splitting flags

splitting flags

A Poem by jacob erin-cilberto

 

 

splitting flags

 

 

 

two brothers sat chairs apart

states apart,

on the same porch where they conversed

just months ago

tying the knot between them tighter

 

the rope of blood connecting,

the frays unseen at the time,

voices concluding

kinship overrides politics

never to be severed

 

and yet,

consequences tear the flag in half

and a new banner waves

 

God Bless America

becomes two separate entities

the chairs face each other in battle

the porch swing flies like bayonets in the wind

 

and the awkward silence

is the breeze that moves the chimes in prayer

 

the empty chairs

a family now in brevity

as parents weep for two brothers

perhaps reunited in clouds of empathetic longing

 

on a sky's porch

that sees the souls

sitting in two chairs

conversing in a rain

of medal-ed memories.

 

 

erin-cilberto

4/15/17

© 2017 jacob erin-cilberto


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This piece, that oozes sadness, could easily speak of any nation or people who should look up to find that those who love one another also disagree upon topics and issues most controversial ... One could easily interpret your words penned to speak of the war between the states ... Yet, another war, not so different from that one, seems to be simmering and looming upon the horizon ... Our nation has reached a cross road in its journey among nations who rose and fell, long before we ever thought of the words United States, as a painful example of the plight of all nations who stray from their founding principles in self-deceptive-champion-like LACK of recognition that every nation is every bit as mortal as the very people who comprise it, and the character of any nation is defined by its people and the principles they hold dear and sacred … Tragically, there are those who use our principles to divide us, conquer us, and lead us to war in the name of God, country, freedom, and (ironically) peace … For all the advances of so called modern man, he has yet to learn that war always leads to more war, as the only profit gained from war is only to be had by those in power over us who harness our minds as Sheeple-People for the slaughter of conquest in seeking to line their pockets with the blood stained monies, territories, power, and prestige that assure them the comforts they seek for themselves and their posterity after them, for the only good Shepherd is that one cunning enough to lead you, mentally spiritually, and emotionally, to the slaughter full of patriotic fervor and religious zeal as that fodder of fools who remain forever clueless that they are but pawns and tools in a grand scheme of events beyond their cognitive comprehension of any graspable reality … Our nation is being readied, on a daily media fed basis, for war within and war without … The question is, will we always be fools played for fools by those who do rule, and have masterfully mastered the stimuli-motivational centers of our hearts and minds via mental programming and preparatory conditioning? … Your beautifully written poem serves as a witness of warning that history does repeat itself … We should be asking ourselves why that is … I am a fan of the Human Race, asserting that there is but one race of man upon this Earth, regardless of nationality, culture, language, religion, or complexion … Freedom is but that sugar before a horse illusion used by those in power to maintain their power and positions as Shepherds over, we, the Sheeple-People … When we learn how to say NO, we will not slaughter one another for your gain, war will come to end … Until then? ...


Posted 7 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

J. J.  Nightingale

7 Years Ago

GO TRUMP !!..LOL
Marvin Thomas Cox-Flynn's Dark Poetry & More

7 Years Ago

J.J. Nightingale … Where would Trump go that someone else, in a different variety of wolf-in-sheep.. read more
This comment has been deleted by the poster.



Reviews

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BBP
Such a vivid picture you pain here! I like you intertwined the politics but it didn't overshadow the family details you were writing about.

Using the brothers was an ace idea to portray such a 'controversial' war of politics.

Posted 7 Years Ago


jacob erin-cilberto

7 Years Ago

thank you for your kind review, B.B.

j.
When we can no longer see common ground then, our differences is what leaps out. I am an old soul with a starch stance on freedom and rights. But as a Nation let each of us, love our neighbor and find common ground. Because no man wins a war battled on front a porch.

Posted 7 Years Ago


jacob erin-cilberto

7 Years Ago

love this response...thank you for your words, Cherrie...

j.
A house divided..and all .....sigh
Some "times" can not be repeated
Wars between the States of Being...
Some say "God".. and some say not.
I wonder if there are boarders
In Heaven...............


I wonder if there is a second chance
at Love........Jazz

Posted 7 Years Ago


jacob erin-cilberto

7 Years Ago

i wonder all of those same things, Jazz...i love your insightful mind...
thank you for your c.. read more
J. J.  Nightingale

7 Years Ago

I took a wrong word out...silly me.... You are welcome jacob........J.
You might have been writing about my brother and me in this poem. No matter how he feels about me, I choose not to let political differences split us apart. Our family history is deeper than any he could have with 44 1/2. I must admit, however, I am not comfortable with the thought of spending an afternoon with him. Perhaps the thugs in the white house have won after all? Powerfull stuff you have written, Jacob

Posted 7 Years Ago


jacob erin-cilberto

7 Years Ago

thank you for your insights, and sharing your own experience, Mary.
j.
In theory blood is thicker than water. The bond should always be strong. But my god, politics is a strong animal. I've seen it split families. People leaving never to return. Not talking for years. All because of a principle.

Posted 7 Years Ago


jacob erin-cilberto

7 Years Ago

yes, they do get in the way sometimes...thank you for your words, Paul.
j.
[send message][befriend] Subscribe
B
You brought tears to my eyes
A bad leader is capable of destroying the idea of brothers being there together
And the US has always been all together
I must say this trump issue has caused me much sadness
I really love the US
Really well done Jacob ....

Posted 7 Years Ago


jacob erin-cilberto

7 Years Ago

i agree with all of your insights, and thank you for your kind comments on the poem.
j.
creative way to say what a lot have been feeling as of late. the bond between brothers and the pride in being a "part of one big family" was affective. The view from that sky's porch looks mighty dreary I admit.

Posted 7 Years Ago


jacob erin-cilberto

7 Years Ago

thank you for your insights, April...so good to see you again...missed you.

j.
Reaching for greatness as the volume of words sings in sad praise. So proud to know you Jacob and the opportunity to read great writing!

regards,
al

Posted 7 Years Ago


jacob erin-cilberto

7 Years Ago

Al, you are such a kind and giving man.

j.
There is a sadness to your words that truly is heartfelt. The last verse is haunting, Great writing :) Julie

Posted 7 Years Ago


jacob erin-cilberto

7 Years Ago

thank you, Julie...appreciate your visits.
j.
Wonderfully penned.
A country that has been a beacon of tolerance and an example for the other nations is heading towards confrontation.
There are many sane voices and I am sure common sense will prevail.

Posted 7 Years Ago


jacob erin-cilberto

7 Years Ago

yes, it is, Shabeeh..undoubtedly...
thank you,
j.

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Added on April 17, 2017
Last Updated on April 17, 2017

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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