In the end, just a synonym

In the end, just a synonym

 

 

 

aloof poets

fancy schmancy magazines

with brilliant reviews

almost in English that is understandable

 

oh those metaphors packed into one line

enough for three poems at once

digestible if there are days before

reading the next indention of

excruciating effort

 

aloof poets

acrobats performing

high wire acts

way above the heads

of the simple patrons

who pay extravagant prices

to secure these New Yorker privileges 

of membership

 

oh, and the Such and Such review

sits on a shining shelf

of comfort

My work consorts with the other geniuses 

who write up to our standards

 

put me in your anthology

and I will triple its worth

after all I am one of the

aloof poets

and I dream,

I dream

 

of only myself

and the critical acclaim

achieved

when they publish me

 

as The Collected Works

of the Aloof Poet

who gave his life to his craft

and sold his pen to the devil

to frame his fame 

on the pages

of his indifferent life.

 

 

erin-cilberto

12/30/21 

Reviews

[Lathen Griffiths]

I have to agree with you here Jacob, if a piece of poetry or a review reads like a thesaurus then I usually call it a day.

Best wishes,

Lathen

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I appreciate your words, Lathen,
j.

[DIVYA]

There's so much that goes above my head too. All that brilliance is sometimes lost on me. I wonder how I can even call myself a poet, that too in English. I enjoyed read this poem. It's so relatable.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

But you are a poet, DIVYA...you have Feeling in your work...it makes us feel.
some poetry is great for show...but very slow to the heart.
j.

[hayzed]

So I remember once you said why is no one reviewing my work. And I got a few views and reviews afterwards. That alone was a huge pat to my belief in this art. Lovely…. Boss

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I am glad you got some attention...many good poets have work that sits unattended by others...maybe viewed but nothing said. I don't get that.
Glad to hear you got some action.
j.

[Kesch (Finding Julia)]

I loved that last stanza a lot, this is so good
brilliant words here Jacob.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for the kind words, Kesch,
j.

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Jacob... I like the comment below... that we all like a "Feather for our Hats". To be a Poet.. we have to dance on our toes... amongst the flowers. Living in a World with Variants... is a time for reflection. A collection of music from one Artist... and Time will tell. truly, Pat

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I have crooked toes from too much dancing.
thank you, dear Pat.
j.

[Patricia Wedel]

It seems.. I saw you on "Dancing with the Stars"...
You were the Tall Guy who wore Black with "sequins"... a Modern Day ZORRO... who was the Good Guy. gently, Pat

[Unspoken poet]

Amazing write here, love that last stanza,

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you, Unspoken,
j.

[Ada]

Ah the politics of poeting...i had to laugh...weve seen good poets remain under the radar and bad ones make it simply because they can afford publishing fees or because of who they know...daunting...nice sarcasm resonates throughout this piece...

[jacob erin-cilberto]

so true, Ada, so true.
Thank you for your insightful comments.
j.

[Chris Shaw]

Recognition shouldn't be a dirty word. At times we need it to keep us on track, to keep going when the pathway is blocked by falling rocks. Money isn't everything, but a few trophy words can sure lift the spirits when the going gets tough.

Chris

[jacob erin-cilberto]

that they can, Chris...that they can.
Thank you for your words,
j.

[M. J. Smith]

The balance between playing to an audience and honesty to yourself is a juggling act. And many artists do sell out for the money. Sad but true my friend.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

and really the poetry is what is important, not the Poet.
j.

[keith]

at one time or another we all want recognition for our feats ... perhaps a feather for our hats ... or a bragging point
then without direct involvement the haze of confused need breaks clear
letting the breath of creation stand foremost
i comprender sir poet i comprender

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Yes, spot on, ABG...I think sometimes we need the recognition just to feel we are decent.
j.