An Overedited Copy of the Manuscript

An Overedited Copy of the Manuscript

i am a rewrite

a revision

an author of a life

pages fading

plot thinning

poetry is my faith

a pen is my rosary

i refuse AI

i have to do it on my own

even if the words start running from me

i will forever chase

dreams and themes

and schemes

as they turn into books

a published life

plot thinning

pages fading

soon i will just be a cover

with no insides to market

a rewrite that is blank

a revision that is less

i had able rhymes once

i had fable metaphors more than twice

i sit in an imaginary pew

perusing the statues, the paintings on the walls

pen in hand

fingers intwined in prayer

trying to understand the amens

and why i am holding a poetry book

instead of a missal

forever chasing

dreams, themes and errant schemes.

3/31/26

Reviews

[Julie McCarthy (juliesp..]

I joined w c in 2017 and you were my inspiration we are all drawn to you Jacob what more can I say. I love this write snd all of your writing

[jacob erin-cilberto]

That is so kind of you to say, Julie. I, obviously, get much inspiration from the poets on this site, and always have.
j.

[Amanda Renee]

I love ALL OF THIS and your phrase "even if the words start running from me" made me smile because of it's truth and the mental image I saw in my head... Thank you for sharing your gift.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Thank you for your kind review, Amanda.
j.

[John Sullivan]

I love this piece. I do. If... the universe is alive in some strange sense, if to live in it is to have any meaning... by default what finer prayer to a living everything is there but words like yours? To take life in all it's complexity and compose a brief hymn of symbols and metaphor, free to the world, free to the fellow worshiper of the living all. Or something. To encapsulate in an image, that will live forever...

How can AI compete with that?

[jacob erin-cilberto]

AI can't, John. It just can't. Thank you for your very "human" response.
j.

[redzone]

Jacob, you will never be a faded poet or just a book cover. Nope, I think you will find the ways to drops poems, fable metaphors, and "dreams, themes, and errant schemes," from the grave, becoming one of the poets in the Dead Poet's Society, and I will gladly stand on the desk saying, "Oh captain, my captain". Scheme on my friend.
-Curt

[jacob erin-cilberto]

You are too kind, curt....
I am just trying to write a good poem.
j.

[FlatDaddy]

So few words to say so much, my friend. There is much sadness in your words, Jacob, but know that what you have to say matters; you teach, guide and inspire not just in your job, but with us, your brethren and sisters as well as your cohorts in this delicate, delightful, complex and mad world of words in which we all live and work. But then, those last two, "live" and "work," are the same for us. It's just a matter of degree and depth. We are your other students, Jacob, and we treasure your teachings: your guidance and encouragement spliced between the gifts you leave us -- the bits of your creative mind embedded on digital paper. Thank you for all you do. This last piece is a particularly poignant page from your textbook, beautifully written, as usual.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Thank you for your very kind words, FD.
j.

[Curly Grace]

There’s a quiet ache in this. faith, fatigue, and the stubborn will to keep creating. It lingers beautifully.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Thank you, Curly.
j.

[Desert Knave]

Excellent write. I cannot let AI help (though I do look up when the program gives me a little squiggly line when my spelling / typing is circumspect.). ~Jim

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I appreciate you, Jim.
j.

[Relic]

Being a disciple of poetry is a religion we can all benefit from.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

It feels like a religion doesn't it?And we have many of our own patron saints.
Thanks, Relic,
j.

[Chris Shaw]

poetry is my faith
a pen is my rosary
i refuse AI

Dear J, you are Mr Poetry. This poem says so much about you and your art and your dedication to poetry. Poets are dreamers. Long may that continue and long may you publish your books and inspire your students. Thank you for everything and for all your support and encouragement.

Chris

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I certainly am hopeful of continuing writing and furthering other poets as much as possible...

Thank you, Chris.
j.

[The Rock And Roll Cowbo..]

As poets we are always dreamers. And I for one will dream my life away

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I am for that...just leave a little bit of leg room.
thanks, Dale
j.