Hangars in the Clouds

Hangars in the Clouds

 

 

Church wings

pews for rudders

the engine sits upon an altar

bleeding fuel

on those unfortunates

sprawled on a runway

praying to fly to heaven

 

hosts given as the repast

a non-stop flight

with no return ticket

and no refund.

 

 

 

erin-cilberto

11/15/22

Reviews

[Shawn Jahaffie]

I really enjoy evocative, initially clashing images. This reminds me of the footage I saw of US cargo planes leaving Afghanistan for the final time, as the US military left for good, leaving the Taliban in charge. There were waves and waves of inconsolable people grasping at the wheels of the plane as it accelerated to take off, like lepers clutching the hem of Jesus' cloak as he passed through towns in Israel. The only salvation was leaving that country, and some took it so far, they climbed on top of the landing gear while it was still deployed, and as it began to close back into the body of the plane when the plane hit proper altitude, bodies started falling back to earth from an unlivable height. That was a one way ticket with no return or refund. Suddenly the abstract hell of their holy books became a very real, but very inescapable geography.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I like how you tripped into my subconscious with your review,
j.

[Coyote Poetry]

Soon my kind friend. I will escape. I have some money saved. I am dreaming of Costa Rica. You could join me. Dark skin ladies and strong drink. You could edit my s****y work and I appreciate your company. I did love this poem my friend. Thank you for sharing your words my friend.
Coyote

[jacob erin-cilberto]

stop that...your work has such heart and soul....nothing s****y there...I'll reserve my ticket.

[W. Barrett Munn]

Or as the salesmen say: trust me. An interesting take on the gamesmanship of faith, Jacob. I wouldn’t take that bet, myself.

Winston

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I like how you put that, "the gamesmanship of faith"--
thank you, Winston,
j.

[John the Baptist]

This one seems to be a contemplation on religion. The second stanza in particular comes across as a replication of the Catholic mass. In comes across as pity rather than condemnation.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I think you might have something there, John...
pithy over condemnation. thanks,
j.

[Scott Kris]

When I saw the title it reminded me of a poem you wrote about 8 years ago. The other poem was about clothing “hangers”.

I stopped attending churches. I have not lost my faith, simply my tolerance of worshiping a religion over God.

When you book the correct flight, one way is just dandy.
About half the world believes it’s a round trip ticket however. Hmmm?
There is always a grain of truth in the best tales.
After all, even Christians believe they are coming back to an Earth made new eventually.
Maybe it’s a continuous flight around the universe. Ha.

I enjoyed the thought stimulation today.

Scott.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Interesting you remember a poem from 8 years ago. I can't remember poems I wrote last week.
I guess we will find out the answers eventually.
thank you, Scott,
j.

[Scott Kris]

Memory is a funny thing. But yes, I do remember you writing about clothes hangers. Different sort of theme. Obviously.
You work is unique and thus more easily sorted from the mind I think.

Have a great day.

Scott

[willweb]

Man, I'll bet the security protocols to get on this flight are pretty damn tight. You have to take off more than your shoes and your belt to board this plane.
Really cool Jacob.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

ha ha, yes, will....and you can't take a carry on.
j.

[AYVID N]

the engine sits upon an altar
bleeding fuel
on those unfortunates
sprawled on a runway
praying to fly to heaven

It feels like such a mess and we want to laugh and cry for the hopefuls sprawled out in such indignity of soul. This ride reads very costly and with zero guarantees, caveat emptor.

Brilliant poem!

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you, DIVYA,
j.