The Steerage of my Course

I rarely do prompts. But this was for Quill and Parchment poetry journal. Had to use the italicized line within the poem.

The Steerage of my Course

 

by jacob erin-cilberto

 

 

 

 

 

tried to convince myself I was okay

but a breeze blew in from the bay

 

haunting voices erupted

reminding me of you

 

and other you's 

who have departed my shores

 

those who helped me man 

my little launch

 

the crew who helped steer my course

my mates

 

they've become voices in my mind

breezes moving tides against my heart

 

and I, the captain

have dropped anchor of age

 

living with a compass of loss

a map of gentle souls

 

and a vessel

that won't sail

 

against a breeze that blew in from the bay.

4/1/26

Reviews

[John Sullivan]

It's amazing what we can dig out of ourselves from the most innocuous prompts, I actually like them a great deal for that reason. Heartfelt stuff, Jacob.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

This prompt just happen to work for me. I read the line and immediately started writing...ordinarily, poems just have to come to me on their own.
Thank you, John.
j.

[redzone]

I think you nailed this "prompt", Jacob. You have honored those who have influenced you in your life.
I really enjoyed this poem.

Where I live, there is a group of poets called the Berks Bards and have come up with a prompt of sorts. Write a Beat poem based on the soliloquy from Shakespeare's Hamlet, "to be or not to be". Should be fun.
-Curt

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Yes, that should be fun.
I have lost too many close friends in the last couple years. Hell, one is too many.
j.

[Buddhistboy73]

This is an interesting poem, I like the way you use a nautical theme as an analogy...

Dropping anchor in a vessel that won't sail....against a breeze that blew in from the bay...

Feels like you're battling against the past and are carrying some 'unwanted passengers'...

Feel free to check out my latest on the Cafe....

BB73

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I shall look for it now. Thanks for your comments on my piece, BB73.
j.

[Lorry]

Your comment about rarely doing prompts Jacob could be the very words I think of doing collaborations. Sometimes things can be prompted but other times it is like my mind has glitched and I can almost see the error code 404 behind my eyes.
But sometimes it does work and I am sure you would get a pass for this effort, if not an A+ and told to go to the top of the class.
All the other yourself do indeed sound more of a clank than the warm echo once heard when thoughts of them pass.
Perhaps that is why the captain always goes down with the boat... because there is no one else left but him.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Thank you for your words, Lorry.

[Brandon Houser]

This a beautiful and heartbreaking Jacob. Was not prepared for the eye watering this morning. You confronted something we all have to confront and the way you did it. This imagery will linger today. A wonderful and moving piece.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

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

[Michael Sun Bear]

This poem is a moving tide against my heart. Truly beautiful, so well written. I’m gonna save it.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Wow, thank you for that, Michael.
j.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear j, your title I do believe is a line from Romeo and Juliet. The breeze here is unsettling, there is an almost overwhelming sadness here. Memories of people instrumental in the poet’s life. Those once part of his crew, no longer present.

living with a compass of loss, is a heavy burden to bear. a map of gentle souls. The loss of Victoria recently, your mentor has added to your sadness. The vessel that won’t sail. That speaks to me of mourning and grief. It will soften dear j, in time it will soften. You write poetry that touches the reader’s heart with these lines.

Chris

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Thank you for your kind words, Chris.
j.

[emmajoygreen]

A typically fine use of words including the given prompt, my dear friend. Your creation hides more than it shows, leaving your readers to think, to wonder and then settle their own thoughts about,

'they've become voices in my mind
breezes moving tides against my heart'

Seems that time passing and fading touches Self with careless and unkind thoughts for some people when instead they could accept that life's varying span and spin creates worthy wisdom. Sadness isn't a friend you deserve sir.. turn your back, please. If you can, wander into the knowledge you've offered to so many of your 'fond fans'. Please.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I really appreciate your words, em.
I am not sad...I just spontaeously responded to the prompt given...just tried to see what I could do with that line.
Like actors, poets call on past emotions to emote in their poems.
j.

[emmajoygreen]

Of course they do, that's why they feel for not only selves but for what is seen and felt for others. You are both an emotional and instinctive guide.