Sidekicks

Sidekicks

i am the poem

in the think tank

the world is mad

the water is pulling me 

under with intensity 

of incontinent thoughts

burrowing through the whirlpool

incognito

rag tag words

drowning in sarcasm

there is no belligerence meant

only the lines are not congruent

with smiling similes

or modish metaphors

just a reality that needs resuscitation

so that it can breathe awareness

back into the hearts

of those who leave pertinence

and action to wordsmiths

toting their weapons

from title to period

hoping someone might show regard

to the disregarded 

adventurers who blatantly imagine

they can instigate some action

from those who stipulate

nothing can change.

erin-cilberto

7/30/22

Reviews

[Robert Haigh]

If you are anything like me, Jacob, you will always have a poem (or the makings of one) in your think tank. We may not be able to change the world, but we can make people stop and think. We all have different reasons for writing, I guess, but these days I write just because I have to - ideas and words coming out of my head - whether anyone else reads my work or not. I for one (and there are surely many others) always find your poetry interesting and rewarding!

[jacob erin-cilberto]

that is so interesting, Robert, because I am right now in the exact same boat...feeling that I am not writing because I want to but because I have to...
almost like there is a pressure to write.
thank you for sharing that with me...
j.

[redzone]

in spite of many who think poetry is superficial, or meaningless, it's a hard life being a poet.... on the one hand, it's not something you choose to do, but must do and on the other no matter the style you write in (haiku, sonnet, romantic, etc.), it is hard to get recognition. have people not only appreciate what you have written, but have your writing actually influence and contribute to changing the world (this is not the same thing as getting 'paid').... fortunately there have been some on the avante garde edge that have contributed in this way... such poets do have that imagination that their words instigate actions that shake to world and inspire action, even to those who think nothing can change... while art cannot lead change, it can help people see the change that is needed....

some thoughts on your poem Jacob.... and whether you see it or not, your words are neither incongruent nor use metaphors out of sync with the times... I have found no "THY ARTs" in any of your poems... lol (sorry, couldn't resist)...

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for your kind review, Curt,
j.

[Fabian G. Franklin]

Edward Lytton said, "The pen is mightier than the sword." It doesn't always act as a cease and desist order against the sword but if it inspires a martyr or a movement I still believe it can be impactful. If we deal only in metaphors we might get the reasoning of the apostles that the poet is complaining of no bread to eat instead of warning us against following liars and corrupt reasoning. (reference to Matthew 16:7) But there's nothing wrong with carrying both a pen and a sword, just in case. Just get the kind you can clip on. (laughing) I prefer a bit more modern weaponry myself but I do have a single-handed highland Scot sword on my wall in the scabbard and swathed in a tartan. I have to take it down and dust it now and then because the wife is afraid to touch it. I do get some comfort from remembering that Van Gogh only sold one painting in his entire life and that one to his brother. I know a couple decades ago one of his small canvasses and not one of his greater works sold for excess of seven million dollars. True, it doesn't do Vincent any good now but everybody knows his name. The critics will always be fickle but the public will have the last word eh?

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Thanks so much for your kind review...and think, if only Emily knew how popular she became long after her death still regarded as one of the best.
She may be surprised...or knowing Emily and her slight arrogance, maybe not.
but yes, the public will have the last word.
j.

[Fabian G. Franklin]

Yes, and John Donne was obscure until championed by T.S. Eliot. The Belle was such a recluse but so much talent. I'm frazzled, been going hard at life all day. Time for my nap. But I've got some stuff accomplished.

[Chris Shaw]

This reminded me recently of a review I got for my work praising and praising but then adding the killer punch line which said it all. What a great title J.

Chris

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Thank you, Chris....
I love it when readers can take a piece of my work and make it their own when relating to it.
the individual touch.
j.

[W. Barrett Munn]

This sounds like my thoughts after a string of “your work is not right for us at the moment”. I always wonder if I am battling taste, talent, or inertia.
W

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Mostly it is editors' taste....not talent in your case.
I did get a really terse rejection once...very tasteful...
it was handwritten with one word in quotes:
"Nope"
it took me a bit to get over that one.
and yes, I love that "at the moment" thingy...
like "next week maybe the right moment"

[W. Barrett Munn]

Actually, that it was hand-written is in itself an accomplishment. You should have written back, We'll always have Paris, and sent a tape of As Time Goes By.

W

[Vertigo Cat1111]

This has a wonderful flow to it. Each word sticks out and I’m enamored by your work time and time again. The title made me thoughtful too- I know the feeling of being the sidekick. ‘Just a reality that needs resuscitation.’ This is truly an amazing line, and so true. This reality really does need it. Thank you so much for sharing this great piece.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

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

[The Unknown Sith]

I like this it has a good flow and a nice read.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you, Unknown Sith...appreciate your time and comment.
j.