The Final Punctuation

The Final Punctuation

 

 

I am stuck on fall

like a leaf 

that refuses to depart

from its branch

 

turning in color

very slowly

not wanting its life to end

 

strong winds bare the trees

and leaves roll across the ground like tumbleweeds

 

vicious gusts

attack like some fast-moving disease

rails against the body

 

I am stuck on fall

a leaf aging

I long for wings

 

I do not want to become mulch

on the ground

then disappear into winter

 

and by spring

become completely forgotten

as green garrulously greets

 

the eye

and another poet

types his last word

his last period.

 

 

erin-cilberto

11/9/23

Reviews

[Starbaby]

Poems such as this will live on in perpetuity, and no author who could pen such thought provoking beauty could be easily forgotten or replaced by a flashy new pen. keep warm and pen on through the winter, and in spring, all our thoughts will once again be on rebirth. I'll be expecting an ode to the robins come march sir!

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I really appreciate your kind words, Starbaby,
j.

[The Rock And Roll Cowbo..]

the one thing no one ever wants is to be forgotten when they are gone.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

WE don't want to but we probably will be.
j.

[Ken Simm.]

As with all your work Jacob it is the intelligent beauty that strikes me first. Before I am led into channels of art.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Thank you for your kind words, Ken,
j.

[Chris Shaw]

I am that leaf clinging on. Not ready to drop, though I see others free falling readily. Super glue me to that branch. I have work to do. I am not ready yet. I will know when I am. I do not want to disappear into winter. So relatable dear J.

Chris

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Super glue...I like that.
thanks, Chris,
j.

[John the Baptist]

I found many of the same themes here as appeared in your recent "Remains." Again, fall is the setting, but the fall of the leaves in this one is openly stated. Also again, the fear of death is plain for all to see. The leaf metaphor and the fear of becoming "mulch" clearly show the human resistance to death. Yes, we all would like wings to carry us way from this fate, which Marcus Aurelius described as a process of nature and therefore not to be feared.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

"do not go gentle into that good night"
Thank you for your words, John,
j.

[W. Barrett Munn]

Excellent piece, Jacob. Makes me think the most dreadful word in our language is inevitable.

Winston

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Thank you, Winston,
j.

[Stu. T.H.]

Fascinating wording, an existence that lingers onto a specific season, like a spirit holding onto one life.
Being 'stuck on fall' is much different from being 'stuck in fall', as it was amongst the various subtle hints masterfully placed within the work for us to gain a certain perspective to view the work, that is as a figure who is close to being detached completely from the only world they've ever known.
Such longing, such a great piece. Thank you, author Jacob for sharing your work.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

yes, being detached...thank you, Stu.
j.

[Marvin Thomas Cox-Flynn..]

Jacob,

Most profoundly thought provoking and poignant words written just above in reality check of that which is most certain to come to us all, one day down the road of not all that long from now ... I address somewhat similar philosophical thoughts within my Poem, Reflections Upon Resurrections, and within my (soon to be posted on WC), article, The Road To All Too Soon ... I, like you, have no wish to be the forgotten mulch of a past Winter given way to yet another Spring ... And that, without me present and accounted for ... But it is what it is ...

Marv

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for your words, Marve,
j.

[Marvin Thomas Cox-Flynn..]

Jacob,

Most profoundly thought provoking and poignant words written just above in reality check of that which is most certain to come to us all, one day down the road of not all that long from now ... I address somewhat similar philosophical thoughts within my Poem, Reflections Upon Resurrections, and within my (soon to be posted on WC), article, The Road To All Too Soon ... I, like you, have no wish to be the forgotten mulch of a past Winter given way to yet another Spring ... And that, without me present and accounted for ... But it is what it is ...

Marve

[Kim S.]

I enjoyed this write, love that last line. Right on spot with the writing.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Thank you, basic writer,
j.

[Arundass TP]

The last period marked is the end, it's suffocation, it's emptiness. Good poem.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I like your reply...thank you, Arundass.
j.