the reading lamp is lit

the reading lamp is lit

 

 

 

dad's in the used bookstore

buying novels for mama

to bury her soul into

with her reading spectacles

chained over ears that hear nothing

when she is engrossed

 

dad's in his armchair

with his newspaper lying in his lap

as he snores over the TV channel

that is only snowing on the screen

It is a cold night

 

separation of penance

silence is the contrition

until morning light

when over coffee and eggs

the dialogue rehearsed

becomes the real play

 

and he no longer has to rely

on soliloquy 

to keep him company.

 

 

erin-cilberto

7/14/23

Reviews

[Julie McCarthy (juliesp..]

Reading this again loving it more
It’s one of your best

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you so much, Julie,
j.

[Stella Armour]

sometimes words are not needed' and she would probably not be too pleased if he were to intrude into story in which she was engrossed.
I just see your poor dad falling asleep in front of tv out of boredom bless him :)

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I like that reply...thank you, Stella,
j.

[NormaZ]

My mom loved books also. She bought them by the bagful. I loved how you portray her reading with the glasses and being totally engrossed, and the contrast between mama and dad. It’s a cozy scene, and your writing sets it so nicely.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Thank you for your kind words, Norma,
j.

[Anjeline]

Beautifully written. The best thing about this one is that it's very close to the reality of most of the homes, portraying how words are not always needed to show the love n affection but just being together is enough.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I appreciate what you have said here, Anjeline,
very much.
j.

[Vol]

Jacob,
This one has the feel of everyone's private times at home. When I married Kimberly, the first thing I did was spend the first days of our marriage reading "The Song of Soloman" out loud when we went to bed. That lead to twenty years of reading her to sleep every night. It was a sweet time.
Vol

[jacob erin-cilberto]

ah yes, I imagine, very sweet.
thanks for sharing, Vol,
j.

[W. Barrett Munn]

Sounds a lot like All in the Family except there is no Meathead

Winston

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Nope, no meathead.

[Julie McCarthy (juliesp..]

It’s a comfortable way to be
Her doing her thing
He doing his
Coming together for a hearty hot breakfast and warm coffee and a relationship of just being

Loved this one Jacob

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Yes, just being...that is it.
thank you, Julie,
j.

[carl]

beautiful glimpse into real life, likely a real description of each of us with some minor modifications maybe updated to IPhones and Tables but doesn't generate the same peaceful nostalgia. I think I like your world better than mine. Love your use of words. Thanks for the post - carl

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Thank you for your kind review, carl,
j.

[John the Baptist]

Sounds like a couple that has settled into a rut in which there is little genuine communication. She shuts out the world when reading her novels, he falls asleep watching TV. The only real conversation they have is over breakfast, and that is rehearsed. Sad that marriage can degrade into something like this.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

appreciate your words, John,
j.

[Coyote Poetry]

With life. We do slow down Jacob. I love my books now. You create a view of real life and real people. I need to read the newspaper again. Maybe I will? Thank you for sharing the amazing poetry and your thoughts.
Coyote

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I rarely read a newspaper anymore....need to do that as well.
thank you, Coyote,
j.

[Coyote Poetry]

I don't like the Newspaper either Jacob and you are welcome.