the Garden

the Garden

 

 

 

 

they ran naked in the street

in '74

a blurry photo of John and Yoko look a likes

talking to two cops

who had their eyes drawn

not guns

 

and as a girl ran by us

disrobing as she pranced

then danced naked

by the shop windows

seeing her reflection

in the education

she was absorbing outside the classroom

 

we smiled

until the apathy rose

they all donned their clothes

embarrassed by their poems

covering their words

 

streaking poets shot their lines

into the crowd

felt the chill of the establishment

fire back

as they fell away

 

from what they believed

put on suits

and proper skirts

evolved

 

forgot everything they learned

away from the books

 

and just let the flowers

wither and die

before the next generation

had a chance to water them.

 

 

 

erin-cilberto

12/16/21

Reviews

[Patricia Wedel]

Adam was a shy man .. he hid his face to the wall… for he knew when Autumn came the leaves 🍁 began to Fall… Eve was a 💃 dancer… she just smiled. Summer time we only need 💐 Flowers. gently, Pat

[jacob erin-cilberto]

what a pair!
thanks, Pat,'
j.

[Patricia Wedel]

Yes… Adams Rib and Eves breasts .. has ever been a Celebration… gently, Pat

[Lisasview]

Hi there,
Just finished reading and rereading your poem. I found so many wonderful underlying meanings in your choice of words.
Thought provoking..which is always my favorite!!
I am new to submitting poems and reviewing other poets..
Lisa in Spain

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for your kind words, Lisa....and welcome to WC.
j.

[Fabian G. Franklin]

I just posted a pic of myself on social media today taken in 1977 on this date wearing dress slacks and a silk shirt. It's hard to believe it was forty-four years ago. Where does the time go?

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Time surely has flown by....I feels like yesterday I was a freshman at SIU...and it was 53 years ago...damn.
and that streaking thing....was bat&&&& crazy.

[Ted Kniffen]

Ah, is it to late to get back to the Garden. Not exactly Eden, but not a bad second choice.
Such a Time of duality ... make Peace not War was in the air ... but far too many were at war ... and far to many never came back ... and still we danced to bands with strange names ... what was a Strawberry Alarm Clock anyway.
Memories of who we were ... or who we thought we were ... and now look at us.

Good write j. Thanks for jolting the memories.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

yes, and now look at us.
I am still trying to figure that Strawberry Alarm Clock out...there must be a time limit on incense and peppermint.
j.

[Ted Kniffen]

Not to mention patchouli oil!!!

[Julie McCarthy (juliesp..]

Especially love the fourth verse
A great poem about the sixties or seventies

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you, Julie...
ah, the love-ins...

[Einstein Noodle]

in '74 my "rebellion" was well cooled and i was seeking a far more quiet life .. inside and out .. all the streaking that year was fun to watch tho ... great poetic language as always sir .. loved the read, the "education" .. the sparked memories .. even Abby Hoffman put the suite and tie on didn't he!? ... an emotive read for me .. the lamenting in closing is justified, i think; but human beings are all born (those allowed to be born) with a spark of light that tugs our hearts, minds and souls .. a gift God gives us, says i .. we nurture it or we kill it by choices .. your poem has really brought me back .. i love the language .. such a poet you are .. lots left in your tank says i! ;)
E.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I thought you might relate to this one, E.
You were there, too...such a time...lots happening, both good and bad...but movement.
especially the bare kind.
j.

[Einstein Noodle]

ahahaha ... yes .. every generations time is/was the best in it's own eyes .. but I am certain no other can compare to ours sir ;) and yes .. good and bad ... creates tension that inspires .. peace love and flower power sir!

[Chris Shaw]

Wonderful reflections on the hippie years and the love ins. What happened? They all grew up and became the establishment. The flowers will never wither and die in my mind J :)

Chris

[jacob erin-cilberto]

not for me, either, Chris...
absolutely not.
thank you,
j.

[Miss Sharon]

I remember this time in history and you've captured the craziness very well. ~Sharon

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you, Sharon....it was a time.
j.

[Patricia Wedel]

At this time I was in a Private Religious school learning about the Garden of Eden in the Bible. I had my Hippie years as a late Bloomer… Pat

[jacob erin-cilberto]

But you did have them...I am still that.
j.

[Patricia Wedel]

I am a “flower child” that hummers hum about !!! Pat