What's Real---Priceless

What's Real---Priceless

 

 

 

in the mall of composure

purchased confidence

from shops with harmonic window displays

mannequins make eyes at each other

no reach,

no hugs

safely confined to their places

 

humans have real hearts

risky shoppers try to avoid the expense

of devastation

if the purchase does not outlive

its warrantee

 

but alas, we can move

to a position of acceptance

handle with care

 

the future might be forever.

 

 

erin-cilberto

1/12/22

Reviews

[JE Falcon]

Ah, and if only it were true, Jacob. But forever is relative so for you, and me, and the lamppost, it is and will be. --- I especially liked --- "risky shoppers try to avoid the expense
of devastation
if the purchase does not outlive
its warrantee"
I think that I should have bought the one that covered the extra miles,
"But alas, we can move
to a position of acceptance".

[jacob erin-cilberto]

are you sure about the lamppost? I think I will ask it.
Thank you so much for your kind review,
j.

[JE Falcon]

You may have been right. I guess the Lampposts in my Neiborhood have gotten themselves all Hottie-totty, they now prefer to be addressed as "Supporters of Illumination", and they no longer listen to my musings. --- Well!

[Patricia Wedel]

The future might be forever.. priceless Pearls of Wisdom to be left for an Inheritance… truly, Pat

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I have not found of those pearls....darn it.
thanks Pat,
j.

[Ada]

Diamonds come with a warranty now other man made things like student loans do not...neither does life generally but there is definitely a double standard; that's society for you. Moving write!

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I really appreciate your very insightful review, Ada,
j.

[andrew mitchell]

Emotionally we are becoming more anxious as we become more sterile. Today’s scene could be the kiss of death before that it was aids in sex could kill you.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for your words, andrew,
j.

[Fran Marie]

life and love unfortunately doesn't
come with any warranties..that
would be much too easy for
mere mortal man's fragile hearts

[jacob erin-cilberto]

yes, it would, Fran,
thank you,
j.

[DIVYA]

The poem speaks to me of expectations from relationships. We try to avoid a risky proposition and shop for warranties but if only life and love were that simple and straightforward. Those mannequins must be protecting their hearts so well. So beautifully written....

[jacob erin-cilberto]

think their hearts are wooden as well?
thank you, DIVYA,
j.

[.]

I see this as being about love; shopping around for a worthwhile expense, a relationship that will outlast a warranty and perhaps, like a good reliable refrigerator, will last for many years to come. Sadly, like most whitegoods nowadays, most relationships don't last....or need constant repairs from the two involved. And those malls are so empty in this pandemic, aren't they? I don't like mannequins (particularly the ones with missing portions of limbs) but even I feel sorry for them sometimes. All that posing and all for no audience. This is a clever poem, Jacob. Fusing our current times with our lifelong needs and desires. Well written as always. ⚘

[jacob erin-cilberto]

some of my relationships have been like being in a refrigerator...
thank you for your insightful words, Jamila,
j.

[M. J. Smith]

In the ghost town mall
Brooms swish across the cold floor.
The old drifter sings.
Mannequins listen behind glass.
Shadows applaud silently.

Used to push broom for a living in our mall. Even before the pandemic, it hung on by a thread. And people rarely spoke to each other, list in their own world. Today, most of the mannequins are gone.
Well written, Sir.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Yes, people weren't that friendly before the pandemic, and some even less now.
we should appreciate each other.
thank you for your words,
j.

[Chris Shaw]

Those mannequins in shop windows, spaced out and looking at each other, remind me of what life has become. Is this the future, just looking at each other? . Too scared to hug or shake hands for fear of contracting a virus? I recall how I used to love shopping in department stores, being able to touch, try on clothes to my heart's content. Now I buy online, which is a second hand, inferior experience. Do I miss it? Yes I do. We are living in the shade. Makes me appreciate what I took for granted. A real life scenario here J.

Chris

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I am tired of being too careful to hug...but it seems necessary doesn't it...unfortunately.
anyway, thank you for your words, Chris,
j.

[Chris Shaw]

A couple of years ago, who would hsve thought a hug would become so precious? It's not the same but here's a virtual one my friend ((.))

[Fabian G. Franklin]

A slightly amusing perspective on the social scene or lack thereof. We don't go to the mall or Wal-Mart or dine-in restaurants anymore. We shop local and sometimes order take-out. The world may be changed but I never was very fond of gatherings, stores and restaurants to begin with. I do like to cook so my family gets the benefit of having their own in-resident chef. But there were never any guarantees to life, just life.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

yes, just life...and I do like your philosophy, and agree with it...I cook mostly for myself, but don't go to restaurants except once in a while with friends, and I hate shopping.
I do like writing, though.
j.

[Fabian G. Franklin]

That clearly shows, my friend, and you are a master of metaphor and suggestion. The nuance is often interpreted different ways by different readers as they personally relate to the writing. You have the talent of pulling your reader in and making them feel at home with your work. You have a special kind of genius. Bless. F.