The stained veneer

The stained veneer

A Poem by jacob erin-cilberto

The stained veneer

 
the natty slob
crumbs on his lapel
tie off-kilter
along with his reasoning

thinks he is a Lord
but can't keep his logic clean
places himself above
all of the peons surrounding 
his impeccable attitude

humility vacated
like an empty rental
purpose squandered
love, one of the messes
left for someone else to clean up

hearts, the litter his letters
have strewn in his path
he adjusts his feathered cap
with callous fingers

and the slightest breech
of care
refusing to launder his ego
no matter how soiled
it has gotten.


erin-cilberto
1/4/25

© 2025 jacob erin-cilberto


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Stained veneer is much better than "well worn" or shabby methinks.
But then again, as I contemplate changing my huffle-buffs (comfy house clothes) to something with a little more panache, I find that comfort always wins out and I opt for another set of well worn huffle-buffs, over anything I would dare to be seen outside with, while I work on my self decorum, tutting all the while as I flick crumbs off myself, onto the flooring that I'll eventually get round to cleaning...but probably not today!
😃

Posted 3 Months Ago


jacob erin-cilberto

3 Months Ago

same with me, probably not today.
Thanks for the visit...I'll clean up for the next one.
read more
Stained veneer. I also see him with red wine splashed down the front of his white shirt. He worked in the city. He broke hearts. He could charm the birds out of the trees. You paint a picture in words here of someone I recognize from a long time ago. They seem to escape punishment. Well penned j.

Chris

Posted 3 Months Ago


jacob erin-cilberto

3 Months Ago

Yes, they do escape punishment, unfortunately.
j.
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MCS
These types always get their due. Its painful to watch when the accounting comes due.
Nicely done my friend.

Posted 3 Months Ago


jacob erin-cilberto

3 Months Ago

Thank you for your words, Mary,
j.
Perhaps he is a mad lord, like many of them were/are. One possessed of crass conscience as well… seems to fit the bill… scoundrels with titles and entitled personalities.

Posted 3 Months Ago


jacob erin-cilberto

3 Months Ago

yes, scoundrels with titles, entitled.
thank you
j.
redd Brick Keshner

3 Months Ago

And feeling entitled as well… 😬
I would not want to be on the receiving end of this exquisite put-down :)
I have no doubt, Jacob, that the Receiver richly deserves your every skillful line!


Posted 3 Months Ago


jacob erin-cilberto

3 Months Ago

Thank you for your words, Dylan,
j.

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148 Views
5 Reviews
Added on January 4, 2025
Last Updated on January 4, 2025

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..

Writing