Interview for the Next Position

Interview for the Next Position

another movie

another cigarette

lit like a last year of existence

the ashes left resting

in a clear green lake

books stacked

like predestined stories

read and unread

book marked and dog eared

like me

matter still mattering

in some hearts

woven into the fabric

of a life I lived

by nook or crook

resolute in my plan

not to have a plan

just a little different

from a norm

exception to expectation

from bells

to shorts

tee-shirted

casual to the glance

the suit a guillotine

severed smile

the tie reeks

of formality

a prison of appearances

the sentence a tight grin

lip service to a world

not my own

but now with time served

I lie awake 

an ex con to that shadow

of my other self

free at last

and the wardrobe

fits just fine

I have sent my tailor home.

erin-cilberto

3/12/26

Reviews

[Julie McCarthy (juliesp..]

Beautiful write such depth and meanings we as readers can interpret in every line
Loved it

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Thank you, Julie.
j.

[emmajoygreen]

Time and perhaps - age alters habits. Clothes display the day to day; Food satisfies hunger; engagement books/diaries define social activity; the liberty to choose not rue; loneliness supposed sad; freedom yours; perhaps?
Perhaps you post implies change? Perhaps, you need find an empty book and sharpened pencil; a camera; strong shoes;, a hidden watch;

Freedom will see to itself!

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I feel scared by how things are deteriorating...
I try to enjoy each day as much as I can because as the Beatles sang, "Tomorrow never Knows"---
thank you, em.
j.

[emmajoygreen]

Best live for each and every day NOW! Don't you think. Can't do anything about the past or - the future, Jacob sir! Forget or overlook the weeds, look only for the seedlings and buds! :)

[FlatDaddy]

No question about it, Jacob; I see you big as life, back up against some old Live Oak, your blue tie with the crazy pattern sleeping in the grass nearby, caught between students and fans and a few scattered books, perhaps in shorts if the weather is fine, jotting quick lines you'll inflate later at home. There's a big grin slathered across your face, because you love it, don't you? Take it all in, J -- but get rid of that damned cigarette, will ya!? And one other thing -- this is a fine write; I could see it all, even if it wasn't you. But wasn't it?

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Thank you for your words, FD.
j.

[Ken Simm.]

Extraordinary write about social mores that sometimes we don't quite understand. A subtle and engaging write.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Thank you, Ken.
j.

[redzone]

sounds to me like someone (you perhaps) is finally going to get to enjoy sitting under the peach tree, relaxing under the sun with a good book, some iced tea, and note book needing to be filled with poetry. Do not be surprised if some of the students, who only saw the tie, stop by, sit down and want you to tell them life stories, perhaps read to them from some of those printed books you authored. Perhaps the "tie" had more influence in their lives than first thought. And, perhaps, this will be where the real "education" begins.

Don't mind me Jacob, this whole scene developed as I read your poem and my imagination went into overdrive. ;0)
-Curt

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Why in the world would I mind...Iike the scene you created from the words.
thank you, Curt.read moreWhy in the world would I mind...Iike the scene you created from the words.
thank you, Curt.
j.

[Buddhistboy73]

Nice write Jacob....

This is full of wistfulness and like a mini-movie of a life lived, memories and metaphors....

I liked these lines in particular:

of my other self
free at last
and the wardrobe
fits just fine
I have sent my tailor home.

BB73

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Thanks for your words, BB73.

[W. Barrett Munn]

Terrific capture of essence, Jacob. Suit is indeed a head swatter-offer. Felt this one all the way through.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Thank you, Winston...appreciate you, Sir!

[poetic swan]

I enjoyed the quiet rebellion in this poem, showing someone slowly freeing themselves from social roles that never truly fit.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

The upper middle class never quite suited me, that is for sure. Thank you, poetic swan.
j.

[Chris Shaw]

Doing it your way, living your best life. Way to go. Makes me feel happy j.

Chris

[jacob erin-cilberto]

We know each other well...comfort is in casual.
j.

[Rosie C]

This is heart-warming, a bit cheeky and sensual in its own unique way.

It’s packed full of characteristic details and very cleverly written.

Inviting towards the reader and a captivating choice on words from the writer.

Impressive thought process throughout.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Thank you for your very kind review, Rosie.
j.