Belief

Belief

 

 

a rarity,

your smile,

usually your eyes radiate with dark pupils

you have learned much suffering in your life

 

so much so you seem to have majored in it

a degree in disdain,

a graduation into glib insinuations

and retro despondence

 

that smile seems amiss somehow

and the cornea cornered in suffering

 

where is your heart in all this?

does it find itself constrained by the small desk of elation

at which you sit?

that tiny inkwell of imminent desolation

 

if you drop this class and sign up for another

you may find solution, resolution

and redemption of your crucified longing 

to be free, 

 

and once again alive enough

to love yourself 

 

so this doubting Thomas

might feel his love 

could also be saved.

 

 

 

erin-cilberto

4/22/16

Reviews

[Matching Socks]

The mouth will curve into a smile and perhaps the eyes will lift but they've lost the sparkle and shine that makes them alive. Sadness is a hole that feels too comfortable for some to live in.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

such insightful words, thank you for your review, Ana.

j.

[V]

A really well-written poem. I read half-heartedness into it with a touch of sadness and pain. Yet you have expressed the negative emotions so beautifully.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for your kind review, Vanessa,
j.

[V]

You're welcome.

[andrew mitchell]

it's always all in the eyes jacob, the smiles are just a vehicle of the emotion of that time displayed by the eyes of a particular motion.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

yes, that is true...the eyes give the emotion away, no matter the words,

thank you, andrew.

j.

[Alfred Kukitz]

Yes keep writing Jacob! Here in the land of graduate courses comes sorrow's diploma inching its way along a steady scholarship of blues. Can I offer the lady a kerchief for her tears?

Regards,
Al

[jacob erin-cilberto]

yes, please do!
thank you, Al...appreciate your clever, insightful response...

j.

[Vatsal Rohilla (account..]

When we see the one whom we love in despondence then we get despondent too. This poem highlights deep feelings. When one loves somebody truly and deeply then he/she cannot see her/him sad- one wishes to slay the cause of sadness for the lover. Beautiful poem there. Keep writing.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for your kind review, Vatsal..
j.

[iand63]

Nurturing is never guaranteed immediacy in fruition, seeing others potential is no guarantee of their succeeding. It's tough being a parent whether biologically or educationally J.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for your insightful words, ian....couldn't agree more...

j.

[Nisreen]

Being in love with someone that is going through depression could be a challenge
he looks at her and see so much smiles
he admires her strength
but wonders when does it end

when does she ever reach freedom
I guess when she believes in it

[jacob erin-cilberto]

love your insightful words, Nisreen...

j.

[Bacchus]

Crows feet are stunning- aren't they?

This piece reminded me of a story from my childhood-
My parents got a call from the school nurse...
"does she have a fever?... is she sick?..."
No- I just hadn't smiled that day.

I was worried because my mom had to have her appendix out-
and my usual smile had been wiped.

I love smiling- although- my eyes turn into the sliver-ish half moons...
I wonder how I can even see when I really do.

If aging women trusted that men really loved those smile lines... we wouldn't be so silly.
I once cut bangs, because I thought it was that or botox.
We can be really stupid.

This one resonated with me...
Live and be me.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for sharing how you related to this piece, my friend---

appreciate your words,
j.

[Lydia Shutter]

When a smile does not reach the eyes, it is usually because the person behind the eyes is a confused, conflicted soul. Suffering is real, but it is how one deals with that suffering that creates inner peace or turmoil. Seems the person about whom you wrote this is still trying to find herself. Unfortunately, another class, another lover, another new outfit will not do the trick. It has to be an inside job. Obviously, this one made me think. I liked it. Lydi**

[jacob erin-cilberto]

your review is so insightful...thank you for your words, lydi..

j.

[Zugzwang]

Very thought provoking and interesting poem, j.
It seems to be about someone who insists on feeling sorry for themselves.
Sounds a lot like me, actually :)
I liked the Christ metaphor that you built up to a climax at the end.
The images and ideas here are compelling and well wrought.
Great write.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for your very kind review, Z...

j.