a correspondence while sipping on a Dickinson Espresso

a correspondence while sipping on a Dickinson Espresso

 

 

i pray in shorthand

these days

bible notes scrawled

sitting next to my keyboard

God is in there trying to find me

but my fingers keep questioning

as they type poems

of immortality, of spiritual acclamation

of satanic leaders

guiding us to ruin

 

our souls disintegrated 

lying on bombed grounds

chunks of our skyscraper lives

burning the grass to ash

 

i pray in shorthand

these days

time's running out

and sermons

will outlive

my confusion

 

maybe i will meet up with Emily

sometime,

we can have a coffee

sit

and

figure things out

together.

 

erin-cilberto

11/28/25

Reviews

[Eilis]

I read this before and found it inspiring—poet to poet. It’s one of those poems I read that makes me want to work harder at writing because it feels so precise and insightful but also sort of like a poem delivered from the universe. I like the play between the spiritual and corporeal. The questioning nature—for me this is kind of the poet itself—the questions we have that keep us engaged with our environment seeking answers and some power to recreate ourselves down through eternity. That connectivity between now and Emily’s moment. The wonder at what she might say, the hope that the answers are somewhere and we might someday/someway connect to them. The darkness of reality does have the power to overwhelm, but the poet has a light within that keeps moving through time and carrying hope. It’s an excellent poem, Jacob.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Thank you, Eilis.
I have always imagined what it would be like to sit down and have a conversation with Emily. I think it would be intimidating and fascinating all at once.
Interesting how she spent all her years in her father's house, never getting more than seven miles away when she went to Mt. Holy Oake...
Yet, her work makes it sound like she traveled continents.
She is my favorite poet. Although, I have just read and reviewed a book by someone who is right up there next to emily...her name is Dralandra Larkins and her book is called Before I Lie...you would love her work I believe...her book is on amazon. She is a powerful voice. I savored every word.

[John the Baptist]

Many are seeking spiritual support during the times we are passing through, and poets are no exception. There more than enough satanic leaders in the world today, and I don't think I have to mention any names. As to Emily, Maybe she could provide some comforting words. She might even get published.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Imagine if she were sending out poems and was getting rejected? Emily D. ...I think that is why she only sent out a few pieces and did it anonymously.
Rejection is hard to take, even for the best.

[Curly Grace]

You capture the tension between despair and hope, authority and questioning, destruction and communion.
My first friend on here, as I journey, looking for like-minded souls. I'm glad to have stumbled upon you, Jacob

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I am glad, too. Thanks for the kind words.
j.

[Jimmy Crapped Corn]

I feel you on this one. Like a fine burning

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Thank you, Jimmy.
j.

[Soren]

As our time grows shorter shorthand becomes the method of communication. My thoughts ramble but my poems condense them into dew drops. A great write that leaves me pensive jacob

[jacob erin-cilberto]

And I really enjoy reading your dew drops.
Thank you for your kind words.
j.

[Soren]

You are always most welcome Jacob