an old cigarette case of memories

an old cigarette case of memories

we never complemented 

each other well,

sometimes we complimented

each other better

"Nice dress, really looks good on you"

or

"I like that suit; you clean up nice"

but the pairing was always a bit off

you with your marriage to so many

TV series, I counted them like they

were other men

I wanted to dance, go to flicks

but you just flicked your bic

and in the haze of smoke

watched a grey's anatomy

that had nothing to do with my anatomy

we argued over spices in foods

on which we dined

but never really found that spice

of love

to grant us a continuance

the case was over before it started

the verdict, "goodbye"

the best compliments I received

were from those who said

I looked really good in my 

"singleness." 

erin-cilberto

10/24/25

Reviews

[.]

There is a serious break up here that fades slowly and i can see the every image in front of me… quite like watching a TV, and it makes it even more ironic that you made THAT ALIVE! Sorry, i promise this is one of those good shows that i watched, maybe story doesn’t feel like that but i can guarantee the way it goes is… and living together, going to separate ways and even more is just too vivid here, heartbreakingly. As always, I’ve always loved your endings, and i think that’s a good ending. Reminded me of so many cult romantic movies. One of those that you are not sure if its good that they didn’t end up together but also something feels right, like Casablanca or la la land maybe. Long story short, this poem looks good in every single! And i hope you’re doing well!

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I appreciate your understanding review, Beren, and I hope you are well.
j.

[Lorry]

Tv series relationships are lethal for a relationship Jacob, which is why I gave up having a TV about 25 years ago.
Someone visits you and before their asscheek hits the sofa the remote control is in hand and they have invaded your space with whatever hellishness they think we should all be watching.
And they now have the cheek to ask why I don't have a TV.... (it's so I don't end up being like them, but you've got to time that answer to perfection otherwise you'll be tuttedout your own home!) 😀
When I first got rid of my TV it was bliss for about three minutes, but then the gossip begins anf long story short I know spend more time explaining why I don't have one than just joining in and watching them all!
(Shh, but I do have Netflix and sky sports but I make do with a laptop so I don't have to reinforce any walls to hang a TV on.
And yes to spice difference too. Why can't people eat food that doesn't need an anal fire extinguisher? Basic guy, basic grub. That's me. Why can't they add all that unnecessary stuff when it's on the plate?
Okay y, I know what you're thinking "my, he sounds like such a catch!" So I shall digress and just add this.
Aliens come down and can walk through walls and have got invisibility too. They leave after a while, seeing no signs of intelligent life and just mark earth people as simple and somehow hypnotized by a piece of furniture they all seem to be staring at.
This isnt so much a review as a copy and paste job from my dating profile! 😀

[jacob erin-cilberto]

This is a fun review....or a fun dating profile.
Always scares me when I see those big TV sets hanging on walls.

[Lorry]

My old neighbours said they missed me when I met them. Not because I was such a good neighbour, but because the new neighbour has a wall mounted TV that they have to turn their wall mounted TV up to try drown out! 😀

[SM Davis]

Time is not always kind. Familiarity is not always comfortable. The path to comfort is sometimes best found alone. Well done!

[jacob erin-cilberto]

You are so right...thank you Susi...and I am finding your book, very, very interesting.

[SM Davis]

:). Oh that's great,!

[Desert Knave]

Love this, though I was the one who lived for all the TV series. Really identifiable material. ~Jim

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Jim, I buy DVD sets and binge...but I live with my cat now, and she seems to like most of the series I watch.
jj.

[Ms claws]

Jacob, I believe in some old school ways. "Date for at least a year BEFORE you commit even to just living together.
I've never done it yet but I "see" so much.
Thanks for posting!

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Yes, good idea, Eternity.
Thank you for your response.
j.

[John the Baptist]

What seems good at first doesn't hold up under extended scrutiny. Often we overlook things in our desire to make something work, but the truth will out eventually. Write it off to growth.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Maybe, Growth the speaker already should have had.
thank you, John.
j.

[Chris Shaw]

A mismatch. She was a couch potato and you were an action guy. Opposites can attract, but there does need to be some common ground. Sad the pairing was short lived and sadder still that an old cigarette case holds the nostalgia. The haze of smoke has now gone and only the coffin case remains as a testimony to a union that must have had an initial spark. The eventual freedom must have been welcome and I’m sure that lessons would have been learned. Hopefully the case contains some nostalgia which has softened with the years. There must have been some good moments. A sadly reflective poem j.

Chris

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I really appreciate your insights, Chris.
We don't often know until we know...and what is done is done.
j.

[Jansy]

Jacob, why does it feel like I’m watching the credits roll on a rom-com that never quite made it to the romance part? It’s witty, wistful, and just a bit smoky around the edges. You take heartbreak and pack it neatly into an old cigarette case, where nostalgia burns slow and irony lingers like secondhand smoke. It’s funny in the way truth often is; two people perfectly mismatched, complimenting but never complementing, proving that sometimes love looks best when it’s been left to cool in the ashtray.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Thank you for your kind review, Jansy.
j.