Window Seat

Window Seat

 

 

 

in the pristine chapel

I bowed my head

the rosary heavy in my folded feelings

grief shatters the cathedral glass tears

 

as they fall on an unopened prayer book

belief is a sinister spy

a covert conception 

gets off at the stations of the cross

 

the train failing its destination

death is the conqueror

so many friends getting off early

when they paid for a full trip

 

vacant seats next to me in the pew

faces imagined

harmony in hymnals quieted

as the number of stops increases

 

the tracks are still warm

I am cold

my ticket torn and worn

as I cling to my seat.

 

and the whistle blows silent.

 

 

erin-cilberto

12/29/21

Reviews

[Ada]

Your poem seemed to touch on the short comings of faith or belief. This a nice inquiry style write that makes you wonder if all you've ever believed in might turn out to be all smoke and pipe dreams; death being the only certainty.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

death will certainly give us the answer...what is after this?
think you, Ada,
j.

[John the Baptist]

The theme of life as a train ride is an apt one. Think "This Train Is Bound for Glory." Here, though, it is the stops as passengers get off that are central. Those departing are the literally departed, and the speaker knows he will eventually join them. Yes, we all cling to our seats, for all the good that will do us.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

That is such a good song....My dad saw Peter, Paul and Mary in concert and just loved them.
I got to meet Peter at Logan where I teach...he did some songs and then spoke with us for awhile. Nice man.
"This train don't carry no gamblers..." However life is a constant gamble, I believe.
thank you for your words,
j.

[Chris]

We each toast our "missing friends" in our own way... I'm proud to have shared yours...thank you Jacob.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for sharing with me, Chris, Happy New Year!
j.

[Lisasview]

Oh gosh here we go again.. Brilliant..really..not that I am an expert but as a novice I must say i am astounded by your writing..
I have now read Changes at leat 10 times..so clever so clever..
Your metaphors are well... brilliant.. I wish I was in your class.. lucky students..I hope they know it!!
Lisa

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for your kindness, and glad you liked Changes...

Happy New Year, Lisa,
read morethank you for your kindness, and glad you liked Changes...

Happy New Year, Lisa,
j.

[Relic]

Millinials are giving up organized religion. Many are looking around, disheartened, feeling dooped whether by our government, or a God that lets so many die.

This is a haunting one, J.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you, Relic...yes, in my class, I survey..."disheartened" is a perfect description.
Happy New Year, Relic...if that is possible this year.
j.

[Relic]

You too, Jacob. Let's hope the next year has a little more mercy on us all.

[Patricia]

This makes me cry. I’m gonna be in the seat next to you and we will talk of poetry, music, books, and the living, poor wretched souls! Such beautiful writing my friend.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I will save you the seat, Patricia. See you there.
j.

[Corset]

The railroad of religion charging down the tracks, doormat welcomes with the word "believe", one day Baby Jesus and his angels will pop out from behind the bushes and/or from behind the clouds and shout "surprise!" and then whisper "ahhh but not for you missy, you didn't believe enough." Train ride over, off you go! Everyone teaches us God loves us no matter what, sinners and believers just the same, but at the end of the train ride he's gonna pitch you over the side rail if it wasn't good enough, so which is it? If you believe he loves you no matter what you do, if there is a mustard seeds weight of belief you get to ride, with the will and want to do better next time? oh this lifetime If I only murder 2 people and only rape three then I'll be forgiven and as long as I repent right before I die he'll take me home? The answer is yes, if you are sincere in your belief, forgiveness is seventy times seven? I wonder what number I'm up to by now?

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I can't count high enough for my number...
thank you for sharing these thoughts, Corset...and happy new year...
if only this one could be better than the last two.
j.

[Corset]

We should probably buckle up just in case. Happy New Year J.

[W.k.kortas]

Marvelous counterplay between faith and the all-too-human suspicion and that horrible unease engenedered by "so many friends getting off early"; this strikes me as being among your finest stuff, and I'm more than a little bit jealous of it.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for your kind words, W.k.---
I was reading through your book again, "The Romeo Letters & other poems" remembering how inspired I was reading your words, and that cover, one of the most artistic, coolest covers. No, the jealousy is here, my friend.
j.

[Writergurl]

such a deep, intriguing and piece that has me thinking about my life.
well written and expressed

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for your kind words, writergurl,
j.

[Patricia Wedel]

Catholic or Protestant... there is the Trinity... There is a Holy Spirit. There is Evil manifested in so many scenarios. There is also the "Good" manifested in so many scenarios. When I read this Poem--- I am "touched by an Angel". So profound... like finding a "foundling" on a Cathedral entrance wrapped in "Gift Blanket". The Infant grows up with the Holy Spirit in his or her Being. To reject or accept this way of understanding is of course a "Choice". I personally find Solace in knowing that we are all on a Train to Glory. Your Poetry is Awesome. gently, Pat

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for your kind words, Pat,
j.