Back then, Back now

Back then, Back now

 

 

poetry, circa 1970

Marches in the streets

words on signs

no meter

just shouted free verse

colorful language

as color blind bards

write for change

admonish war and racist rhymes

of heart,

 

something had to stop

amidst the imperatives of 

insipid police

saying "put your pens up

and step away from the page."

 

creativity now has a record.

 

 

erin-cilberto

5/24/2021

Reviews

[Lydia Shutter]

"put your pens up and step away from the page." GREAT line, but unfortunately, too many have done just that and the voices of the 70's seem to have faded. Instead of sit ins and peaceful demonstrations, we have deteriorated into the wild wild West. Lydi**

[jacob erin-cilberto]

absolutely, Lydi....I wonder if those voices will ever revive.
j.

[Sami Khalil]

Something has to give, to change and follow through. I feel the poet is reliving those events that swirl in his mind. The poet has the welfare of the country and people at heart. He was the change and he wants to be the model of change all over again. Some things change rapidly and with violence, others take time peacefully without violence, just by the will of the people. You have a great record sir Jacob with the poetry audience.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for your very kind review, Sami.
j.

[Sami Khalil]

You are welcome sir Jacob.

[Relic]

Great last lines. Whenever I hear of protests these days and the violence that sometimes follows I realize and understand it didn't happen for the first time. I'm aware of those protests, of kent state, of vietnam, of the assassinations, of the words pigs and fuzz and other protests in the late sixties and early seventies. I guess history repeats itself in different ways with different mental ammunition and different causes. The same means of expression on the streets hasn't changed much. Only the slogans

[jacob erin-cilberto]

it seems so long ago, yet yesterday when we were all going through those days of the late sixties, early seventies...
thank you for your words, Relic,
j.

[Lorry]

People power has come back into fashion (eventually) and today's voices (and pens) have not only the power of their feet but the power to find like minded audiences from every corner of the planet to share their views and help stop all the hate and hurt caused by "Well, that's the way it's always been attitude" poisoning the minds of those without a loud enough voice.
The times they are a changing, hopefully at an ever increasing speed.
Love the "put your pens up and step away from the page" Just don't make any sudden moves or you'll be the next big thing on the Internet for Al the wrong reasons. 😊

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I really like your last line...and I will be very still...ha ha.
thank you, Lorry,
j.

[Weeping willow]

Such a wonderful creative Piece, nicely expressed ;-]

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you, Willow...
j.

[KWP]

Oh this is so fab! I’m on a tram heading for the city and reading this - ah life is good.

This piece made me smile a big smile. You are so very creative - and now it’s on record ☺️

[jacob erin-cilberto]

what did we say in the sixties...super fab gear....ha ha.
thank you for your kind words, KWP...
j.