Irish Spring

Irish Spring

 

 

 

dad,

with his Irish Spring scent

talking to me so seriously

about life

growing up

responsibility

and taking care of things

 

prepare for this, prepare for that

always think one step ahead

 

and here I was

always one step behind

just missing the bus

to maturity

That scent reminding me

day in, and day out

not to fail

 

I am old now

and looking back

still those words

still that scent

 

I went the Ivory road

but finally took care of things

matured, maybe not by choice

tried not to be too serious

was in my blood, but I spit it out

 

frolicking's my game

my nature

my scent

 

I became an amended version

of my inherited genes

thanks dad,

 

see you sometime in the Irish Spring.

 

 

erin-cilberto

1/31/26

Reviews

[Rosie E C…]

This truly embraces your relationship with your dear father.

Even though, he sounds a bit strict and hard on himself. He is a simple and easy to learn from.

I admire your warm connection towards him and the environment.

A bit taken back by this wonderful and extraordinary piece.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I appreciate this insightful review.
j.

[Andrew John]

This rather sums up a dad. (My dad scent me away! No, only joking.) Nice poem, Jacob.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Oh I love the play on words...always a treat.
thanks, Andrew.
j.
I bet you would do quite a reading with this one.

[Chris Shaw]

Scents linger in the memory. This poem evokes such warm and loving sentiment. Beautiful poetry j.

Chris

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Thank you, Chris,
j.

[Curly Grace]

There’s such a gentle honesty in this piece. The way a single scent can carry a whole history is beautifully done, and that last line lingers in the best way. I really enjoyed this reflection and the tenderness beneath it.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Yeah, I really miss the old guy...
Thanks, Curly.

[Pete]

giving credit where credit is due. touching sentiment. your words don't '"lye".

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Thank you for your kind words, Pete,
j.

[Michael Sun Bear]

That is a lovely piece of writing. “just missing the bus to maturity” is my favorite line. Great last line. I think you will trigger memories of parents for many readers, good or bad. I find it very difficult to write about my own parents. I have certainly become an amended version of my parents, thankfully. Being adopted and recognizing how different my brother and I are, I can clearly see how our genes control or at least shape much of our behavior. I applaud your ability to become an amended version of your genetic heritage.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Thank you for your insightful words, Michael.
j.

[Desert Knave]

Wow. If this revolved around the scents of Old Spice and Absorbine Jr. I think it would fit me perfectly. Once in awhile you really do hit chords in me (I am not sure if that's a good thing or not, but your writing certainly is). ~Jim (a fan)

[jacob erin-cilberto]

You are kind, Jim. Thank you.
j.

[Soren]

Jacob I used to use that soap and remember its scent well. There is something primal about scent I remember very well the smell of my father's sweat and at times notice that same scent in my own sweat it has a distinct odor and with pheromones from DNA inherited from my father it carries through generations attracting some and repelling others. Nicely written Jacob.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Ah yes, what we inherit from our fathers,
thank you, Soren.
j.

[Soren]

Most welcome Jacob