In Bed with the Black and Red

In Bed with the Black and Red

A Poem by jacob erin-cilberto

In Bed with the Black and Red


a toolbox full of threats
the power of the hammer
not carefully inserting the nail
but smacking it so hard
it loses shape
loses confidence
succumbs whimpering
unable to save face

our carpenter
doesn't build
he destroys
he maneuvers his wrecking ball
and knocks down walls
While building them between
himself and his followers
this is no Joseph

Mary is not pregnant with love
she is with child of disgust
the stable is emptying of onlookers
shepherds have better things to do
the Magi turned back
daring their subjects to King them
our carpenter is a bad checker player
unable to think two moves ahead.


erin-cilberto
1/6/25

© 2026 jacob erin-cilberto


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It reminded me of my father's workshop. God he was so decent and kind. This one on the other hand..

Posted 3 Days Ago


jacob erin-cilberto

3 Days Ago

Yes, "decent and kind" does not fit with this carpenter we have right now...not putting together but.. read more
You couldn't have said it better. This is the carpenter of chaos. The radical opposite of the Carpenter I love and adore. Loved your poem.

Posted 3 Days Ago


jacob erin-cilberto

3 Days Ago

Thank you for your words, BB.
j.
There’s alot of destruction going on and I feel sure it’s going to get much worse. The world is in conflict. Once upon a time, I used to think that carpenters were skilled craftsmen.

Chris

Posted 3 Days Ago


jacob erin-cilberto

3 Days Ago

They still are if they aren't the ones rebuilding a country to their own benefit.
j.
Hi J....A good metaphor for the destruction of mankind, for the destruction of buildings, for the destruction of nature..and who knows better than that??? our dear president...example: The East Wing and the new Ballroom , just my interpretation, and well done my dear friend!
Warmly, B

Posted 4 Days Ago


jacob erin-cilberto

3 Days Ago

Yes, Betty....that is the way it is in Carpenter-Land...
faulty construction.
Betty Hermelee

3 Days Ago

Yes my friend... and faulty everything!!!
Warmly, B
Not much I can say about the power here, yes, our carpenter knows how to swing a hammer for one reason, to destroy. Kudos. ~Jim

Posted 4 Days Ago


jacob erin-cilberto

3 Days Ago

Maybe he will hit himself with it, accidentally....we can hope.
j.

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82 Views
5 Reviews
Shelved in 1 Library
Added on January 7, 2026
Last Updated on January 7, 2026

Author

jacob erin-cilberto
jacob erin-cilberto

Carbondale, IL



About
Originally from Bronx, NY, I live in Carbondale, Illinois...teach English at a community college and have been writing and publishing poetry since 1970. I am here to read for inspiration from other po.. more..