Dickinson writes the Apostrophe of Sylvia

Dickinson writes the Apostrophe of Sylvia

A Poem by jacob erin-cilberto

 

Dickinson writes the Apostrophe of Sylvia 

 

 

slip-sliding into the crawlspace

her black box of pills raided

the contours of her mind

concave with doubts about life

but certainty about death

 

she curls up into a caricature of herself

falls asleep with one eye on God

the other nailed to the cross of her existence

hoping that Pilot won't edict to wake her

she wants that stone between 

 

what she never became and all she was expected to be

knowing full well, it was the voice in her own head

that read her the last rites

while she gasped for one final dance

with the more than willing quill.

 

 

erin-cilberto

3/26/16

© 2016 jacob erin-cilberto


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Another fine poem. Sylivia might have died by accident, some speculate, she had the feeling she had to risk her life every ten years..with some banal changes on that day, she might have survived. Fine write from a poet who understands the material so well.

Posted 8 Years Ago


jacob erin-cilberto

8 Years Ago

interesting you said what you did...her "lady lazarus" poem seems to indicate she liked the show of .. read more
This piece is brilliant. The final stanza extends to anyone facing the nihilistic end. Perhaps, there is a moment of regret right, a will to life, that comes too late for some.
Salute to you,
D

Posted 8 Years Ago


jacob erin-cilberto

8 Years Ago

thank you for your insightful view of this sometimes ragged piece...

j.
Sylvia endured a troubled and tragic end. The pressure we put on ourselves can make us crack.
I sometimes wonder if greatness and insanity go hand in hand. Most geniuses seem to be quite troubled,
Really great piece Jacob.

Posted 8 Years Ago


jacob erin-cilberto

8 Years Ago

it seems they are , doesn't it...thank you for your words, Ana.

j.
she has decided to end her life - wonders about God's existence - will He judge her for her fatal decision - would the odds be against her - ponders about the bleakness and lack of meaning in her life - she was willing to die the way her muse is dying for her to write all about it

this is what your poem told me it is about - don't think of death, too much, my friend - we need you, may you outlast your gift - may you outlast death

cheers,
steph

Posted 8 Years Ago


0 of 1 people found this review constructive.

jacob erin-cilberto

8 Years Ago

actually yes, sylvia was suicidal...emily wrote much about death, she thought she knew very well wha.. read more
highonwords

8 Years Ago

i just hope sylvia didn't die on her family - i just wish she were stronger than the muse, who talke.. read more
Awesome... You definitely have a way with words. TY for the good read. Wolf ,'', ^@@^ ,'',

Posted 8 Years Ago


jacob erin-cilberto

8 Years Ago

thank you for the kind words, Wolf...

j.
This is great. In so many ways Sylvia was everything that Emily was terrified of. Everything she stayed inside of her room to attempt to avoid Sylvia met in the flesh and Emily live out in the terror of her mind.

I can only imagine what a conversation between the two of them would have been like.

One clenching a bible with doubt saying "all of the white furry, I’m so afraid of the hues"

The other teething a cigarette replies "you have no idea sister."


Posted 8 Years Ago


jacob erin-cilberto

8 Years Ago

yes, i think those responses sound like a conversation between the two....thank you for your respons.. read more
This is very compelling I just took a deep breath of satisfaction reading this, thanks for the semi-daily dose of great poems. :)

Posted 8 Years Ago


jacob erin-cilberto

8 Years Ago

thank you for your kind words Z.

j.
Haunting and powerful..you write with master class... the voices are enigmatic.. the portrait a glimpse into one of the most darkly fascinating subjects of poetry. I love this very much.

Posted 8 Years Ago


jacob erin-cilberto

8 Years Ago

thank you for your very kind review, Circe...

j.
oy! this is just too amazing, Sir! your pen spills such stark and
compelling ink that truly captures the essence of both poetess
psyche. the desperation and helplessness that both only found
solace through pouring their words onto.paper.

I love every word you choosed & how you used them.
simply a masterpiece & one of my favorite s on here.
Thank you for sharing!
~ xx - b.


Posted 8 Years Ago


jacob erin-cilberto

8 Years Ago

thank you so much for your kind words, nocturne...pretty easy to be inspired by my two favorite poet.. read more
ms. barrie

8 Years Ago

you're very welcome...always a pleasure to visit your art...
jacob ~ barrie

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Added on March 27, 2016
Last Updated on March 27, 2016

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..

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