a new order

a new order

 

we are under a "boil poetry" order

do not drink the words

directly from the tap of inspiration

 

there is sickness in the liquid lyrics

they are not safe to reflect

they are dangerous to the system

of human interpretation

 

stagnant retribution

from the words

tired of being digested

by inhuman eyes

the computer can see

but can it feel?

 

maybe we should start

purchasing bottled versification

maybe it will be purer.

 

erin-cilberto

6/26/25

Reviews

[abbypullanlitandpoetry]

This is absolutely brilliant! What a clever and timely commentary on poetry in our digital age. The extended metaphor of "boil poetry" order is genuinely inspired - transforming a water contamination warning into a profound statement about artistic authenticity is pure genius.
The line "stagnant retribution / from the words / tired of being digested / by inhuman eyes" is particularly stunning, giving agency to the words themselves whilst questioning AI and digital consumption of art. "The computer can see / but can it feel?" cuts right to the heart of current debates about technology and creativity.
The ending with "maybe it will be purer" is deliciously ambiguous, leaving readers pondering whether we're gaining or losing something in our digitised world. This is exactly the kind of contemporary poetry that makes old forms feel fresh and urgent again. Your voice is distinctive and your observations are both witty and profound.
Well done. AP x

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Appreciate the review, abby.
j.

[Chris Shaw]

Poetry and creative writing are certainly in danger. AI can not convey human emotion. I don’t want to read poems I can’t feel. Long live the real poets. Long live YOU and your brilliant words j.

Chris

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Thank you, Chris, your such a kind poet to other poets.
j.

[.]

woah! what a beautiful "human" way of writing what we've been talking about lately. Sometimes my biggest fear as a writer is not being able to feel anything like a robot, and when that happens a little bit, I look back at my own old bottled poems (feelings) and get surprised. And to try and understand an AI's interpretation of that poem, it's not even close to what I wrote in my mind and with my feelings. I feel a little better knowing they won't ever be close. Or maybe we are complicated to not get fixed... That's a possibilty i will ignore for now.
Human feelings and a human poem.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Thank you, Beren. And even getting A.I. reviews instead of totally human ones is disheartening.
read moreThank you, Beren. And even getting A.I. reviews instead of totally human ones is disheartening.
I want to know how a reader really felt when reading any of my work...how did it play on the heart and soul....only humans have heart and soul.

Thanks again,
j.

[LJ Moyer]

Just signed up for Writerscafe. Still figuring it out, but this is the first piece I stumbled across and I'm already blown away. Looking forward to more. Save the arts!

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Thank you for your kind words, LJ.

You will find many wonderfu poets with unique voices here at the cafe.
j.

[roarke]

Heh, great PSA….yeah, precautions are mandatory these days. Good stuff.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Thank you for your insight, roarke.
j.

[DIVYA]

Poetry is certainly in danger. If such rampant apathy continues. Any safety measures would be welcome. Poetry needs to be saved. The first verse is pure gold. You're a wonder, always.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Thank you for your understanding review, Divya....
j.

[FlatDaddy]

Whoa, gimme some of that super V-Juice you mention. I could really use some of that! I almost choked on my coffee when I read your "boil poetry" order, and the rest of that verse had me chuckling -- not because it was funny, but because it was so damned perfect! I am amazed at your mastery of words, jacob. Pure wizardry. Of course, I also have to say this the first time I've seen the word "versification" INSIDE a poem. That's quite an accomplishment.
FD

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Thank you, FlatDaddy for your kind review.
j.