a pulse in the ashes

a pulse in the ashes

artifacts of artificial love

years of bones fossilizing heart's breath

fusion is memory burned into casket grief

 

there is a name on that stone

i have become,

is it mine?

 

when will the service be over

i would like to move on now,

before mortality writes the sordid script

 

i can no longer edit,

even if all that is left is skeletal tissue

i want to dry my eyes of the past

 

with you

as my

forever resurrection

 

my Lazarus ending...

 

 

 

erin-cilberto

12/15/18

Reviews

[John Alexander McFadyen]

The title drew me immediately, a real headline! And the piece as always takes us on a journey into the soul of someone who hurts but is still full of hope. As always the form and flow are sublime.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for your words, John,
j.

[kentuck14]

Jacob,
There is much mystery here (at least for me).
Which side of the veil do you have the speaker
give this testimony? I can see it either way.

"A Pulse in the Ashes". Does love ever truly die beyond the grave!?

All the best,
Tom

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for your words, Tom,
j.

[The Rock And Roll Cowbo..]

Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light

You have crafted a poem to compliment Dylan Thomas' poem nicely.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for your kind words, Dale,
j.

[Norman 223]

I related to this, Jacob. Never say die until you're dead.
You, of course, were able to put it far more elegantly.
N.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for your kind words, Norman.
j.

[duff]

This put a smile on my face because its that well written. Each line matching the next.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for your kind review, duff.
j.

[duff]

My pleasure.

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

Great title and theme of love’s rebirth in this amazing poem j. This is certainly the right season for that message. Like old Lazarus, we can always love again. As always great metaphor, alliteration, imagery. Excellent write.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for your kind words, Annette.
j.

[Neville]

your incredible title pulled me in and held me fast.. I may be wrong, but I see you or someone looking down upon themselves, already committed to the ground and before some anticipated resurrection, or re-birth, maybe to some higher level.... whatever the case, here's wishing you and your's a blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year... Neville

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for your insightful review, Neville...and a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you as well.
j.

[Neville]

always a pleasure my friend
N

[Ted Kniffen]

There is much here, j. that speaks of looking back and questioning decisions and regrets. Life changes and hardens and our 'shell' thickens in self-defense. We can hope to move forward and, since I detect a bit of the resurrection of Scrooge in this, become better people in the time we have remaining.
The ending becomes Lazarus rising.

Good write, j.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

i really like your Scrooge reply, Ted..it does fit...very well, thank you.
j.

[Einstein Noodle]

so somber sir ... lots for me to reflect on as i read ... it is my nature to want to interject some positive something ...but ".. Lazarus ending" kind of pops a cap to me noodle .. Merry Christmas my friend! :)
E.
ps. i think its the pulse in the ashes that counts ;)

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for your words, and Merry Christmas back at you, E.
j.