, and we never even know we have the key." Life is often a series of repetition. We think things will be different and we ignore warning signs...if we see them at all. We beat ourselves up over and over again. A bit of masochism in all of us I suppose. Wonderful poetry. Lydi**

[jacob erin-cilberto]

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

[Einstein Noodle]

yeah! we don't really get away with anything ..reminds me of a Bible verse that says :
"Whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered behind closed doors will be shouted from the housetops for all to hear! .... Furthermore, in your bedchamber do not curse a king, and in your sleeping rooms do not curse a rich man, for a bird of the heavens will carry the sound ..." Luke 12:3
i like the references to history ... one has to wonder at the price of such victories ... :(
E.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for your kind, insightful words, E.
j.