one less wish

one less wish

A Poem by jacob erin-cilberto

one less wish



there was a trace of snow as
we all met at the seven-eleven
for fountain drinks
and a bit of convenient cheer

when an old sot
stumbled in 
short on money
but long on beer

we bought him a soda
and a peppermint candy cane
half a sandwich
and his disdain

out in the cold he went
sated but fated to feel
that frigid blade of steel
certain the new year would arrive

with him absent.




erin-cilberto
12/23/19

© 2019 jacob erin-cilberto


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How sad it is to see those who've given up on trying to live a "normal" life. Perhaps the root cause is something deeper than alcohol/drug addiction, but in many cases, it probably isn't. When drunk or stoned, one doesn't tend to care about life's tedious problems. With just a few words, you tell a longer story. I read several of your poems before coming to one I thought I understood. (This one) The problem of not understanding is me, of course, and not you.

Posted 4 Years Ago


jacob erin-cilberto

4 Years Ago

i really appreciate your kind review, Sam..
Yes, what is normal anymore?
j.
"Seven-eleven" and "convenient cheer" did make me smile, despite the gloomy and guilty feel of the piece.

I couldn't imagine what it would be like to be homeless in the wintertime. Last week I took care of a recently homeless patient who had to have all of his toes amputated due to severe frostbite. It is simply heartbreaking the struggles they endure and the apathy many americans have towards them.

Posted 4 Years Ago


jacob erin-cilberto

4 Years Ago

you are a kind hearted soul to do what you do.
thanks for that.
j.
wow that last line hit hard. i started off thinking ‘okay this is a pretty standard poem’ but that ‘cold steel blade’ of the New Year starting without the homeless man is just tragically beautiful.
this world is so harsh and we’ve become so desensitised to it, and I think you’ve captured that wonderfully. Thank you for sharing!

Posted 4 Years Ago


jacob erin-cilberto

4 Years Ago

thank you for your kind review, Blysful.
j.
A very harsh and cruel world out there. There is no festivity for some. Just a struggle for existence, moment to moment.

Posted 4 Years Ago


jacob erin-cilberto

4 Years Ago

that is for sure, and it makes me cringe...
thank you for your kind words, DIVYA...
j.
Ayvid N

4 Years Ago

You are welcome, my friend.
Oh this is great it really pulls at ones heartstrings

Posted 4 Years Ago


jacob erin-cilberto

4 Years Ago

thank you for your kind words, Julie,
j.
Visceral, and all too real. I find myself humbled by the essence of life and its many facets. Truly a reflective piece.
-AA

Posted 4 Years Ago


jacob erin-cilberto

4 Years Ago

i am with on that...quite humbled...
thank you, AA...
j.
Food for the Soul...
time to reflect... Amen

Posted 4 Years Ago


jacob erin-cilberto

4 Years Ago

yes, amen...thank you, Pat,
j.
A sorry story much too common.

Posted 4 Years Ago


jacob erin-cilberto

4 Years Ago

yes, it is...thank you, Dave,
j.
Indeed, there are many lonely people in the world. I would guess we are all fated to feel loneliness . . . even when surrounded by friends and family . . . and even lovers can't truly fill the gaps in our souls. The sad thing is many stop searching for meaning and give in to the world's offer of numbing solace. A poem here J that makes one ponder these things.
T

Posted 4 Years Ago


jacob erin-cilberto

4 Years Ago

thank you for your insightful words, T.
yes, the "numbing solace" indeed.
j.
Reminding us of the many who will not be enjoying the Christmas season. A compassionate write. 'that frigid blade of steel' waiting to take him. Superb description here. Christmas, a time to show good will and compassion to those less fortunate.

Excellently told.

Chris

Posted 4 Years Ago


jacob erin-cilberto

4 Years Ago

thank you for your kind, and understanding review, Chris.
j.

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Added on December 23, 2019
Last Updated on December 23, 2019

Author

jacob erin-cilberto
jacob erin-cilberto

Carbondale, IL



About
Originally from Bronx, NY, I live in Carbondale, Illinois...teach English at a community college and have been writing and publishing poetry since 1970. I am here to read for inspiration from other po.. more..

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