Vacant Lot

Vacant Lot

 

 

philanthropist spreads love

expects no return on investment

runs out of miracles

dies broke

broken

disillusioned

poor of heart

 

philanthropist keeps love to self

selfless heart turns selfish

wants it paid forward

before he will pay 

miracles

are deterred

deferred

 

the mansion

has broken shutters

weeds overrunning a black yard

 

there is no love

just a tragic street

untouched by kindness.

 

 

erin-cilberto

12/28/21

Reviews

[Lorry]

I was always fascinated by the sketches bby Boz in the sickens books and promised I'd read them all when I'm all growled up. Always read one at Christmas too (my only tradition)
This took me to those pages, of bleak house and how it's image still stirs distrust in me, how anyone could let it, or themselves go to ruin... And hear I am farther along the road and think to myself, I really should have went in for that service in 1994! 😊

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I appreciate what you shared, Lorry...
you are a kind soul,
j.

[NFA]

To me, this shows the fate of two kinds of people. Those who choose to be charitable and those who choose to be greedy. Essentially, both will end up the same. The charitable one, depleted of their money and therefore not enough to restore the physical mansion, and the greedy one who missed out on attaining any sort of satisfaction from being selfless and therefore the mansion is a metaphor for how they turn out to be.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Thank you for your extremely insightful review, Victor,
j.

[h d e rushin]

Einstein said that he did all of his thinking in music. The duration of efficiency cannot be measured in sight, nor blood, nor an un attended garden. But poetry is sort of philanthropy. Since it, ostensibly (but perhaps not actually) promotes and seeks the good of this world and in others. 2021 was a vacant lot, since so much innocence and love was questioned. We simply have to charge on. Good to see your continued magical mind my friend. Happy New Year. dana

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Thank you for your kind, understanding words, Dana...and Happy New Year back at ya.
j.

[William Michael Reeves]

I feel like you are writing about someone specifically. But can't quite figure out who. And I may be way off. Might just be philanthropists in general. My first thought was the secret Santa guys but they aren't leaving vacant lots. There's that Mr. Beast character. His philanthropy is kind of empty. I wish you'd write notes once in a while. But then we wouldn't have to think as hard after a read, would we?

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Yeah, sorry, no notes. I want readers to take what they will from the pieces, and I try to make them universal enough for that to happen.
Specificity in poetry can sometimes narrow it down to a science rather than a guilty pleasure.
thank you, Bill,
j.

[Patricia]

Those that have it all and those who don’t, give me the ones who don’t and I will show you an unselfish person. The thing with happiness is either you are or you are not and if you are not no amount of money will make you happy, yes it makes life easier but it doesn’t make you happy that’s why they have that need to keep accumulating their wealth. I’m sure some are happy but they are still selfish, not a pretty trait. Excellent poem! It invites conversation

[jacob erin-cilberto]

You hit the nail on the head, Patricia...
love can make you happy, money not so much...even though some may think so...but giving can be so much fun.
j.

[Patricia]

Giving is fulfilling

[Lisasview]

Interesting take of being selfish..and as always a wonderful read. and again there is so much hidden meaning in your poem.
Lisa

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for your insightful words, Lisa,
j.

[keith]

philanthropist i am not !,no $$$.
i do however have words that are truly a most valuable tool to carry the message
but then i am one of 'those' ... a troublemaker
one that knows nothing about caring
one selfish son-of-a-b***h am i
the streets aren't dark because of those like me ... it is richer in flavor that matters most
honesty
keep on keeping on friend ... i like the turn your offerings are taking !

[jacob erin-cilberto]

we need more troublemakers like you, ABG...the site is richer with your poetry.
thank you,read morewe need more troublemakers like you, ABG...the site is richer with your poetry.
thank you,
j.

[keith]

an invite to see the other avenues my art treks
check my photos file ...

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Impressive, ABG...."Living in the mountains" and "Guilt and sin" are my two favorites.
but I like all of them...I always have liked surreal/abstract art. I conjure up so many thoughts and feelings/ interpretations...
thanks for that.
j.

[KWP]

hello Jason and Happy New Year to you - May 2022 bring you happiness and love always.

Good poem. I just sat down earlier and started writing a pome about selfish people. I didn't find any depth so I left it for another day. then I stumble on your latest piece. My father In Law has always said 'Charity Starts at Home' took me a few years to grasp what he meant here. But now I have allowed it to resonate within, I'd have to agree. First comes yourself and family, when there is stability (no only $$$) then it is time to make the circle bigger.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I am anxious to see the poem you were working on when you finally can post it.
thanks for your words, and Happy New Year to you as well, KWP,
jacob

[Chris Shaw]

There are some who are generous with their wealth, but others who are only interested in making more for themselves. A wasted opportunity to not invest in others who are far less fortunate. Vast wealth is obscene. Put the money to good use, you can't take it with you. The empty mansion with its broken shutters and weed filled garden speaks volumes. This poem is multi layered, it has other meanings, but this is what stands out for me J.

I like the title Vacant Lot. Yes, shortsighted are those that could be charitable and who choose not to be.

Chris

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Oh crap, I can't take it with me? All of my 17 dollars and fifty cents?
I didn't know that.
I appreciate your insightful review of this piece...
I am feeling that maybe I am getting too political in my writings...making too many statements.
Maybe I should just start writing sweet, love poems.
Ugh.
glad you liked the title as well, Chris.
j.

[Chris Shaw]

A whole seventeen dollars and 50 cents? How many milkshakes will that buy J :)) Hard not to get political when there is so much crap going on. You are on a roll. So prolific is your pen. Can you see the green shade of my skin:))

[M. J. Smith]

Right out of school, we dream of setting the world on fire with change. But too often, dreams fizzle and fester, corrupting the soul in which they were kindled. Sad but true words my friend.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Thank you for your kind review, M.J.,
j.