his playing years

his playing years

the reflection revealed in his old eyes of

Babe Ruth in his pinstripes,

standing at home plate in the Stadium,

the hands of my father coming together,

the cheers for a long run around the bases,

the man on his feet at ten

the younger version,

an old tiny mitt fitting like a glove

hoping the Babe might foul one into the seats

a Ruth-ian gesture

the point,

the adolescent eyes straining to see

then the ancient eyes straining to remember

ninety plus years of running his own bases

not on a ball field

but hitting home runs of his own

with career, family, 

never missing a game, like Gehrig

never missing a beat of our lives

and we all wanted to swing the way he did,

his values went long and deep,

his heart pointing toward his sunset

we still fill the empty seats

a row in the grandstand

the ashes fly

he was our Ruth and Gehrig all in one

and he is still slamming long memories

out of the park.

erin-cilberto

3/8/17

Reviews

[Kent Rawski]

what a wonderful memorial to your father He sounds like a man who loved with all he'd done and i'm sure he'd say I have one hell of a son

[jacob erin-cilberto]

i still think of him so often...and yes, i loved and respected him greatly...a good man...cared about everyone but himself.
thanks, Kent,
j.

[Kent Rawski]

you're welcome jacob

[Sami Khalil]

Tough generation indeed. A mixture of dictatorship in the house with wise council. But you honor him and the lessons reaped from hard-core realities. They had their own set of values and priorities. Life was in different lenses and mindsets. Marvelous tribute, sir Jacob.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for your very kind and insightful words, Sami,
j.

[Sami Khalil]

You are welcome muchly

[kentuck14]

J.
What a grand way to remember your father. Using Ruth and Gehrig as symbols for the way you saw your father is wonderful. At the same time you place your dad with Ruth and Gehrig in real life. You join them together in a fitting tribute to heroes of all stripes. J, this is a side of your poetry that I'm not sure I've seen before . . . I like it. (not that I haven't enjoyed your other work.) Congratulations.
T.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for your very kind review, Tom...
and yes, My dad went to yankee stadium as a kid and watched Ruth play in his prime...that just fascinates me.
j.

[kitty]

A picture of how I hoped my our only son and his dad would be in the younger years. This is a thing our son hoped would be the case but it never was till now - years on. A poignant write Jacob! Thanks for sharing.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

better late than never i would guess...thank you so much for understanding, kitty...
i appreciate your visits .

j.

[kitty]

Good to see them enjoying each others company now!

[SJ Mullins]

You obviously had a wonderful father to write such amazing poetry about him. What a blessing! This piece really tugs at my heart strings, Jacob! Brilliant!

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you...your comments mean a lot...he was a really good man---and in the later years we really developed an even closer relationship and appreciation for each other.
j.

[SJ Mullins]

You're welcome. I'm glad to hear it since we only have one earthly father. It's nice to read poetry about a functional family since so many are dysfunctional today (mine included). Don't get me wrong, I had a great childhood and great parents, but my family sadly is filled with substance and sexual abuse. :( You are very, very blessed!

[jacob erin-cilberto]

oh my....dysfunction reigned with abundance in our family....and still does...he was a bright spot...

[SJ Mullins]

Life is just too short. I'm glad your Dad was a bright spot. :)

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

Yes, yes, yes! Wonderful tribute to your Dad and The Babe as well! Left me in tears..." and he is still slamming long memories out of the park" -great line. It brought back memories of Yankee Stadium and Amazin' Shea...I just loved this my friend!

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you, Annette....yes, was great watching "the Mick" Yogi, Skowran, Bauer and others as a kid, at the original house that Ruth built, for me...but for my dad...wow...Shea was after i left NY--i was a Giant fan when they were in NY, hated the Dodgers---went by Ebbetts several times, and the Polo Grounds but never saw games there...wish i had.

Appreciate your words, my friend.
j.

[Ana Papaya]

Sometimes I think that if we create memories like these with our children it will all have been worth it in the end. xx. This is wonderful memory.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for your kind review, Ana...

j.

[Ted Kniffen]

You were a lucky man, j. to have those memories. and to let the ashes fly in a place he loved. In life's hustle and bustle there is always room for an afternoon game in the warm sun. Play ball.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for your kind words, Ted,
j.

[aLittlePain]

I'm so sorr for your loss j. A beautifully deep and layered tribute. R xo

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for your kind words, Rach.
j.

[Coyote Poetry]

The great ones. Ruth and Gehrig. Few had equal their skill and their power. I liked the deep thoughts and places shared in your words. We learn in old age. Time moved too fast. Thank you Jacob for sharing the outstanding poetry.
Coyote

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for your kind review, Coyote.
j.

[Coyote Poetry]

Always a pleasure to read your work and you are welcome.