endangered poets

endangered poets



at 90 something
the old man's discourse
drooling syllables,
words hardly come to him anymore
the writing of them, the reading plagued 
with insensitive timing
age wins another battle,
the fierceness in his eyes
much alive,
at 90 something
he peers through his weary walls
but on the other side sees nothing

in his capsule
he floats away in his mind
his own moon enraptures him
and then earth meets his amazement 
with a hard landing

someone hands him a napkin
and he wipes his present off his chin

wishing his past could still hold a pen
to his life.



erin-cilberto
4/5/18

Reviews

[Alfred Kukitz]

i was thinking of me when i read your great poem. i loved this one jacob! great writing!

regards,
al

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you, Al...glad you could relate to my writing in some way.

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

Wow, have to take a breath after reading this poem j....your important title and message deftly drive your stark words, metaphors and frightening images(“drooling syllables”) home. Yes, the words may start to escape our weary pens, escape our weary mortality- “Age wins another battle” as you so
poignantly describe here. But to know we have planted seeds of inspiration, as you, the Master-Poet and teacher, have most selflessly done, gives us a kind of immortality. Do you think there is a WC in the beyond? If there is, I will be honored to meet you there my friend. By the way, I’ll be the one with the Mouseketeer ears on.:)

[jacob erin-cilberto]

i will look for the ears...:)
in that WC in the sky...and be proud to meet you, Annette.
read morei will look for the ears...:)
in that WC in the sky...and be proud to meet you, Annette.
thank you for your kind words on the poem.
j.

[Sami Khalil]

Although time and age conquer us, our memory and legacy live on. Our spirit lives on in the future in a new body. I do hope we can write poetry in the afterlife too. This was extremely sad and beautiful.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

wouldn't that be great? if we could write in the afterlife and still share our words? yes, thank you Sami.

[Sami Khalil]

It would be indeed. You are welcome, sir Jacob.

[Lydia Shutter]

Heart-wrenching sadness in this one, Jacob. Will we lose our words when we are older....if we are lucky enough to get to that age? Unfortunately, age always wins the battle...we are powerless against that enemy. Lydi**

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thanks for understanding, my friend.

j.

[Phill Oz O'fee]

Incredible poignant - I think I may quit while I'm ahead! However, although the writer's body may be fading ... blessed be the endangered poet for their work will live on and on ... :-)

[jacob erin-cilberto]

you are in your prime, Phill...your poetry is wonderful...
j.

[Neville]

For a moment, just a moment mind, I thought I caught a glimpse of the future....Tis very sad these words and nearly made me cry jacob..........

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for your kindness,Neville..
j.

[Neville]

Not kind, but true....................

[θεά]

What beautiful words Jacob! Senescence can be cruel. Reflections on the time gone by can make it more angst ridden. Great pathos and reflexivity in your lines.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for your words, Mallika.
j.

[KWP]

this brings immediate thoughts of my grandparents - my grandfather rubbing my cold hand between his two to make them warm, everytime I slid a lemon I think of my nan - she made the best lemonade.

age wins another battle - well yes - a striking line

I enjoyed the vividness of this one Jacob - I can see this old man with fierce grey eyes telling the world yes he wants to go on - if only ... I see him wiping his chin silently cursing his own fragility.

Very emotive - thank you X

[jacob erin-cilberto]

i appreciate your words, KWP---
j.

[Tiana]

Having worked in a hospital with the elderly, I can relate to this poem. Wonderfully penned, J.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for your words, Tiana.
j.

[‘Thoughts In Time..]

The past will always write a story no matter where or what- they are engraved in our soul- sad when the mind goes but as long as he / she lived and loved u guess that’s all we can do but the words will forever live on in the hearts of many- wonderfully written🌹

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for your kind words, Kelly,
j.