we were just parts of what was never a whole

we were just parts of what was never a whole

 

 

I imagine swans

to be applicable interlopers

when love rides smooth waters

bass jumping from churning white caps

when there is friction

 

others watch from a shore of curiosity

a play indulging its audience

during the final days of its run

was a sellout when closeness

filled the seats

 

tickets sailed at breakneck speed

we were so involved

in our script

and being careful of our lines

we forgot to feel them

we just memorized what love

was supposed to be

in our imagination

 

that lake of fiction

is just a dried-up expectation

only an empty pit

in the stomach of regrets

and I

an actor

who has not seen my co-star

for so long

I have forgotten the title of the play.

 

 

erin-cilberto

7/27/25

Reviews

[Lorry]

Memorising what love was supposed to be in our imagination really did take off didn't it?
Real love was replaced by heart emojis and pics of two swans making the love heart shapes with their necks.
And to think how Elon Musk is wasting his time crashing space capsules when he could be devising an app to make us feel love again. Not via drug, but by an app (no doubt only compatible with Twitter, which I along with everyone on the planet refuse to call X)
I was also an actor once, but not only did I forget the name of the play, I just assumed I was there to sweep it up and grabbed a brush and got going. 😃

[jacob erin-cilberto]

an app to make us feel good....wow, yes, AI to make us feel good...and then what happens when we wake up and realize nothing of it is real?

thank you, Lorry.
j.

[Chris Shaw]

Third stanza so powerfully conveyed and felt. Fabulous title. A poignant reflection on a past relationship illustrated with wonderful imagery. Captivating poetry j.

Chris

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I wonder where this one came from...I wonder where most of my writes come from.
Something or someone inspired it, I guess.
thank you for your kind words.
j.

[Chris Shaw]

Your inspiration sure hit a nerve with this reader j. It was certainly relatable and so beautifully penned.

[W. Barrett Munn]

I hoped the poem would be as good as the title and I was not disappointed.

Winston

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Thank you, Winston.
j.

[W. Barrett Munn]

On second and third reading I’ve determined I was too quick to judge: this is a brilliant conceit, a match to whichever recent comet flew your way.

[ms. barrie]

jacob,
you penned such a poignantly captivating gem of a poem.
your word weaving, and your unique imagery is a true testament of
your incredible talent. this piece personally for me, is
reminiscent of kafka. it’s always a pleasure to read your works.

~ barrie

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Thank you for your very kind words, barrie.
j.

[John the Baptist]

A past relationship that did not make it is likened to a stage play in this one. Apparently, all seemed outwardly well, while the main players were struggling, going through their roles without feeling. The last verse is the speaker's somber assessment of the past, which is seemingly slipping away into memory.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I appreciate your words, John.
j.

[Mauricio Montoya]

Wow, Emma just part never a whole, love the start a relationship great way to explain the beginning and it comes together with everyone watching, lol flowing in what comes next, justification have we lost our minds, lol love it, I guess in love or hate we lose ourself as one.
Thank you for sharing.

[Mauricio Montoya]

Jacob its your write sorry I read sometimes without looking who wrote it. I don't care who wrote it its good.
Thank you for sharing an interesting experience, lol.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Hey, Emma is a wonderful poet...I don't mind being called her name.
But thank you for your kind review, Mauricio.
j.

[Mauricio Montoya]

Yes she is but so are you,lol sorry

[Mauricio Montoya]

I had to come back and read again, you are a good writer too.

[emmajoygreen]

There are scenes and there are displays. The actor needs read and read til his/her heart feels the meaning behind and within the script. Same as with life, analysis is too bland a word, emotion from every part of the being is what reality offers and should be, can be found. Depends on the quill that dipped its need in truth.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Thank you for your insightful review, em.
j.

[emmajoygreen]

I can but try, jacob. Truly hope the new month brings you smiles, peace and fondness, sir.

[Thomas W Case]

Tremendous work. Powerful.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Thanks.......

[DIVYA]

A lake turning into an empty pit is such a compelling image. It makes me think of profound heartbreak. And the actor who has not seen his co-star seems lost, of his bearings, of his being. Why does love inevitably come to this state? Leaves me sad and wondering. Most beautifully written, dear Jacob.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Thank you for your very kind words, Divya.
j.