Sealed Estrangement

Sealed Estrangement

A Poem by jacob erin-cilberto


Sealed Estrangement

 

 

 

spinster's valuables

in Pandora's box

 

tarnished engagement rings

a collection of "could have been's"

but "never will be's"  

 

she opens up her life

nearly chokes on the gold noose

that no longer fits her finger

bloated with heartbreak

 

the cat stares at her from the window sill

eyes see into her darkest reflections

 

purrs with understanding

she smiles,

closes the box

 

wonders if she would belong within

or anywhere for that matter.

 

 

erin-cilberto

11/26/19

© 2019 jacob erin-cilberto


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As someone who's worn not a speck of jewelry in decades, I ponder how trinkets carry such meaning when gifted extravagantly, so I enjoy your spoof on how some measure a relationship by how many trinkets & remember the missing one thusly! (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

Posted 4 Years Ago


jacob erin-cilberto

4 Years Ago

thank you for your words, Margie...
appreciate your sharing...
j.
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Kay
Punch to the chest at the end there, very powerful closing lines. There's a sense that what she WAS makes up the remnants of the box's collection, but what she IS seems to be missing its appropriate container (belongs nowhere). I appreciate your choice of adjectives in this piece, every word is impactful. I had a wonderful visual in my mind of the woman's finger bloating from overeating as a result of coping with the heartbreak. It's also interesting how the ring is described as a "gold noose/that no longer fits" - it stirs up the idea that if she were to try and reignite her relationship at this point in time, it would be an unhealthy one; she'd feel suffocated and squeezed into something that wasn't meant for her anymore - not with her current understanding. The Pandora's Box reference works really well with the cat's insightful stare. It's almost as if whenever she opens up that box of memories, it contributes to her "darkest reflections". Zeus filled the box with some pretty miserable things from the ancient story, so your allusion draws a great parallel to that. Well written!

Posted 4 Years Ago


jacob erin-cilberto

4 Years Ago

thank you for your extensive and very kind review of this piece, Kay,
j.
The feline "familiar" gives this piece a shade of witchery.
Painful, unsettling memories are, of course, the finer focus.
Best for this troubled woman to "think outside the box."
A clever and insightful offering, poet!

Posted 4 Years Ago


jacob erin-cilberto

4 Years Ago

thank you for your kind review, Jimmy,
j.
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Ase
did she merry her cat? im dying

Posted 4 Years Ago


jacob erin-cilberto

4 Years Ago

perhaps metaphorically.....
Beautiful scene. I got such a different feeling out of it than the other reviewers so far.

When she smiles and closes the box, I felt like she was putting on a brave face to comfort the cat.

Oh, Fluffy, I'm just being silly. You're the only friend I need.

Choking back tears, even. Smiling for her friend, genuinely, but her mind still drifting into a lifetime of what-ifs.

Posted 4 Years Ago


jacob erin-cilberto

4 Years Ago

really like this insightful view, Christoph...thank you for your words,
j.
‘Gold Noose’ ~ There’s not a more apt term, dear Jacob. The spinster is wise to close the box with a smile for she knows she’s better off without all those rings of containment. The cat is enough. Perhaps better actually.

Posted 4 Years Ago


jacob erin-cilberto

4 Years Ago

oh wow...is that your kitty?
those are such friendly cats, that breed...
thank you for.. read more
Why cats? I am guessing their enigma, because they are certainly not overt...

Posted 4 Years Ago


jacob erin-cilberto

4 Years Ago

oh no, they are covert for sure...thank you for your visit, Manya,
j.
Oh this is heartbreaking Jacob. A collection of could have beens. Rings that no longer fit in more ways than one. Gold noose is genius. Only the cat understands. Her only companion the cat. Quick shut that box. Lock those sad memories away. Face a day with a companion who won't stray away. That feline needs her.

No sleep for you then!!

Chris

Posted 4 Years Ago


jacob erin-cilberto

4 Years Ago

thank you for your understanding words, Chris...
j.

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Added on November 26, 2019
Last Updated on November 26, 2019

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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