a means away from meaning

a means away from meaning

integrity

remains elusive

shoddy poet 

writes back door

lines that lurk 

with unsure consonants

respect

is a poet's Holy Grail

words

his journey

in the end

his assonance breeds self-contempt

he smiles unevenly as he is 

selling out 

for a name.

erin-cilberto

1/8/21

Reviews

[Chris Shaw]

If you write for fame, then you will be hugely disappointed. Most writers I know write because they feel compelled to write. They know nothing else. You can't make a poet. You are born a poet in my opinion. That's where I drifted here dear J. You are a born poet.

Chris

[jacob erin-cilberto]

and it seems we cannot get away from being a poet even if we wanted to.
thank you, Chris,
read moreand it seems we cannot get away from being a poet even if we wanted to.
thank you, Chris,
j.

[NFA]

Reminds me of my own poem "Mirrors". You can't fake poetry. It's very easy to see it when it happens. You can't do poetry right, but you can do poetry wrong. Loved this piece.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Thank you for your words, Victor.
j.

[JE Falcon]

"Vanity, vanity, all is vanity, --- and chasing after the wind." God, I wish I had written that. --- This poem reminds me of a story that I was told about a person who wrote using two different names in publication: a true name for things the writer thought were wonderful, and a name picked for things that the writer wrote that were not worthy. Yes, wouldn't you know? After the writer's death, only writings that were published under the adopted name were remembered.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I have found most pieces that were liked more by readers were the ones I almost threw away.
It's often that way.
thank you, JE.
j.

[JE Falcon]

Could it be that fate has more to do with history than we think? Just wondering.

[Betty Hermelee]

Some poets just write nonsense for fame and fortune. A true poet is a thinker first and then a writer. It's not about legacies, it's about what you feel and learn, because poetry is an art.
Nicely done J.
Best,
Bet

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Thank you, Betty.
I am afraid the older I get, the more nonsense I will write.
j.

[Ada]

When we write we are conscious about what type of legacy we leave behind...one with substantial writing or one just created to garner likes and your poem was a nice reminder.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Thank you for your words, Ada,
j.

[Lisasview]

Hi there from beautiful - inspiring Spain..
What I really loved about this poem is that it tells the truth.
The wonderful - intense review from Carlos says it all...
Lisa

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Thank you for your kind words, Lisa. And as Elton John sang..."They say Spain is pretty, though I've never been. Daniel says it's the best place he's ever been."
j.

[Lisasview]

And, boy is he right!

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

This resonated with me because much of it is true. We live in an age where many seek and expect instant celebrity in whatever they do. That their value and worth are defined by clicks and likes from the world. Many lose sight of plying their craft and learning its art. They devalue education for to them it is a nuisance to being rich and famous with celebrity. I have always held firm in the belief that art is subjective. But intention matters in its creation. Anyone can string words together, but art demands reasoning of the intent. What is the deeper meaning behind it. Does it hold a valuable lesson which resonates? Or is it just made for the likes? That is where the character and integrity of the artist comes into play. Many of us have a favorite artist whose biography we are aware of. We know the history of their education and experiences that hold a relevance to the art they created. That is lacking in today's generation because they are born at a time of technology and its grasp and permanence within society. At their fingertips they can write a note to the world and to them that creates a sense of instant celebrity without much effort. I feel it dilutes their art because they never work to achieve their voice and educate themselves to their craft. It's a difference between Leonardo da Vinci and a YouTube artist. One can't cut corners in making sublime art, because the true artist will easily spot the deception. I guess this is just my round about way of being an advocate for the importance of education.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I appreciate this review very much, Carlos.
One thing, although it was a cult flick, in Eddie and the Cruisers that always struck me was that Eddie always said "It's about the music" and I have always felt that about poetry. Yes, we are the conduits to put it on paper, but the poetry is what really matters, not so much the authors of it.
j.

[The Rock And Roll Cowbo..]

Poetry id sacred to a poet and those that right for recognition or fame disrespect the poet's holy grail,

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Yes, we are about process, are we not?
thanks, Dale,
j.

[M. J. Smith]

Respect is a poet's holy Grail...
How very true. But in seeking it do they shirk their responsibility to the the craft? In writing I have three main responsibilities: God, Craft, and finally audience. Many forget this in a quest for game. Wise words, Sir.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I think we might be a somewhat selfish lot. We write for ourselves because we have to write. But then we share.
I think the process is most important...being as true to the craft as we can.
Thank you for your insightful words, my friend.
j.

[Writergurl]

shoddy poet
writes back door

Love this part a lot, what a wonderful intriguing write

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Thank you, writergurl,
j.