the rise and fall of genius

the rise and fall of genius

 

 

 

let the poem sing its worth

a meteoric, metaphoric voice

radio voice 

 

look

don't touch

caress the notes

with your mind

 

the poem is under contract

the show under advisement

commercial lyrics

are jingles to sell 

lines for dollars

 

somewhere inside that boom box

a heart is whispering in words

almost silent

the power is in the ear

of one who listens

intently enough to hear over the static.

 

 

erin-cilberto

1/30/22

Reviews

[andrew mitchell]

This reminded me of an old favourite record playing with the crackles but if you lose yourself in the music listening, the crackles disappear or lessen. Poetry and music go hand in hand most times.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

and sometimes both are the only things that make sense anymore.
j.

[Betty Hermelee]

this is a spoken poem, compared to music, where you listen, but do not touch, listen with your mind and your ears, for these words mean much. It might be easier to listen to music, but spoken poetry is different; one must concentrate on the words because each word has a meaning, whereas with music, you're allowed to fall asleep.
Best, B.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Thank you for your very kind review, Betty,
j.

[Gee]

It is a skill many lack is the listening, truly listening, to the words being spoken and then being able to read the person from whence they came. Most, me included, are often to busy or to disinterested to REALLY hear.
Hi Jacob, hope all is well across the pond

[jacob erin-cilberto]

well, Gee, lives do get busy and often we don't mean to but we just get caught up in it and that is where our thoughts and the listening both go.
thank you
j.

[Ted Kniffen]

"let the poem sing its worth"

And let those who can listen ... listen.
It seems that unless it is coming off a iPhone or other device there is little interest in the spoken word.
Those old transistors with all the pop and snaps and signals fading in and out got a good work-out in our day.

We, I think were fortunate to be part of the listening audience for old radio programs ... Amos 'n Andy ...
The Mummers ... The Lone Ranger to name a few. They are available on Sirius radio if you have it.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I used to listen to Amos 'n Andy on the radio....
that was a funny show back then.
thank you for your understanding, Ted,
j.

[John the Baptist]

The power is indeed in the ear of the one who listens. Much of the world is static and commercialism, but the listening ear, if patient, can hear and appreciate the poetry.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

not so many of us left who really appreciate poetry...I think it is the poets themselves who appreciate each other's work...
but most just want entertainment and instant gratification these days.
thank you, John.
You have always been so consistent in your support of my work and I appreciate that immensely.
j.

[Fabian G. Franklin]

"No static at all" Steely Dan

I remember listening to my AM transistor radio late at night under the blankets with a single earphone plugged in the jack; the fading signal rising and falling over the airwaves. Just like things left unsaid, the signal sometimes left things out. I endured the advertisements and public announcements and even the diminishing sound of fading favorite songs to have something to call my own...the music, the songs, the voice of Garrison Keillor and The Prairie Home Companion. Inside my head, they all belonged to me. I enjoyed the read.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I really appreciate this review.
and definitely remember all the nights falling asleep to the transistor...WLS or a Sox or Cubs game playing on the radio...
and back in NY listening to the Yankee games on the transistor.
Liked all of your review...but I just can't stand Steely Dan...
j.

[Fabian G. Franklin]

I listened to baseball games too. I can take or leave SD. I'm more of a southern blues listener. I like anything by the Allman Brothers. That's more my personal vibe.

[lessa (kenzie)]

a heart is whispering in words
almost silent
the power is in the ear
of one who listens

I really like this part cause' it tugs on my heartstrings,
found this intriguing for me,
This is wonderful

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you, kenzie,
j.

[Cyprian Van Dyke]

“Only a generation of readers will spawn a generation of writers.” — Steven Spielberg.

This quote kept coming to my mind when I read this poem with the title. I don't know if I understand it right. But I liked the poem. My favorite part was,
"look
don't touch
caress the notes
with your mind."
tyfs

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for your insights, Cyprian,
j.

[M. J. Smith]

"The power is in the ear..."
Words for every spoken word artist to live by. I dislike commercializing my poems. But... Well, it is something I do well. Nicely written.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you, M.J.
appreciate your words,
j.