its in the insinuation

it's in the insinuation

evasive man

preponderance of evidence

a dagger to cut the system in twain

barbarians stock the shelves

with hateful slurs

antagonistic creatures

shrews

teeth bared

find rupture

in the house

a way in,

the screaming prey

locking themselves in a flurry of fright

they hear shouts

they pray for the first time

evasive man

paw on the bible

bleached hair streaming in the wind

of his own voice

a way in

here comes the rain

the ruination

Democracy run amok

run over

flattened in an instant

we walk over our own apathy

as the evasive man

seeking redemption

seeking justice

for a just injustice

he passes the confessional

still clutching the bible

his red herring

he never opens it

just hears his own words

echo from the sounds

of killing fields,

where we lie quietly

something wicked

has usurped

what we can no longer name.

erin-cilberto

7/3/22

Reviews

[W. Barrett Munn]

An almost impossible period of history summarized and reduced to a postcard; marvelous machinations of metaphor. Well done!

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you kindly, Winston,
j.

[William Michael Reeves]

Your wicked words have this way come! My brain is furiously searching for a just injustice. First thing that comes to mind is the death penalty. That stanza is amazing! The whole poem is amazing. Seriously!

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I like where you took this...that works for me.
j.

[Dave]

Jacob - such insight and powerful truths. Having taught, I think, American History for years I shudder at what iis happening now. As for the so-called "Bible Thumpers, I think, at times, that it would be marvelous if all ideas of religion were simply erased from people's minds. How many have died or been killed in the name of someone's religion?
More and more, I've come to feel that religion is the greatest hoax ever perpetrated on mankind
The latest senseless mass killings and wars have finally gotten to me. What kind of God allows this stuff to happen? Ohn yes! There's "free will", but there is also supposed to be prayer - uh huh - who's listening?

[jacob erin-cilberto]

And when future American History teachers cover our era, what will the students think?
Thank you, Dave,
j.

[Dave]

God, if he exists, only knows, but does he care?
Sorry, I've really been down on this.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear J, a powerful write here on the state of democracy as you see it from your side of the pond as you reach an all important date in your calender. We have similar problems. You have clear references here to the bible holding blonde, who doesn't open it to read, just brandishes it like a weapon. We live in dangerous times, democracy is in murky water, free speech is going down the pan, but money is still king. You took me to many places and I could have said so much more dear J.

Chris

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for your understanding review, Chris,
j.

[Nima.Hope]

A great problem for humanity is not respecting each other's beliefs, nature and rights. You mentioned some good points such as people who they say they are religious but they never open their holy book to understand it and they think what they believe is what God says. They shout and attack other people cause in their point of view,they are fighting for God and....
You mentioned Democracy. Democracy today is something that many countries announce they have it but who are they kidding with?! An african-american man should be scared of Police. A Muslim is often stroked and doesn't feel secure cause everyone thinks he is a terrorist or .... People are judged only because of their religion, their appearance and race and governments do not care about their rights.
A great piece of writing Jacob. Best Wishes.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for your insightful review, Nima,
j.

[Temperance]

Democracy has run amok! ...his red herring he never opens it... Hypocrisy at its best. j., you have nailed the current situation quite well in this poem and, you summed this up well, something wicked has usurped what we can no longer name. It can be difficult to recognize our government today. IT is NOT what our founders envisioned. Let's celebrate the 4th and give thanks to the people who fought for this free country. Very good read Mr. j. Temp

[jacob erin-cilberto]

yes, difficult---what has become of doing for the people.
Appreciate you, Temp.
j.

[Temperance]

And I appreciate you!!

[Einstein Noodle]

i feel this to the bone jacob ..as anyone watching unfolding events and the evasive elite squandering our time ... sad thing is that people who think in opposite directions will know just who and what you are talking about .. pity the "we" and "them" thinking is addicting American Citizens ... well ... today I participate in the celebration of the Mass ... soon I will be singing to God ... Creator of all things ... fixer of the messes we have made through history ... can't help wondering about how we are working on borrowed time :( ..... thanks for telling it like it is ... from either side of the so called "aisle"
E.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I really appreciate this review, E.
You always make me think about my own writings and what I might have meant to say.
j.

[Einstein Noodle]

ah! luv you brother .. truly do and appreciate you .. right here at the Cafe' :))))))))))))))))))))

[Robert Haigh]

Yes, truth and justice often get skewed and usurped by spin and hyperbole in today's world. You obviously speak specifically about things happening in the U.S.A. here, but looking across the whole world there are many evils and inequities. With "fake news" now prevalent, and truth being branded as lies, world politics has reached an all-time low, it would seem! A powerful piece of poetic social commentary!

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Thank you for your insightful words, Robert,
j.