Tombstones

Tombstones

 

 

gravy robbers

the turkey dug up

thankless juveniles

trashing the table

the dressing torn off

hoodlums rearranging 

the cranberry sauce truth

claiming spotless napkins

 

covering misshaped laps

their glasses hold water

their stories don't

 

and dessert will be more lies

and more demeaning

burying others in their fables

at freshly set tables

 

the celebrations

muted, 

they are reputed

not refuted

 

another year 

dirt deep in disturbance.

 

 

erin-cilberto

7/5/23

Reviews

[Betty Hermelee]

Not sure, but you may be referring to all the protests and hoodlums marching and destroying property around the world, burning, killing innocent people...gun violence, etc...deeply disturbing times we live in...not to mention all the lie, deceits, etc....
I like your metaphors...
Warmly, B

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for your observations, Betty,
j.

[andrew mitchell]

Hoodlums don’t appear to stand for anything but promote vandalism,and violence and can blend into protests unannounced to wreak their havoc. A bit like kids who steal cars and trash em and or set fire to them and all they get is a slap on the wrist while the victims have no car. It’s all rather senseless!

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Yes, quite senseless, andrew.
People are puzzling.
thank you for your comment,
j.

[Andrew John]

Disturbance, tombstones and food. Lovely combination, J.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Thank you, Andrew,
j.

[Soren]

At first read this one went over my head. I took it too literal. It is stunning the depth that can be read into this poem. Tombstone and Thanksgiving both start with T's and the thanksgiving like theme evokes memories of history and feelings of entitlement, how we took the land from native americans pillaging, raping and leaving nothing but destruction behind. Present day demonstrations, demands for what again people feel entitled to. "their glasses hold water their stories don't" a great line. Yes I have been at that table literally and metaphorically. Very nice

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for your wonderful insights, Soren,
j.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear J, there is a lot of protesting being done these days around the world and with it comes much destruction. I am reminded of the recent unrest in France, plus our own let’s stop oil brigade who are doing their best to disrupt the lives of ordinary hard working people while they still own and drive cars themselves. Reason seems to have gone awol these days.

Chris

[jacob erin-cilberto]

sort of defeats the purpose, doesn't it?
thanks, Chris,
j.

[Chris Shaw]

Absolutely and destroying the very services and goods you need, is like cutting your nose off to spite your face. Demonstrate by all means, but without the destruction.

[FGFRANKLIN]

A good write J. Sounds very much like a disenchanted observer. We lived through the Civil Rights movement, the Vietnam era and the height of the feminist movement. We know there are some things worth protesting for and raising our voices about. But today, it seems like destruction has replaced reason and any disagreement is cause for waving the banner of injustice. The great disappointment in that (not to mention the loss of property and safety) to me is that the REAL issues that should demand our attention get lost in the trivial melee of spoiled consciences intent on having their way because they feel entitled to protest and bemoan the current status quo. The parody has become a joke to the survivors of the past. And if you ask what they are protesting they'll most likely answer, "What have you got?"

[jacob erin-cilberto]

yes, destruction replacing reason....thank you, Fabian,
j.

[FGFRANKLIN]

I literally laughed out loud at your reply to one review on this piece; the dissertation worthy of the analogous sarcasm...at least I think it was sarcasm. It would definitely have been sarcasm from yours truly. "He laughed to hear an idiot quote/ a line from Horace learned by rote." Horace was a Sagittarian like myself... often a bit wordy in his expression and delivery but beautiful to read. He once wrote, "All things are hard for those who never drink" All I could say in reply was, I'll drink to that. (laughing) Seriously, though, I not longer imbibe. But I once drank my share and someone else's.

[Maria E. Mendez]

This was funny the way you used the words. I might have saved this one for Thanksgiving. I think you are speaking more of metaphor than just the meal here though. It might be nice if all people could sit at the table together in peace. MM

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Maria, it sure would be nice.
Thank you,
j.

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Jacob… I am beginning to understand Metaphors from your Poetry. It is fascinating..
Comparing Gravy robbers to Grave robbers is quite Original. softly, Pat

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Thank you, Pat...
j.

[E.P. Robles]

I find "Tombstones" to be a poignant and evocative poem that explores the themes of ingratitude, deception, and the superficiality of celebrations. The imagery and metaphors used in the poem create a vivid portrayal of a gathering marred by deceit and disrespect.

The title itself, "Tombstones," sets the tone for the poem, suggesting that the occasion is somehow marked by a sense of death or loss. This sense is further reinforced through the use of phrases such as "gravy robbers" and "thankless juveniles," implying that the gathering is tainted by those who lack appreciation and empathy for others.

The imagery of the "turkey dug up" and the "dressing torn off" symbolizes the destruction of something that should have been cherished and respected, highlighting the lack of reverence for tradition and values. The "cranberry sauce truth" being "rearranged" indicates a manipulation of reality to fit self-serving narratives, leading to a distortion of the truth and the perpetuation of falsehoods.

The contrast between "glasses holding water" and "stories that don't" creates a stark juxtaposition between the material and the meaningful. The glasses, representing superficial appearances, hold nothing of substance, much like the stories being shared. This suggests that the conversations are hollow and lack depth, reinforcing the theme of dishonesty and insincerity.

The use of "dessert" as a metaphor for more lies and demeaning behavior implies that even in times of apparent celebration, the toxicity of deception and disrespect persists. The act of "burying others in their fables at freshly set tables" conveys a sense of entrapment, as these harmful behaviors continue within the confines of seemingly joyous occasions.

The repetition of "reputed, not refuted" emphasizes the inevitability of the situation. The negative actions and attitudes of the individuals involved are recognized but go unchallenged, possibly due to a prevailing culture of acceptance or fear of confrontation. This repetition also underscores the stagnation of change, with the same destructive patterns persisting year after year.

The closing lines, "another year dirt deep in disturbance," leave a lasting impression of a cyclical pattern of dysfunction and unhappiness. The metaphor of "dirt deep" suggests a profound level of turmoil, hinting at buried emotions and unresolved conflicts.

In conclusion, "Tombstones" is a thought-provoking poem that delves into the human condition, highlighting the consequences of ingratitude, dishonesty, and insensitivity. As a poet, I commend the author for their skillful use of imagery and metaphors to convey a powerful message about the importance of genuine connection, empathy, and authenticity in our interactions with others.

The poem serves as a reminder of the significance of fostering compassion and understanding in our lives, ultimately enriching our relationships and experiences.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

But what are your thoughts on the poem?

[Willys Watson]

This verse speaks of many things on many levels, using metaphors to bind it all together in a unique way. Very impressive!

[Coyote Poetry]

In a Jack London. Someone wanted a Irish proof grave. 12 feet deep. I enjoyed your words and thoughts Jacob. I don't want a grave. Toss my ashes into the Lake St. Clair and a bench by the lake. With some words. Sit down and relax. Make today a good day. Thank you for sharing the amazing poetry.
Coyote

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Thank you for your words, Coyote.

[Coyote Poetry]

You are welcome Jacob.